Actor Aditya Pancholi revealed on his X on Monday, October 27, that he was initially slated to play the lead in the 1988 blockbuster Tezaab, the movie that catapulted Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor to stardom. “I was the original choice for Tezaab (1988), opposite @MadhuriDixit,” Aditya commented with a black-and-white old photo. This is confirmed by Director N. Chandra, who is still alive.
He continued by disclosing that his replacement wasn't a coincidence. Unfortunately, the director was persuaded to cast him instead by another actor through his older brother, who is still working in the business. As they say, the rest is history.On his X account on Monday, October 27, actor Aditya Pancholi revealed that he was initially slated to play the lead in the 1988 blockbuster Tezaab, the movie that catapulted Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor to prominence. Aditya posted the following with a black-and-white old photo: "I was the original option for Tezaab (1988), alongside @MadhuriDixit. Still alive, Director N. Chandra can attest to this.
His replacement wasn't a coincidence, he continued. Unfortunately, a different actor persuaded the director to put him in his place through his older brother, who is still working in the business. The rest is history, as they say.

Users speculated that the “actor” and his “elder brother” were Anil and Boney Kapoor, following his remark, which instantly sparked a flurry of online responses.
"The actor you're referring to has always been known to lobby for roles," one response said. He even attempted to cut down on Naseer Sahab's Parinda scenes. He has consistently harboured insecurities regarding his co-stars. Aditya gave a succinct yet insightful response, saying, "Kuch baatein ankahi rehne dein."
Another commenter wrote, "It's obvious that he's referring to @AnilKapoor. Karma never forgets addresses, and no one even recalls his son's acting attempt.

Aditya took advantage of the conversation to talk more widely on the politics that are deeply ingrained in the motion picture business. "I recently witnessed an actor discussing nepotism while promoting his film," he wrote. However, I can assure you that politics in this place extends beyond nepotism. Careers are defined by favouritism, manipulation, and power struggles far more so than familial relationships.
Aditya suggested there was more to be said when a fan brought up the Trimurti scandal and his later work with Anil Kapoor on Musafir, saying, "I'll write about Trimurti another time." Thank you.

Some users defended the Kapoor brothers, while many others agreed with his assertions. According to one, "Boney and Anil Kapoor had a difficult time getting to where they were in the 1980s." Saying that Boney had an impact on Anil's casting is unjust. Although you are a talented actor, you lacked the relatable charm required for these kinds of parts.
"With you as the lead, the movie wouldn't have been the same," another person continued. You had opportunities, but you were unable to take use of them. Tezaab, which was directed by N. Chandra, became one of the biggest blockbusters of 1988.