Why Parveen Babi was replaced by Rekha in Silsila — and why she blamed Amitabh Bachchan: 'She started crawling in the hotel...'

Back in 1981, when Yash Chopra planned to make a film about extramarital affairs, he initially chose Parveen Babi and Smita Patil for the lead roles alongside Amitabh Bachchan. But later, both actresses were replaced by Rekha and Jaya Bachchan. This change sparked many rumors, with some saying it happened because Amitabh Bachchan suggested it. Author and journalist Hanif Zaveri also mentioned a similar claim in a recent interview.

Concerns over Parveen’s mental health

On the Meri Saheli podcast, author Hanif revealed that Amitabh advised Yash Chopra to reconsider casting Parveen due to her worsening mental health. During the filming of Silsila, Parveen had become so possessive about her costumes that she insisted on carrying them with her at all times. This even extended to her shoots in North for the film Kaalia with Amitabh Bachchan, which raised concerns on set.


Hanif also shared an early incident that made those around Parveen Babi suspect she was struggling with mental health issues. Parveen, who was close friends with cinematographer Parvin Bhatt, once showed him a collection of costumes she had brought to her room. When Bhatt asked why she had them there, she explained that she was afraid the clothes would be stolen in Bombay. It was at that moment Bhatt realized that Parveen was likely dealing with some mental health challenges.



He also recalled another moment on the set that made it clear Parveen was struggling with her mental health. While filming Kaalia, cinematographer Parvin Bhatt and Parveen Babi had rooms on the same floor but a little apart. One day, Bhatt saw Parveen crawling toward his room because she felt she might fall if she tried to walk. This incident confirmed for Bhatt that she was seriously unwell.

Amitabh Bachchan’s intervention

Hanif also mentioned that Big B noticed changes in Parveen’s behavior during the Kaalia shoot. Concerned, he contacted Yash Chopra and asked him to come to North. When Yash Chopra arrived, he observed signs that worried him—like her swollen cheeks, possibly due to alcohol use. These issues didn’t fit with the character she was supposed to play in Silsila, and more importantly, Amitabh grew concerned about her mental health worsening during the shoot. Fearing that it could disrupt the entire film, Amitabh lied to Parveen, telling her that her role had been reduced because of script changes. Using this as an excuse, she was removed from the film, a decision that deeply affected the actress.



The unexpected casting changes in Silsila led Parveen Babi to believe that Amitabh Bachchan was responsible. Many theories circulated about the reasons behind the switch. However, Hanif clarified that if Amitabh did influence the decision, it wasn’t out of any personal grudge against Parveen but because he was concerned about what was best for the film.

Close friend Ranjeet’s account

In a previous interview with ANI, actor Ranjeet, who was a close friend of Parveen Babi, recalled a moment when she was deeply upset and crying while they were in North. He explained that Parveen was originally cast as the heroine in Silsila, but was later asked to leave the project. Due to some controversy, Rekha and Jaya Bhaduri were brought in instead. According to Ranjeet, the film was initially meant to star Parveen alongside Rekha. The actress has also reportedly accused Amitabh Bachchan of kidnapping her.

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