Although the mystery surrounding unfinished movies is typically complex, the unusual instance of three unfinished movies starring the renowned Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit raises some intriguing issues. These partnerships had the potential to be historical turning points for the Indian cinema industry, but a number of circumstances contributed to their failure. The late Rituparno Ghosh was the director of the first film that sought to pair these two legendary performers.
Amitabh Bachchan was cast by Ghosh in the role of famed director Satyajit Ray, while Madhuri Dixit played Ray’s muse, Madhabi Mukherjee. Nevertheless, regrettably, the project was shelved due to concerns about upsetting the Ray family. In particular, Rituparno regretted missing the chance to collaborate with Madhuri Dixit, whom he admired for her exceptional body language, brilliant smile, and attractive presence. He acknowledged, “We were almost on the verge of working together but destiny was not kind towards us.”
Rituparno had mentioned his admiration for Satyajit Ray and Tapan Sinha in a number of interviews, attributing their instruction in the complex art of combining realism, aesthetic value, and financial considerations in filmmaking to them. The Last Lear, an adaption of the Sesh Sahajahan drama by Utpal Dutt, was another film he had successfully directed Amitabh Bachchan in.
The seasoned director had a stellar resume that includes A-list actors like Aishwarya Rai, Ajay Devgn, Manisha Koirala, Kirron Kher, and Preity Zinta, among others, but he was never given the opportunity to direct this dream duo, despite his deep-seated ambition.
Amitabh Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit might have appeared together in the film Bandua, which was to be directed by JP Dutta. Sadly, it never got past the opening “mahurat” shot. Another unrealized dream that leaves admirers wondering “what might have been” is this one.