In Bollywood, few directors can claim to have consistently blended meaningful narratives with commercial success, but B.R. Chopra was one of them. Known for his ability to tell stories that resonated deeply with audiences, Chopra was also highly respected by actors who eagerly sought to work with him. Among them was the celebrated actor Sanjeev Kumar, who not only admired Chopra’s storytelling but was also willing to compromise on his usual fee for a chance to star in one of Chopra’s films. This collaboration gave birth to the timeless comedy Pati, Patni Aur Woh (1978), a film that captured the quirks of marital relationships with humor and wit while leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood’s comedy genre.
The journey of Pati, Patni Aur Woh began with Sanjeev Kumar’s keen interest in working with B.R. Chopra. Sanjeev, already a famous actor known for his versatility, expressed his desire to work with the celebrated director time and again. “When I became a slightly known director, particularly for my films’ stories, Sanjeev Kumar, who was a very famous artiste, would keep telling me that he wanted to work in my film,” Chopra recalled.
Chopra, impressed by Sanjeev’s dedication, eventually crafted a comedy story titled Pati, Patni Aur Woh, a film about a man entangled in a humorous extramarital situation. The plot was novel and risqué for its time, presenting infidelity with a comic twist while balancing humor with moral lessons. Sanjeev Kumar, upon hearing the storyline, was immediately drawn to the project and agreed to take on the role. However, there was one major hurdle – Sanjeev’s typical fees for films were far beyond Chopra’s budget.
Chopra candidly explained his financial constraints to Sanjeev, highlighting that comedies were considered commercially risky and thus difficult to fund. Sanjeev, who had previously charged substantial amounts for his roles, agreed to a drastically lower fee of one lakh rupees, setting aside his usual demands for a chance to collaborate with Chopra. This gesture underscored Sanjeev’s trust and respect for Chopra’s storytelling.
Notably, Sanjeev proposed a unique arrangement – while he would accept a minimal upfront payment, he requested a 20% share of the film’s profits, a move that demonstrated his belief in the film’s potential. Chopra agreed without hesitation. Little did they know, this decision would result in a rewarding financial surprise, with Sanjeev ultimately earning six to seven times more from Pati, Patni Aur Woh than from his other films.
Pati, Patni Aur Woh revolves around the life of Ranjeet (played by Sanjeev Kumar), a man who appears to have a happy marriage with his devoted wife Sharda (Vidya Sinha). However, his ordinary life takes a twist when he hires a young and attractive secretary, Nirmala (Ranjeeta Kaur), who unknowingly becomes the object of his misguided affections. Ranjeet’s attempts to juggle his marriage and his flirtation with Nirmala lead to a series of hilarious situations and misunderstandings.
Sanjeev Kumar’s portrayal of the bumbling yet endearing Ranjeet brought a perfect blend of comedy and depth to the character. Vidya Sinha, as the patient and loving Sharda, brought warmth to her role, while Ranjeeta Kaur’s character added a spark, enhancing the comedic triangle. Each character was crafted with a realistic touch that audiences could relate to, while the storyline captured the complexities of marital life with humor and wit.
Despite Chopra’s initial concerns about comedy’s commercial viability, Pati, Patni Aur Woh went on to become a box-office success. Audiences loved the witty portrayal of the marital triangle, and Sanjeev Kumar’s performance received widespread acclaim. The film’s success meant that Sanjeev’s unique financial arrangement paid off handsomely. From his profit-sharing deal alone, he ended up earning six to seven times more than his regular fee for other films, an outcome that underscored the power of taking creative risks and believing in the strength of a good story.
The story of Pati, Patni Aur Woh is one of belief, ingenuity, and the joy of storytelling—a comedy classic that, decades later, continues to make audiences laugh and reflect.
The post When Sanjeev Kumar took a pay cut and signed Pati, Patni Aur Woh for just 1 Lakh and 20% of overflow and earned 7 times his fee! appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
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