19 years of Dushman: Eight lesser known facts about the Kajol-Ashutosh Rana starrer

As the 1998 psychological thriller, Dushman, completes 19 years of its release on May 29 , here’s taking you down memory lane.

Starring Kajol in a double role with a brilliant lineup of supporting cast, 1998 film Dushman was perhaps one of the most violent films of its time. The film that completes 19 years of its release on May 29 was loosely based on Hollywood film Eye for an Eye. The psychological thriller was a story of twin sisters— Sonia and Naina— played by Kajol and a psychopath postman [portrayed by Ashutosh Rana] who sexually assaults and kills women. The film also featured Sanjay Dutt, Jas Arora, Tanzi Azmi and Pramod Muthu in important roles.

Kajol played the role of twin sisters—Naina and Sonia—in 1998 film Dushman.

For her double role in the film, Kajol donned two different looks —one with long hair and other with bob cut . In one of her recent interviews to a film magazine, the 42-year-old said that the second hairdo has been her worst look so far. “That wig is something, which I look back and I’m like (makes a face). At that point of time, I really thought it worked. I don’t believe that today!” Kajol was quoted as saying.

Interestingly, at that time, when box-office number game wasn’t a big deal, Dushman, produced by Mukesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt, turned out to be the seventh highest grossing Hindi film of that year. On the film’s 19th anniversary, we bring you some lesser known facts about the movie.

Actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan turned down the role of Major Suraj Singh Rathod, a visually-impaired soldier. The role eventually went to actor Sanjay Dutt.

For those who loved ferocious Ashutosh Rana on-screen, it might be tough to believe that Dushman was his debut film. Needless to say, it was lauded by the audience and received critical acclaim too.

Dushman marked the directorial debut of Tanuja Chandra, who had earlier written films such as Tamanna (1997) and Zakhm (1998) and co-wrote Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) with Yash Chopra.

Due to Kajol’s unavailability, Mona Ghosh Shetty completed the dubbing for her.

Believe it or not, but actor Mukul Dev was initially signed for the film in the villainous role, but was later replaced by Ashutosh Rana, who did a brilliant job.

After SRK and Aamir Khan said no to Major Suraj Singh Rathod’s role, cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar was signed for it, but later, even he opted out and then Sanjay Dutt’s was roped in.

This was the first time that Sanjay Dutt played the role of a visually-impaired man on-screen.The young boy who played the role of Dutt’s caretaker, Bheem, was child actor Kunal Kemmu.

Actor Sharad Kapoor, who has worked in films such as Josh, LOC kargil, Lakshya, Wanted and Jai Ho was the first choice for Jas Arora’s role, who played Kajol’s (Sonia) love interest.

Trivia source: imdb

Follow @htshowbiz for more