Filmmaker Suneel Darshan has opened up about the unexpected casting journey behind his 1999 hit film Jaanwar, which eventually became a turning point in Akshay Kumar’s career. In a recent interview with India Today, Darshan revealed that Akshay was never the first, or even second, choice for the lead role in the film.“Jaanwar was not written for Akshay,” he stated plainly. “The film was originally planned with Sunny Deol. We were nearly set to go ahead when we had a fallout over some very ugly issues. Those issues are still pending. So I decided to move forward and find someone else.”Ajay Devgn almost signed the film, but ‘Sunday changed everything’After parting ways with Sunny Deol, Darshan turned to another top star of the time, Ajay Devgn. The two had even agreed to work together.“Ajay and I met on a Saturday and agreed on the film. We were supposed to finalise everything that Monday, but Sunday changed everything,” he recalled.That Sunday, Darshan received a surprise phone call that changed the course of Jaanwar forever.“It was from someone I had never met before—Akshay Kumar,” he revealed. “He was very keen to meet immediately. I invited him over, and he said he wanted to do Jaanwar. He asked me, ‘Would you consider making the film with me?’”Akshay Kumar was at a low point in his career, says DarshanDarshan was initially hesitant to cast Akshay, given the actor’s declining box office standing at the time. But something about Akshay’s attitude struck a chord with him.“Akshay was going through the worst phase of his career at the time. But I thought, ‘Here’s a good-looking, disciplined actor willing to give 100% of himself.’ He even told me, ‘Sir, I will offer you 100% of myself.’ That stayed with me.”Despite knowing that Akshay’s name alone wouldn’t guarantee commercial success at that point, Darshan decided to follow his instincts.“I knew I couldn’t make money on his name then, but I believed in my ability to bring out his potential. I felt we’d strike a good rapport—and that would reflect on screen.”
Karisma said yes instantly; Kajol opted out due to marriage plansThe female lead casting also saw a series of changes. Karisma Kapoor joined the project without any hesitation. “She didn’t flinch. She just said, ‘Of course. Why not?’” said Darshan.Meanwhile, Kajol, who was initially slated to be a part of the film alongside then-boyfriend Ajay Devgn, had to step away due to personal reasons. Darshan shared that Tanuja, Kajol’s mother, informed him of the development.“Tanuja ji called and informed me that it would be difficult for Kajol to do the film. I appreciated her honesty and professionalism,” he said.Eventually, Shilpa Shetty was brought in to complete the cast, and the team moved ahead with the new lineup.Released in December 1999, Jaanwar not only received commercial success but also changed how the industry and audiences perceived Akshay Kumar. The role helped him break free from his action-hero typecasting and gave his career a dramatic boost.
