Anil Kapoor became a star for 'politics, not nepotism'! Aditya Pancholi spills 35-year secret

1988’s cult blockbuster Tezaab was a turning point in Anil Kapoor’s career. His electrifying portrayal of Mahesh Deshmukh, fondly remembered as Munna, captured hearts across the nation. Starring opposite Madhuri Dixit, Anil’s chemistry, intensity, and emotional depth defined the film’s success. Critics and fans alike praised his “raw energy,” “expressive acting,” and “unforgettable screen presence,” making Tezaab a defining moment in Hindi cinema.

Also Read: Nayak turns 24: Anil Kapoor reminisces how Aamir Khan and SRK passed on the role that defined him

But did you know Anil Kapoor wasn’t even supposed to play Munna?

Aditya Pancholi’s Shocking Revelation

Actor Aditya Pancholi, known for his performances in Saathi and Yes Boss, recently dropped a bombshell that stunned Bollywood enthusiasts. After 35 years of silence, Pancholi revealed that he was originally cast as the male lead in Tezaab.

In a startling social media post, he wrote, "I was the original choice for Tezaab (1988), opposite @MadhuriDixit . Director N. Chandra, still very much around can confirm this. Unfortunately, an actor, through his elder brother (who remains active in the industry), influenced the director to replace me. The rest, as they say, is history. Recently, I saw an #Actor speak about nepotism while promoting his new release." (sic)

The revelation set the internet ablaze, sparking fresh debate about power dynamics in Bollywood. Pancholi didn’t stop there.

He added another explosive statement, "Let me say this clearly: Politics in the film industry runs deeper than #Nepotism, Favouritism, manipulation, and power games shape careers more than family ties ever could." (sic)

I was the original choice for Tezaab (1988), opposite @MadhuriDixit . Director N. Chandra, still very much around can confirm this.

Unfortunately, an actor, through his elder brother (who remains active in the industry), influenced the director to replace me. The rest, as they… pic.twitter.com/0GsBvsK2KG

— Aditya Pancholi (@AdityaRPancholi) October 27, 2025

Fans Divided: Who Deserved the Role?

The post instantly reignited discussions on nepotism and insider politics in the film industry. While several netizens supported Pancholi’s claim, others stood by Anil Kapoor, arguing that his performance in Tezaab justified the casting decision. The controversy added another layer to the long-standing debate about who truly controls Bollywood’s power corridors.

The Rise and Fade of Aditya Pancholi

Aditya Pancholi, with his sharp looks and intense aura, became a rising star in the early ’90s. His talent and charisma made him one of the most intriguing actors of that era. Though his mainstream stardom didn’t last long, he carved a niche for himself in grey and complex roles.

Must Read: THIS actress 'wanted to cry' after she was made to kiss Anil Kapoor without warning!

Over the years, Pancholi remained a familiar face in ensemble casts and impactful side roles. Interestingly, he shared screen space with Anil Kapoor years later in Musafir, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sameera Reddy, and Shakti Kapoor.