In a candid and revealing interview, former Bollywood actor Imran Khan has made startling allegations about his experience working with acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj on the 2013 film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. Khan, who stepped away from acting in 2015, claimed he was cast for purely financial reasons, leading to a lonely and creatively unfulfilling shoot.
The 'Dishonest' Casting Revelation
Speaking on the YouTube channel Unfiltered by Samdish, Imran Khan pulled back the curtain on what he calls the 'dishonest' reason behind his casting. He explained that the film was originally set to star Ajay Devgn. When Devgn exited the project, director Vishal Bhardwaj needed a replacement to secure the film's budget.
'I was coming off a couple of hits like Delhi Belly and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan,' Khan stated. 'He cast me not because I was the perfect actor for the part, but because with me attached, he could get a certain budget to make the film.' Khan described this common Bollywood practice where casting is dictated by an actor's market value and box office pull, not necessarily their suitability for the role.
A Lonely Experience on Set
Imran Khan, who was at a career peak in 2013 after hits like Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, said he sensed the disconnect from the very first day. He felt Bhardwaj had a sense of 'creative dishonesty' for making a casting choice he didn't fully believe in.
'He never said anything beyond 'action' and 'cut' to me. There was no bond. It was the most lonely film I have ever made,' Khan revealed. 'He left me with 'jo karna hai karo' (do whatever you want to do).' He added that the film's direction seemed to avoid focusing on him, with few close-ups and shots often framed in groups or over-the-shoulder.
Contrasting Narratives and Box Office Outcome
These claims stand in stark contrast to Vishal Bhardwaj's own past statements about the casting. During the film's promotion, Bhardwaj had praised Imran's honesty and earnestness, stating he had 'the best time' working with him and that he could mould him as needed. However, Bhardwaj also admitted that many people had warned him against casting Imran Khan for the role of a Haryanvi villager.
The film, which also starred Anushka Sharma and Pankaj Kapur, ultimately failed to connect with audiences. Made on a reported budget of Rs 43 crore, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola earned approximately Rs 62 crore worldwide, making it a commercial disappointment. Khan believes the lack of conviction from both director and actor in the casting was evident on screen.
This experience appears to have been a significant factor in Imran Khan's disillusionment with the film industry, culminating in his decision to quit acting two years later in 2015. The actor is now set to return to screens with a cameo in the upcoming film Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos.
