Baghban, directed by Ravi Chopra, remains one of those rare films that continues to divide audiences even decades after its release. While some celebrate the family drama starring them Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Maliniothers have criticized its messaging over the years.Amidst the film’s enduring popularity and controversy, Mahima Chaudhry has now revealed that she was initially reluctant to be a part of the project.“When Ravi ji called me for Baghban, I had no intention of doing the film because he said Salman Khan and I had guest appearances,” he shared in a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama.
“All I got was two or four scenes or a song”
Opening up about that phase of her career, Mahima said that she was repeatedly offered short roles and cameos.“People started to feel that if they included me in one of their songs, the film would be a hit. It was great to be considered a lucky mascot, but all I got was two or four scenes or a song. I was very reluctant,” he said.
“I went to say no, but I couldn’t”
Despite her doubts, Mahima decided to meet Ravi Chopra out of respect for him and her father, veteran filmmaker BR Chopra.“When he offered to come with me, I immediately told him that I would come. I went to say no, but I couldn’t,” he recalled.He added: “My secretary also came in at the time, saying he was going to do it. But I stopped him, saying, ‘I’m going to do one more film. That’s fine’.”
“I’m so happy today…it went well”
In retrospect, Mahima calls the decision one of the most rewarding of her career.“I am so happy today. Not only because I have worked with Amitabh Bachchan, but the film continues to have a very good run. Even now, people come to me saying they love the film and its songs. Good came out of it,” he said.While Salman Khan and Mahima appeared in extended cameos as the film’s youngest couple, Baghban went on to become one of the most talked about family dramas of its time.
