Anil Kapoor almost rejected 1942: A Love Story, suggested Bobby Deol

Anil Kapoor has revealed he almost turned down his role in the 1994 film "1942: A Love Story," suggesting younger actors like Bobby Deol and Aamir Khan for the part instead. Speaking to Variety India, Kapoor said he believed the character of Naren required a younger face, but director Vidhu Vinod Chopra insisted he was right for the role.

The actor ultimately said yes after hearing the film's music, composed by RD Burman. He said the songs were so impressive that he could not let anyone else lip-sync to them. Kapoor also recalled insecurity during the filming of the song "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga," questioning why he was barely in the frame, but later appreciated how Manisha Koirala's presence made the sequence beautiful. He credited Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Farah Khan and cinematographer Binod Pradhan for creating the magic on screen.

The film, which also stars Jackie Shroff, is re-releasing in theatres on August 21 in an upgraded format, 32 years after its original release.