Why This 1988 Film Starring Dharmendra And Shabana Azmi Was Never Released

Veteran actor Dharmendra is still an active name in the world of the Indian film industry even at the age of 88. He was last seen in the film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Earlier he was also seen in the film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. His role in that film garnered massive attention due to a kissing scene with actress Shabana Azmi. Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi were seen together in a film after a long gap of 35 years. This duo have been seen in many famous films that have garnered massive audience response. But do you know that there was a film which starred the duo but was never released?

Shabana Azmi’s first work with Dharmendra was in the film Khel Khilari Ka in 1977. She played a side role in the film as she was not a big name then in the industry. Dharmendra and Hema Malini were seen in the leading roles in the film. Despite a small role in the film, Shabana Azmis’s acting was highly praised by the audience. Dharmendra was also impressed by her acting. After around 10 years, she got the chance to act opposite the actor again.

Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi were known for their romantic chemistry. They were first seen together in the film, Mardon Wali Baat in 1988. The film starred many popular faces like Sanjay Dutt, Jugal Hansraj and Danny Denzongpa. Despite having big stars, the film failed to leave its mark at the box office.

After Mardon Wali Baat experienced a major setback, Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi’s second romantic film Mera Imaan was called off by the makers. Even though the duo completed 80 per cent of the shooting the film never hit the theatres.

This incident took place in 1988. The film starring Govinda and Mandakini alongside Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi under the direction of Ashok Tyagi was never released. According to reports, the film failed to hit the theatres due to a disagreement between the director and the producer. The production costs went higher than expected. Due to the failure of the last film starring the duo of Dharmendra and Shabana, the producers were hesitant to further invest on the film. The shooting was then called off by the makers.