This superstar, who is now considered as one of the most versatile artists of the industry, has once replaced Ajay Devgn in a popular film.
Published: August 5, 2025 10:52 PM IST
Sometimes, in the world of movies, unexpected changes can lead to big breaks. There was a film in the late 90s that became a major hit and changed an actor’s career forever. This actor stepped into a role that was originally meant for another famous star but ended up making the film a blockbuster. After this success, the actor suddenly stopped working with the film’s director for nearly two decades, surprising many fans and industry insiders.
Who is this superstar?
The actor was Akshay Kumar, and the movie was Jaanwar. Initially, the lead role in Jaanwar was supposed to be played by Ajay Devgn, but due to some scheduling conflicts, Ajay couldn’t take the part. This opened the door for Akshay Kumar to step in. At that time, Akshay was still on his way to stardom and this opportunity helped him gain a lot of recognition. Alongside Akshay, the film featured popular actresses Karisma Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty, whose performances also contributed to the movie’s success.
What was the storyline of Jaanwar and its box office reception?
Jaanwar tells the emotional story of a man with a dark past who wants to change his life for the better. After adopting an orphaned child, he struggles to leave behind his old ways and become a responsible father. The film mixes action, drama, and heartfelt moments, making it a hit with audiences. Released in 1999, Jaanwar performed very well at the box office, earning over Rs 25 crore, which was made on budget of Rs 4.5 crore. The film turned out to be significant success at the time and helped cement Akshay Kumar’s rising stardom in Bollywood.
Why did Akshay Kumar stop working with Suneel Darshan?
Despite the success of Jaanwar, Akshay Kumar and director Suneel Darshan did not collaborate again for almost 20 years. The director later revealed that after their work together on Jaanwar, Akshay chose to take a different path and work with other filmmakers. Suneel Darshan mentioned in his many interviews that while their professional relationship paused, he respected Akshay’s decision to explore new opportunities. This long gap surprised many, considering how well their first collaboration had done. During those years apart, Akshay Kumar continued to build his career independently, becoming one of Bollywood’s most popular and versatile actors.
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