Salman Khan Saved Amitabh Bachchan’s Career During His Downfall – How Baghban Almost Never Happened

Bollywood has seen many ups and downs in the careers of even its biggest superstars. One such period was the early 2000s when legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan was struggling to deliver box office hits.

The industry, known for its unpredictability, was witnessing a phase where Big B’s films were underperforming, making it difficult for him to secure strong projects. However, in 2003, a film changed everything—Baghban.

While Baghban is now considered a cult classic and one of Amitabh Bachchan’s most memorable films, few people know that the project almost never got made. The movie faced multiple hurdles, and no distributor was ready to back it. But then came an unexpected savior—Salman Khan.

His intervention not only helped Baghban get released but also played a crucial role in reviving Amitabh Bachchan’s declining career at the time.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Struggles and the Doubts Over Baghban

By the early 2000s, Amitabh Bachchan had seen a rough phase in his career. While he remained an undisputed icon in Bollywood, his movies were struggling at the box office. Many of his films had failed to connect with audiences, and filmmakers were hesitant to cast him in lead roles.

During this time, director Ravi Chopra and producer BR Chopra worked on a heartfelt family drama—Baghban. Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, the film told the emotional story of an elderly couple abandoned by their children. The film carried a strong message about respecting parents and valuing family bonds.

Despite the powerful script and an emotional storyline, Baghban ran into a major obstacle—no distributor was willing to buy the film. According to Renu Chopra, wife of Ravi Chopra and a key figure in the movie’s production, distributors believed that the film’s theme was outdated. Many felt that family dramas revolving around elderly characters were no longer commercially viable. Moreover, with Amitabh Bachchan’s career in a slump, the industry was skeptical about investing in a film with him as the lead.

How Salman Khan Came to the Rescue

As the makers of Baghban struggled to find a distributor, they realized they needed a strong commercial element to make the film more appealing. That’s when they decided to approach Salman Khan for a role in the movie.

Salman Khan, already a major Bollywood star at the time, was known for his mass appeal and box office pull. If he agreed to be part of Baghban, it could significantly boost the film’s chances of success. When Ravi Chopra approached Salman for the role of Alok, the younger son who remains devoted to his parents, the superstar’s reaction was nothing short of heartwarming.

Renu Chopra shared how the meeting with Salman went. When Ravi Chopra arrived at Salman’s home, he was taken aback by the simplicity of the actor’s lifestyle. Salman lived in a modest two-bedroom house, a stark contrast to the luxurious mansions many Bollywood stars owned. Ravi Chopra was surprised to see Salman’s down-to-earth nature.

When Salman heard the film’s story and his role in it, he immediately connected with the message. He shared that he deeply respected his own parents and related to the emotions in the film. Without asking about his fee or the production details, Salman simply said:
“I will do this film. Just tell me where and when to come for the shoot.”

His willingness to take on the role without negotiations or demands left the filmmakers amazed. Salman Khan didn’t ask how much he would be paid or any other commercial details—he simply believed in the story and wanted to be a part of it.

Salman Khan’s Presence Changed Everything

As soon as the makers announced that Salman Khan had joined the cast of Baghban, the industry’s perception of the film changed overnight. The same distributors who had previously rejected the movie suddenly showed interest in acquiring the rights.

With Salman on board, the film gained much-needed star power. Distributors who had earlier dismissed Baghban as an “old-fashioned” film now saw it as a commercially viable project. Salman’s name helped in securing wide distribution, ensuring the film reached a larger audience.

When Baghban was finally released in 2003, it turned out to be a massive success. Made on a modest budget of ₹10 crores, the film went on to collect ₹442 crores worldwide. Audiences were deeply moved by the emotional narrative, and the film became a blockbuster.

The Impact of Baghban on Amitabh Bachchan’s Career

The success of Baghban played a crucial role in Amitabh Bachchan’s career resurgence. After a period of flops and uncertainty, Baghban reaffirmed his status as a leading actor. The film proved that even in an era dominated by younger stars, there was still an audience for powerful performances by senior actors.

Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Raj Malhotra won him widespread acclaim, and his dialogue “Main paida hi is liye hua tha ki ek din apne maa-baap ka khayal rakhun” became iconic. The film also strengthened his association with family-centric movies, paving the way for future hits like Baghban, Bhootnath, and Paa.

Conclusion: A Selfless Gesture That Changed Bollywood History

While Baghban remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved family dramas, its success might never have happened without Salman Khan’s support. His decision to take on the role without hesitation or financial concerns played a crucial role in getting the film released.

This story is a testament to Salman Khan’s generosity and his belief in meaningful cinema. It also highlights how a single act of support can change the course of someone’s career. Thanks to Baghban, Amitabh Bachchan found a new phase of success in his career, and Bollywood got one of its most emotional and impactful films.