The 1972 film Seeta Aur Geeta remains one of veteran actor Hema Malini’s most memorable performances. However, in a recent interaction, filmmaker Ramesh Sippy revealed that although fans can’t imagine anyone else in the dual role now, Hema wasn’t the first choice for the roles. In his conversation with Arbaaz Khan on Bollywood Bubble, Sippy shared that veteran actor Mumtaz was his first choice to play Seeta and Geeta.
Speaking about the same, he said, “I had worked with her in Andaaz and she was very much into it so you like people who want to be a part of the film. When we decided to make it, it felt like Mumtaz would probably the right person at that time. She had too many commitments and I didn’t want to wait.”
While Sippy vouched for Hema, the film writers Salim-Javed (Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar) weren’t convinced of Hema Malini’s talent. Explaining further, Sippy said, “So, I asked Hema and Salim-Javed asked me, ‘Are you sure? Does she have that in her personality to play Geeta because Seeta’s role is still okay?'” Ramesh Sippy had directed his debut film Andaz in 1971, starring Hema Malini and Rajesh Khanna. Apart from Andaz and Seeta Aur Geeta, Sippy worked with Hema in his iconic film Sholay.
Seeta Aur Geeta also featured Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Roopesh Kumar, Manorama, Satyen Kappu, Honey Irani, and Pratima Devi. The story revolved around identical twins (portrayed by Hema Malini) who are separated at birth and grow up with different temperaments. After they meet each other as adults, they swap places. Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar play the role of their lovers. The film was a major hit at the box office and was remade in several languages.
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