Madhuri Dixit Once Rejected the Biggest Hit of 1990 on Anil Kapoor's Advice – Here's What Happened

In Bollywood, it is not uncommon for actors to turn down roles that later go on to become blockbuster hits. Sometimes the decision is based on scheduling conflicts, personal choices, or even the influence of colleagues. One such incident took place more than 35 years ago, when Madhuri Dixit—then one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry—turned down a film that later emerged as the biggest success of 1990. Interestingly, this choice was not entirely her own but was influenced by superstar Anil Kapoor.

Madhuri Dixit at the Peak of Her Career

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Madhuri Dixit had become a household name in Hindi cinema. Known for her charm, beauty, and impeccable acting skills, she had already delivered memorable performances in films like Tezaab (1988) and Ram Lakhan (1989). Every filmmaker wanted to cast her, and every actor wanted to share screen space with her.

It was during this golden phase of her career that she was offered the lead role in Doodh Ka Karz, an emotional drama starring Jackie Shroff. The producers were keen on casting only Madhuri as the heroine. However, despite being the top choice, she ended up rejecting the project—a decision she would later regret.

Why Did Madhuri Say No?

The surprising twist is that Madhuri did not decline the film on her own. According to reports, her decision was influenced by none other than Anil Kapoor. At that time, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff were not on friendly terms; their rivalry was well-known in the industry. The two actors were not even on speaking terms, and Anil reportedly did not want Madhuri—his frequent co-star and close friend—to work alongside Jackie.

Madhuri and Anil had already shared great on-screen chemistry in several films and enjoyed a strong bond of trust. Out of loyalty and respect for Anil’s advice, Madhuri decided to step back from the project, even though it was a promising script.

Neelam Replaced Madhuri

Once Madhuri turned down the role, the makers brought in actress Neelam to play the female lead opposite Jackie Shroff. Surprisingly, Neelam and Jackie’s pairing worked wonders on screen. Their chemistry was well-received, and audiences connected deeply with the story. The film also featured veteran performers like Aruna Irani and Gulshan Grover, who added weight to the narrative.

The central theme of Doodh Ka Karz revolved around an unusual but emotional storyline where a snake is shown repaying the debt of a mother’s milk. The unique plot, combined with its soulful songs and strong performances, helped the film strike a chord with the masses.

A Box Office Triumph

Released in 1990, Doodh Ka Karz turned out to be one of the year’s biggest box office successes. It ran in theatres for an extended period, earning significant revenue and establishing itself as a memorable hit of its time. The songs from the film also became popular, further boosting its appeal.

For Madhuri, however, the regret lingered. Had she taken up the role, the film’s success would have added another major blockbuster to her already impressive career graph. Instead, she had to watch from the sidelines as Neelam enjoyed the spotlight.

The What-If Moment in Madhuri’s Career

While Madhuri went on to deliver numerous hits in the following years—including Dil (1990), Beta (1992), Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), and Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)—the story of Doodh Ka Karz remains one of those fascinating “what if” moments in her journey. It highlights how friendships, industry dynamics, and personal loyalties can sometimes shape an actor’s career choices in unexpected ways.