When Simi Garewal refused to do ‘Karz’ for over a year

If we rewind back to the year 1980, filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s ‘Karz’ was counted among the top ten grossing films of that year. It’s been 37 years after the release of this film, but still this reincarnation saga starring Rishi Kapoor is vividly fresh in our memories.

The casting of character Kamini, which was a meaty one, was quite a challenge for Subhash Ghai. Finally, the director found actress Simi Garewal as the perfect fit for this role. But, the actual struggle began for him as Simi refused to play this role as it was a character with negative shades. Although Ghai kept on convincing her, she constantly said no for this film for over a year. Yes! You read that right.

Sharing her experience on her website, Simi has written, “I have to confess I was wrong about ‘Karz’. For the longest time I refused to do the role. Subhash Ghai was so patient. For over a year he kept coming back to try and convince me, but my mindset couldn’t adjust to doing such a negative role. Finally, he told me ‘if you don’t do it I will shelve the film. All my work of the last 18 months will go to waste’. Something about his sincerity touched me that day and against my family’s wishes – I succumbed.” (Also Read: When Simi Garewal was heartbroken after failing to adopt a girl child)

Further, she admitted that during the shoot she had qualms of doing some of the villainous scenes. Recalling it she has written, “Poor Subhash-ji – I must have tried his patience when I kept saying, ‘why should Kamini be soooo horrible? Can’t you tone it down?'”

Finally, the film was completed and it had hit the theatres and undoubtedly Simi Garewal’s character received tremendous appreciation and is still remembered as one of her best performances in her career.

“I remember, everywhere I went people played or hummed the guitar theme, or they’d sing ‘Ek Hasina Thi’ I couldn’t believe the response! It was fantastic! I sent Subhash a big bouquet of flowers and a note, ‘You were right Subhash-ji! Thank you from my heart. Kamini lives…'” added Simi Garewal.

Well, we can say that it happened for good, for we cannot imagine anyone but Simi Garewal in this cunning role of Kamini.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.