In a surprising revelation that has given fans a new perspective on a classic, actor Shilpa Shetty recently disclosed the original, tragic ending planned for the beloved 2000 film 'Dhadkan'. The film, which starred Shetty alongside Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, is remembered for its emotional love triangle, but its conclusion could have been profoundly different.
The Beloved Film and Its Familiar Story
Released in the year 2000, 'Dhadkan' remains one of Suniel Shetty's most successful cinematic ventures. The film, loosely inspired by Emily Brontë's novel 'Wuthering Heights', presented a compelling drama. Shilpa Shetty played Anjali, a woman from a wealthy family who falls in love with Dev, portrayed by Suniel Shetty. Facing disapproval from her father, Anjali is compelled to marry the affluent businessman Ram, played by Akshay Kumar.
Heartbroken, Dev leaves only to return three years later as a wealthy man himself, determined to reclaim Anjali's love. However, she has found stability and peace in her married life. Dev's unresolved passion turns into anger, leading him to target Ram. The conflict reaches its peak when Anjali reveals she is pregnant with Ram's child. In the version audiences saw, this revelation triggers a change of heart in Dev. He softens, steps aside, and the film ends positively, with Dev finding solace with his business partner and lover, Sheetal, played by Mahima Chaudhry.
The Climax That Remained Unfilmed
However, the conclusion that touched millions was not the one first envisioned by the filmmakers. Shilpa Shetty shared this behind-the-scenes secret on a reality show, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to the film's legacy. She recalled a poignant dialogue delivered by Suniel Shetty's character: "Agar tum mujhse door chali gayi to mere dil ki dhadkan khud ba khud ruk jayegi" (If you go far away from me, the heartbeat of my heart will stop on its own).
Shetty explained that this line foreshadowed a much darker finale. The original script called for Dev to die after learning of Anjali's pregnancy. "Suniel is sitting on a sofa and he dies because he realises that Anjali is actually gone. That was the original end, which wasn't shot," she revealed, adding, "He was the real hero."
Why the Ending Was Changed
Suniel Shetty confirmed Shilpa's account, agreeing that the planned ending was emotionally powerful. He provided the reason for the change, stating, "It was a very beautiful ending but then everybody wanted it to be happier." The decision to opt for a more optimistic resolution ultimately shaped the film's final message and its reception by families and audiences across India.
In the same revelation, Shilpa Shetty also shared that Suniel Shetty was not the first choice for the role of Dev. Scheduling conflicts almost prevented him from joining the project, and another actor was initially cast. However, the director felt that actor couldn't do justice to the character. "Finally, Suniel came on board. It was in his destiny to play the role," Shilpa stated, highlighting how integral his performance was to the film's enduring appeal.
This new detail about the unshot ending has reignited interest in 'Dhadkan', offering fans a compelling reason to revisit the classic and re-examine the heartbreak of Dev's character through a different, more tragic lens.
