20 Years of Nayak: Not Anil Kapoor but Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan were the initial choices, actor recalls pursuing Shankar for the role

20 years ago, on this very day, Anil Kapoor starrer Nayak released in theatres. The film, which became popular as the film that turned journalist Anil to 'ek din ka CM' and finally a politician, was a huge hit. Now, 20 years later, Anil Kapoor has revealed that he wasn't the initial choice of the film. In fact, he pursued director Shankar after the actors of his choice turned down the project.

Talking to HT, Anil Kapoor revealed, “I pursued Shankar (director) after Nayak was passed up by both Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh. To this date, I’m glad I did.” He also added, “Honestly, all we knew while making the film was that it would be something special. Something for the ages. We had no clue it would gain the kind of traction that it did. I think it’s the subject matter that is just so relevant and relatable. The people, the government and the tensions therein will always remain a topic of great interest and personal relevance.”

Anik Kapoor also recalled the popular fight scene where he had almost no clothes on. He said, “I remember the fight scenes, each of which felt like a film in its own. Back then we did not have the technology that we have now so it was all raw hard work and choreography. I remember the junkyard fight scene in which I had to fight with almost no clothes on and for me that was really challenging and new.”

Nayak also starred Amrish Puri, Rani Mukerji, Johnny Lever amongst others.