Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit took Anupam Kher’s facial paralysis for comic timings during Hum Aapke Hain Koun shoot: ‘I was in a bad shape’

During an appearance on Aap Ki Adaalat, the veteran actor revealed that the the ordeal began with an innocuous observation by  his friend and actor Anil Kapoor’s wife, Sunita Kapoor, who noticed Kher’s unusual blinking pattern. “Ek din main apne dost, Anil Kapoor ke ghar pe khana kha raha tha tabhi unski wife Sunita ne kaha Anupam, tum ek aankh se blink nahin ka rahe. I thought I may have been tired.” 

What followed was a terrifying realisation: one side of Kher’s face was paralysed.  Next morning, when he was brushing his teeth, water came out of his mouth on his own. A worried Anupam Kher then rushed to Yash Chopra to share how his face had been shifting to the left side. The filmmaker advised him to go to the doctor who suggested that he left everything and relax at home. “He told me to take the medicines as I was in very bad shape,” Kher recalled.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Indian Express Entertainment (@ieentertainment)

Ironically, this health crisis coincided with the start of Kher’s portion in the Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! shoot. Instead of succumbing to fear, he stepped onto the set, his face visibly affected. “It was also the first day of the antakshri scene (the pillow game sequence followed by songs) in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! I was returning from the doctor’s appointment and thought to myself, ‘Agar aaj main ghar chala gaya, main puri zindagi dar kar rahunga aur is baat ka aishaas hoga ki kabhi kuch bimar hua toh kaam chor dena chahiye (If I go home today and take rest for two months, I will stay in fear my entire life. For years to come, I will think that leaving work is the only solution when ill)’,” he shared.  He headed to Filmistan Studio to shoot the sequence.

ALSO READ Hum Aapke Hain Koun at 30: A Sooraj Barjatya fantasy that sold the ultimate dream to fractured families

Initially, his co-stars Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan mistook his facial expressions for comedic timing. But Kher soon revealed the truth, assuring everyone of his ability to continue shooting. “For a long time, Madhuri and Salman thought I was enacting a comic scene. After a while, I gathered everyone I told them that my left face was paralysed but I was willing to shoot. If you look at the scene closely, you’ll notice that there was close-up shot and they changed the sequence and gave me Dharmendra’s Sholay sequence where I had to recreate his iconic drunk scene and call out “Mausi ji” with a twisted face. If you have to test how strong you are, you have to face everything that scares you,” he recalled. 

Another lesser-known fact about the film is that Aamir Khan was initially considered for the iconic role of Prem in the Hum Aapke Hain Koun! opposite Madhuri Dixit. His “innocent looking face” was deemed perfect for the character. However, due to script-related concerns, Aamir declined the offer. Around the same time, Salman was navigating a challenging phase in his career. When Aamir stepped back, the filmmakers offered the role to Salman, who eagerly accepted it. Little did he know that this decision would be a pivotal turning point in Salman’s career, leading him to stardom.

Reema Lagoo, Anupam Kher, Renuka Shahane and Madhuri Dixit in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (Photo: Express Archives)

Salman’s portrayal of Prem was a revelation. His performance not only garnered immense critical acclaim but also helped establish his image as the quintessential Bollywood romantic hero. Hum Aapke Hain Koun! achieved unprecedented success, becoming the first Indian film to cross the Rs 1 billion mark.