Rajiv Rai Recalls Amitabh Bachchan Scolding Him Over Kajol’s Villain Twist in Gupt

For a generation of Hindi cinema fans, the twist in Rajiv Rai’s 1997 thriller Gupt — revealing Kajol as the killer — was among the most shocking spoilers ever.

The film, which also starred Bobby Deol and Manisha Koirala, was considered bold for its time. Casting a woman in the role of a murderer was a rarity in Bollywood, and not many supported Rai’s decision — including legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Concerns After a Trial Screening

In a recent interview on the Ravi Buleiy Official YouTube channel, Rajiv Rai shared an anecdote about a trial screening of Gupt held in Chennai. Amitabh Bachchan watched the film and contacted Rai the very next day.

“He said, ‘Rajiv, are you convinced with what you have done in this film? You have made Kajol the killer, are you sure? How can you be so sure?’ So in one way, as a senior, he scolded me,” Rai recalled.

“Mere ko daant padi. He is a senior, he can obviously scold me.”

Amitabh had worked with Rajiv’s father, producer Gulshan Rai, in films like Deewaar and Trishul, which added weight to his critique.

Rai’s Firm Conviction Despite Doubts

Rajiv further explained that Amitabh “questioned” his decision, pressing him on whether he was confident that such a bold twist would work.

“He questioned me, ‘How are you so confident that this will work?’ I told him, ‘Sir, I don’t have an answer for your questions. It is Wednesday already, please wait for 2 days, you will get your answer.’”

Rai’s confidence proved justified. Gupt turned out to be a massive hit. Kajol’s unexpected role earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Villain, making her the first actress to win in that category.

Rai’s Past with Amitabh and a Missed Opportunity

Rajiv also reflected on his early professional connection with Amitabh Bachchan. He had worked as an assistant director on Trishul and Kaala Patthar, learning from the actor’s professionalism.

When Rai started directing films, he was eager to work with Amitabh and approached him with a script prepared with Anees Bazmee.

This meeting took place during a difficult period in Amitabh’s career, between 1992 and 1994. Rai recalled, “He said that the phase that I am going through right now, I don’t want to do any films. He was not going through a good phase then.”

Rai added, “He was confused, and in that confusion, he said no. He is not a confused man but his circumstances were such.”

Disappointment and a New Direction

The rejection left Rajiv Rai disheartened. “I was like, ‘I worked so hard, I was angry with my destiny, not with Amitabh Bachchan. I thought if destiny does not want me to work with Amit ji, I will work with someone new, so I made Mohra with Suniel Shetty,” he shared.

Released in 1994, Mohra became a box office success. Along with Gupt, it cemented Rai’s reputation as one of the most daring and successful directors of the 1990s.

Gupt’s Lasting Impact on Bollywood

Gupt: The Hidden Truth remains one of Bollywood’s most memorable suspense thrillers, largely due to its daring narrative and genre-defying twist.

Casting Kajol as a cold-blooded murderer was a move that not only surprised audiences but also challenged long-standing tropes in Hindi cinema.

Though initially met with skepticism from icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajiv Rai’s decision proved to be groundbreaking — pushing the boundaries of storytelling and leaving a lasting legacy in Bollywood.