What made you choose Kajol to play the antagonist in Gupt?
Rajiv Rai: At that time, she was—and still is—one of the finest actresses. When I was writing
the script, I wrote it with her in mind. She was doing romantic films, and I thought if I cast her in this, it would be very interesting—for her and for the audience—because it would be the surprise package of the film. I don’t really call her the antagonist, but yeah, we could say she was the “antagonist heroine.”
How did she react to the offer you made?
Rajiv Rai: When I went to her with the offer and she heard the screenplay, she said, “There’s no way I’m leaving this film.” I wasn’t sure how she’d react, but her response was a hundred percent. No—two hundred percent. She was so excited. Her sister heard it too, and they were both thrilled. I’ve never seen a reaction like that in my life. So that really worked out for me. I’m very happy, very glad, and very grateful to Kajol for having said yes.
Is it true that Amitabh Bachchan got upset when he found out that she is the killer in Gupt
Rajiv Rai: Now, the papers and tabloids are writing that I’m angry, and that Amitabh Bachchan was upset. That’s actually very wrong, and I haven’t said this anywhere else. He wanted to see the film. He was shooting in Madras, at the Prasad lab, the Prasad studio. I got a call from Ramesh Prasad, who said, “Amit ji is here and he wants to see your film,” because they were taking out the prints.
I usually don’t show my films to anyone before release, but I said, “Please show it to Amit ji, it will be an honour.” He saw it, and the next day he called me. And here’s the truth: when he called, it was nothing but concern. He wasn’t upset. Why would he be? He wasn’t acting in the film, nor was it his production for him to be upset with the director. He was just concerned.
I had joked to the press that I got “scolded,” but that was in jest—I was having fun with it. In reality, he questioned me like a journalist—like you would. He asked, “Why did you think of this? Do you think people will accept her as a murderer? What is your conviction? Can you tell me your conviction? How can you take such a risk, Rajiv?” He went on and on—and I loved it.
I loved that conversation with Amitabh Bachchan ji. That was my last conversation with him, and I was so happy he called. At least I got to talk to him. Now people are making headlines that I’m upset—but it’s actually the opposite.
Yes, he was concerned. He wasn’t sure if the film would work, and I could see that. So I told him, “Let’s do one thing. Today is Wednesday, and the film releases on Friday. Let’s see what happens. Maybe you’re right, maybe not. But we’ll get our answer.” And maybe he was right to ask that question.
He was like a tough journalist grilling me—which I liked. I had worked with him as an assistant director before. He remembered me. I adore him. I respect him. I really look up to him. So there was nothing wrong with what he said. They’ve just made a wrong headline. Please correct that. Please write the truth here. Please do that for me.
In the 90s image was very important for a hero and heroine wasn’t she worried or concerned about it.
Rajiv Rai: Kajol never once thought about her image. She wasn’t worried, didn’t blink an eye—I don’t think it worried her even one percent. I think all actors should, at some point, take that kind of risk. Like Shah Rukh did in Baazigar and Darr. And I’m sure actors are aware—if they don’t take risks, how will people appreciate their acting? If you keep doing the same role over and over again?
As an actress, you have to venture out into the open. That’s exactly what Kajol did—with heart, soul, and mind. She gave the best performance of her life. There was never any reservation or doubt. We never even discussed the “image” thing.
So when people say heroines didn’t do these roles in the 90s—it was never even a question that came up. I remember watching Ittefaq, where Nanda played such a role. I thought, people are reacting now, but don’t they remember? Girls can do any kind of role. The film should work—when it does, everyone gets credit in the end. So this whole “90s heroine image” didn’t concern Kajol at all.
How do you see Kajol evolve as an actor?
Rajiv Rai: I think she’s brilliant. She has evolved beautifully. I saw Maa—brilliant performance. All she needs is a script—and all hell will break loose. She’ll set the stage on fire. But you need that script. An actor needs a script. Maa was a good script, but she needs that one script where the whole world takes notice—and then she’ll deliver. Who am I to say anything? All I can say is that the day she gets that script—just watch. Nobody can be better than her. Kajol has evolved, and will remain the best actress—even if she lives to a hundred. Because she is an actress. How can you take that away from her?
And Manisha Koirala was she signed before Kajol came into the film?
Rajiv Rai: As for Manisha Koirala—right from day one, I signed her afterwards. And I told her the truth: “This is Kajol’s role, and this is yours. Do you have any reservations? Or maybe you don’t want to do it?”
She said, “Rajiv, even if you give me the fifth role, I want to work with you. You have to understand that. And I know you won’t let me down. I don’t think you’ve ever let an actor down. I trust you a hundred percent. So whatever you’re saying is okay with me. I’m thrilled to work with you and with Trimurti Films.”
There was never a doubt in her mind. She knew what she was doing, and she gave it her best shot. I was very, very lucky to have the two of them. There were no differences, no conflicts, no doubts between them. They were both completely focused on their roles.
And I think that’s where I was truly lucky—with Gupt. That I was able to get these two actresses to work in such beautiful coordination. They were both in sync. And that’s very important for a director.
Both the actors—in fact, all three—Bobby was always in sync with me, with the script, and with the film. That’s how I managed to get good work.
And Manisha Koirala—she’s a beautiful soul. A beautiful actress and person. I would always want to work with her again and again. My experience with Manisha—I can’t describe it in words.
Of course, I have a different description for Kajol. I have a different way of talking about Gupt and Kajol. But I always hold Manisha in high esteem for taking on that role. I respect her deeply for that.
