This film director saved Akshay Kumar’s sinking career and gave him a blockbuster that earned more than Rs 100 crore.
Read More: Actor Kichcha Sudeep’s Mother Saroja Sanjeev Passes Away
Akshay Kumar is considered one of Bollywood’s top superstars today, with over 150 films to his name. However, his journey to success was not an easy one. In the 90s, Akshay faced a series of setbacks with several flop films. After eight consecutive failures, many in the industry began to distance themselves from him. But when his career was on the brink, a director from the Hindi film industry stepped in as his saviour.
Many advised this director against helping Akshay Kumar, fearing the movie would flop. However, he cast Akshay in the lead role and made Jaanwar. The film was not only a hit at the box office but also transformed Akshay’s image, reviving his career. The director in question is Sunil Darshan.
Director Sunil Darshan in his recent interview with Friday Talkies said, ‘Akshay Kumar is known for his discipline and fitness today. But there was a time when Akshay’s luck was not good. But I always felt that there is something special in Akshay. I had signed Akshay and I had told him that the work would be done only on my terms.”
Read More: Rajkumar Hirani Hints At Munna Bhai 3 With Sanjay Dutt: ‘I Have Five Half-Finished Scripts…’
For Jaanwar, Karisma Kapoor was also signed in the lead role along with Akshay. Director said, “I told Karisma that there will be two problems in this film. One is that I will not be able to pay you as much money as you get from others. And the second thing is that Akshay is the hero. She said no problem, your company is our company. His mother Babita also said that we would love to keep working with you.”
Shilpa Shetty also played a lead role in Jaanwar. The film was a hit at the box office, marking the end of Akshay Kumar’s streak of flops. Following this success, Akshay received numerous film offers, many of which turned out to be hits. Released in 1999, the film was made on a budget of Rs 45 crore and earned Rs 124 crore at the box office.
