Imagine a Bollywood blockbuster in the 1970s where the leading lady takes center stage, and two of the biggest male stars of the era willingly step into supporting roles. Sounds revolutionary, right? But that's exactly what happened with Seeta Aur Geeta, a film that challenged the norms of its time. In a recent interview, director Ramesh Sippy revealed the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of how Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar came aboard this Hema Malini-led project. Sippy admitted that convincing top male actors to play smaller parts in a female-centric film was no easy feat, especially during an era when such films were virtually non-existent. Yet, Dharmendra, despite his superstar status, took the leap, showcasing a boldness that Sippy still admires.
During a candid conversation with Radio Nasha Official, Sippy clarified that Rajesh Khanna was never approached for a role. “He was already a megastar,” Sippy explained, “and it didn’t feel right to offer him a part in Seeta Aur Geeta.” The film, which revolves around identical twins with contrasting personalities, required actors who could bring depth and versatility to their roles. Sanjeev Kumar, known for his chameleon-like ability to transform into diverse characters, was an obvious choice. Dharmendra, on the other hand, took some time to ponder the offer. “I was honest with him about the role,” Sippy recalled. “He thought it over and then agreed. I was impressed by his courage to be part of a film that was unapologetically female-oriented.”
But here’s where it gets intriguing: Sippy confessed he had no idea that both Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar harbored romantic feelings for Hema Malini. Sanjeev, in fact, had a brief relationship with her and even proposed marriage, but his mother’s condition—that Hema abandon her acting career—became a deal-breaker. Hema, determined to continue her career, declined. Meanwhile, Dharmendra, already married with four children, fell deeply in love with her during the filming of Seeta Aur Geeta. Their relationship eventually led to marriage in 1980, and they welcomed two daughters together.
Hema Malini later reminisced about her first encounter with Dharmendra on Koffee With Karan, describing him as “very handsome” and admitting she initially thought someone like him would be her ideal partner. Little did she know, he would become her life partner.
Seeta Aur Geeta wasn’t just a film; it was a cultural statement—a testament to the power of female-led narratives and the evolving dynamics of Bollywood. And this is the part most people miss: It challenged the industry’s reluctance to cast leading men in supporting roles for female-centric stories. But what do you think? Was Dharmendra’s decision to take a smaller role a sign of progress, or was it simply a reflection of his love for Hema Malini? And how far has Bollywood really come since then in embracing female-led films? Let’s discuss in the comments!
