Shahenshah Nearly Shelved Due to Bachchan's Illness

The production of Shahenshah, one of Amitabh Bachchan’s most iconic films, faced significant challenges after the actor was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, following a serious injury on the set of Coolie. Director Tinnu Anand recounted the financial turmoil that ensued, revealing that creditors demanded repayment for costs already incurred, which forced him to consider alternate lead actors like Jackie Shroff and Jeetendra. Jackie Shroff was enthusiastic about potentially taking over the role, gaining attention and signing multiple films due to the buzz surrounding his possible casting. However, Anand ultimately realized that no one could replace Bachchan, leading to a temporary shelving of the project during a period of financial strain for Anand. Amitabh’s brother reassured Anand of his return, and after recovery, Bachchan starred in the film, which became a massive success and revitalized his career. Shahenshah's journey highlights the precarious nature of film production and the impact of personal health on creative projects.