Hindi cinema’s most ‘manhoos’ film saw death of two iconic actors, legendary director amid shoot, money running out; turned out a box office disaster

It is said that during the making of Mughal-e-Azam, Asif frequently visited Dilip’s house, where he came into contact with Akhtar, who would become his fourth and last wife. Dilip opposed their union, which caused further tension between the two legendary filmmakers.

Entry of Guru Dutt in K Asif’s film

Asif initially thought of casting Guru Dutt in the role of Majnu. However, the actor was unsure if his looks suited the part. Despite his hesitation, Asif convinced him, and the film’s shooting began in 1962.

Guru Dutt’s death

At the same time, Guru Dutt was facing personal and professional turmoil. His last film, Kagaz Ke Phool, was a flop, and he was under financial strain, having mortgaged his house. His relationship with wife Geeta Dutt was also suffering, and he had reportedly attempted suicide twice.

One night, after an argument, Geeta left the house, and Guru Dutt locked himself in a room, consuming alcohol along with sleeping pills. The next morning, Geeta heard the news of Guru Dutt’s death. Officially, his death was ruled a suicide, though many biographers and family members still believe it was an accidental overdose. Guru Dutt’s death brought a hard stop to K Asif’s film — until he met Sanjeev Kumar.

When K Asif tested Sanjeev Kumar’s patience

K Asif met Sanjeev Kumar at a film premiere and decided to cast him in his film. However, he wanted to test his patience first. For this, he offered Sanjeev another project, Sasta Khoon Mehnga Paani, scheduled to be shot in Rajasthan. Since Love and God would also be filmed in Rajasthan, Asif wanted to see if Sanjeev could endure the harsh desert conditions.

During the shoot, Asif began testing Sanjeev’s endurance. Under the scorching sun, he made the young actor stand in heavy makeup and uncomfortable costumes without shooting his scenes, while focusing his attention on other stars like Rajendra Kumar and Saira Banu. When Sanjeev sent word about the difficulties, Asif bluntly replied, “I am here to make films, not to solve problems.” Sanjeev endured the ordeal for a few days but eventually decided to return to Mumbai. Impressed by Sanjeev’s quiet tolerance, Asif soon announced that he had finally found his Majnu — Sanjeev Kumar.

K Asif’s death

Love and God got its second inning, but fate had other plans. In 1971, Sanjeev temporarily left Mumbai to shoot another film. When he returned, Asif came straight to meet him. While the two were talking in Sanjeev’s room, Asif suddenly experienced difficulty breathing. Sanjeev supported him, but Asif’s condition worsened, and he passed away in Sanjeev Kumar’s arms. K Asif’s last words were reportedly, “If Allah must take my life, let it be like a lion’s… do not make it painful.”

Sanjeev Kumar looked for funding

Asif’s death put Love and God in jeopardy, but Sanjeev Kumar refused to give up. The film was important for his career, and he hoped it would do for him what Mughal-e-Azam had done for Dilip Kumar. He approached several producers, and even Dilip Kumar, for help in finishing the film, but no one showed interest.

Sanjeev Kumar’s death

In 1972, Sanjeev Kumar met producer KC Bokadia, who eventually agreed to fund the film. Shooting resumed, but after a few days, Sanjeev Kumar suffered a heart attack and passed away in 1985 at the age of 47.

By this point, the film seemed cursed. Prior to Sanjeev, both Guru Dutt and K Asif had died, and several other actors associated with the film also passed away before its completion. Over time, people began calling it an ill-fated or “manhoos” film.

Love and God’s compromised release

Since KC Bokadia had already invested heavily, he decided to release the film despite compromised quality. Much of the shooting had to be done using a body double for Sanjeev Kumar, and the editing was poorly executed. Several scenes still featured both Guru Dutt and Sanjeev Kumar. Against all odds, the film was finally released on May 27, 1986. It failed to impress audiences and was a flop at the box office.