Anil Kapoor’s Alleged Betrayal of Anupam Kher: How ‘Mr India’ Slipped Out of His Hands

Nearly four decades after its release, Mr India continues to be celebrated as one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic films. Directed by Shekhar Kapur and starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, the 1987 blockbuster owes much of its cult status to Amrish Puri’s unforgettable portrayal of the villain Mogambo. But few know that before Puri became synonymous with the role, it was Anupam Kher who had originally been cast—and even filmed portions of the movie.

In a recent viral video shared on social media by Sikandar Kher, son of Kirron Kher from her first marriage, Anupam Kher opened up about this lesser-known chapter of his career. The veteran actor revealed that he had been finalised for the role of Mogambo and had already shot for several days. However, without any prior intimation, the makers decided to replace him with Amrish Puri.

What makes the revelation more startling is Anupam Kher’s claim that his close friend Anil Kapoor played a role in the decision. According to Kher, Kapoor supported the filmmakers’ move, and the change was executed without his knowledge. This left him deeply hurt at the time.

Despite the emotional setback, Anupam Kher reflected on the incident with remarkable grace. In the same video, he admitted that Amrish Puri’s portrayal of Mogambo was so powerful and iconic that he himself could never have done justice to the character in the same way. In hindsight, he acknowledged that the filmmakers’ decision was ultimately the right one.

Mr India, which hit theatres on May 29, 1987, went on to become a landmark film in Indian cinema, with Mogambo emerging as one of Bollywood’s greatest villains of all time. While the episode remains a painful memory, Anupam Kher’s candid revelation sheds new light on the behind-the-scenes realities of the film industry—where friendships, creative choices, and professional ambitions often collide.