Ravi Chopra’s Baghba, a star-studded family drama featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan, and Mahima Chaudhry, was a massive hit but hasn’t aged well. Despite its blockbuster success, Ravi Chopra’s wife, Renu Chopra, revealed that distributors initially rejected it, considering the story outdated.
In a chat with Pinkvilla, Renu revealed that Baghban struggled at the box office during its first four days, leaving Ravi Chopra questioning his decision to make the film.However, everything changed on Tuesday when the film gained momentum and turned into a commercial success, defying initial doubts about its appeal.
She further shared the challenges they faced in getting Baghban to theatres, revealing that no distributor was initially interested, calling it outdated. At the time, Amitabh Bachchan was rebuilding his career after Mohabbatein and KBC. However, Salman Khan’s involvement became a turning point, helping the film secure a release.
Renu also revealed that Salman Khan’s casting was suggested when only one part of the film remained to be shot. Though Ravi Chopra knew Salman, they weren’t close at the time. Visiting Salman’s home, Ravi felt overdressed as the Khan brothers emerged from their gym. Salman instantly connected with his role as Alok Malhotra, resonating with the character’s devotion to parents. Without discussing payment, he immediately agreed to the film, simply asking where to report for the shoot.
She shared with the portal that all of Salman Khan’s scenes in Baghban were filmed in London, and his only request was not to start work before 11 AM, assuring he’d stay until everything was completed. She fondly recalled how Salman hosted them for dinner every evening, taking charge of ordering the entire menu. On the final day, when they tried to settle the expenses, they discovered Salman had already paid his bills.
Renu Chopra revealed that even BR Chopra was initially doubtful about Baghban, believing the story was outdated. Originally written two decades earlier, it was later reworked by Dr. Achala Nagar. Many discouraged Ravi Chopra, citing similar films like Avtaar and Zindagi, but he saw it as a unique love story of an elderly couple. Despite current debates about the film, she noted that it resonated deeply with the youth of that era.
