Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar is one of the cult classics of Indian cinema. Besides being a path-breaking movie for its style, the movie has also given us one of the finest actors of our times, Aamir Khan. The movie also had Deepak Tijori playing the supporting actor. However, Deepak Tijori was not the first choice for that role.
Milind Soman, a fitness icon and an influencer revealed that he walked out of ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’ Sikandar, and the reason was food. The actor walked out of the Aamir Khan starrer on the issue of not being served healthy food.
A Still from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar
The Reason
“I threw my bicycle saying ‘where’s my breakfast?’ They offered me nothing. I was not at home, I was at the mercy of the production for food.” Said the model, in an interview with the Indian Express.
Milind also stated that he did not regret the decision of walking out of what would have been his first movie. “It was not important to me at that time. What was important for me was that I should be happy doing what I am doing, and if I am not, then it doesn’t work,” explained Milind. He was originally cast in the role of Shekhar Malhotra, which later went to Deepak Tijori.
Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar was one of the biggest hits of 1992
Deepak Tijori’s Account
Deepak Tijori had earlier told his version of the story in an interview with Bollywood Hungama. Both he and Milind had auditioned for the same role, which went to the latter. “Milind Soman had bagged the part. 75% of the film was shot with him. Then the makers scrapped the film. It was shut for some time. I knew they had shot it as I had auditioned and I was not selected.” revealed Tijori.
Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)
Milind Soman was the original choice for the role of "Shekhar Malhotra" but he quit after only a few days of shooting and was subsequently replaced by Deepak Tijori.#HappyBirthdayAamirKhan
— Pajama Chaap (@Aamir_Sanju) March 13, 2021
However, it did not take long for Soman to make it big in the industry. He starred in a 1995 music video ‘Made In India’ which proved to be a turning point for him. Since then he has worked on several projects such as 16 December, Bajirao Mastani, Do Paise Ki Dhoop, etc.
