Actor Aditya Pancholi has sparked a buzz on social media with a cryptic claim that he was originally cast opposite Madhuri Dixit in N. Chandra’s 1988 blockbuster Tezaab. On October 27, 2025, Pancholi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his version of events, alleging that “industry politics” led to his replacement.
In his post, he wrote, “I was the original choice for Tezaab (1988), opposite @MadhuriDixit. Director N. Chandra, still very much around, can confirm this. Unfortunately, an actor, through his elder brother (who remains active in the industry), influenced the director to replace me. The rest, as they say, is history.”
He added, “Recently, I saw an #Actor speak about nepotism while promoting his new release. Let me say this clearly: Politics in the film industry runs deeper than #Nepotism. Favouritism, manipulation, and power games shape careers more than family ties ever could.”
Though Pancholi did not name anyone explicitly, his remarks are widely read as a veiled reference to Tezaab’s lead actor, Anil Kapoor. The mention of “elder brother” is being linked to producer Boney Kapoor, despite Boney not being involved with Tezaab at the time.Tezaab, directed by N. Chandra, was a career-defining film for both Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit and will mark its 37th anniversary this November.
So far, neither Anil Kapoor, Boney Kapoor, nor N. Chandra have responded to Pancholi’s claims.Pancholi’s tweet quickly gained traction, prompting a wave of reactions from users sharing their takes on Bollywood’s backstage dynamics.One user commented,
“The actor you meant has always lobbied aggressively for roles and reportedly cut scenes of other actors if they overshadowed him. He didn’t want Naseer sahab in Parinda. This shows the insecurity he carried throughout his career.” Pancholi replied, “Khuch baatein ankahi rehne dein.” (Some things are better left unsaid.)Another follower asked,
“But you two worked together in Musafir. Was there any tension on set? Also, what about the Trimurti controversy? I’ve heard he wanted you in Virasat too. Is that true?” Pancholi responded, “I will write about Trimurti another time. Thanks.”
A third user defended the Kapoors, writing, “Boney and Anil Kapoor struggled their way to the top in the eighties. It’s laughable to suggest Boney used influence to get Anil roles. You’re a talented actor but lacked the boy-next-door appeal needed for those parts.”
Pancholi did not respond to this comment.
