Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar, two legendary Bollywood actors, shared unforgettable on-screen moments whenever they appeared together. However, in real life, their relationship was far from cordial. Their long-standing rivalry resurfaced during the shooting of the 1991 film Saudagar when an incident created tension on the set.

The Gulal Incident

During the filming of the song Imli Ka Boota, there was a Holi scene where actors were to apply gulal (colored powder) on each other. Dilip Kumar, who was wearing contact lenses, specifically requested that no one put gulal on his face. Director Subhash Ghai and others informed Raaj Kumar about this request, but Raaj Kumar, known for his unique persona, decided to do otherwise.

When the camera started rolling, instead of using a pinch of gulal, Raaj Kumar threw a handful of it directly onto Dilip Kumar’s face, causing it to enter his eyes. Dilip Kumar writhed in pain, and the entire set fell silent. Subhash Ghai immediately yelled, “Turn off the lights!”, while Raaj Kumar casually remarked, “Pack up!”

Their First Clash in 1959

This was not the first time the two had a conflict. During the shooting of the 1959 film Paigham, they had a major argument when Raaj Kumar slapped Dilip Kumar in a scene. This led to a personal rift, and both vowed never to work together again.

Managing the Tension During Saudagar

When both were cast in Saudagar, they maintained a professional approach but kept their distance. The gulal incident further strained their relationship, but Subhash Ghai managed to defuse the situation, ensuring the film’s completion.

Two Contrasting Personalities

Raaj Kumar was known for his bold and outspoken nature, while Dilip Kumar was admired for his elegance and discipline. Their contrasting personalities often led to clashes, and the Saudagar incident remains a memorable example of their long-standing rivalry in Bollywood.