Rajesh Khanna, known as the first superstar of Indian cinema, had a remarkable career with 17 consecutive hit films, a record that remains unbroken to this day. However, few know that one of his films, "Daag," was released in just nine theaters due to concerns over its commercial viability.
Directed by the renowned filmmaker Yash Chopra, "Daag" was initially met with skepticism by producers, who doubted its ability to perform well at the box office. As a result, the film was not widely distributed and was released in only nine theaters.
Despite the limited release, "Daag" resonated with audiences and became a blockbuster hit. The film's success was evident from its first three shows, with Yash Chopra realizing its potential for greatness.
At the time of its release in 1973, Rajesh Khanna was recovering from two consecutive flops, and the film's producers were uncertain about its storyline. This led to the decision to release the film on a smaller scale. Nevertheless, "Daag" went on to achieve a lifetime collection of ₹3.25 crores, a significant amount for its time.
The film's narrative was widely appreciated by fans, and it featured an ensemble cast, including Sharmina Tagore, Rakhi, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri, Manmohan, Iftikar, and Kader Khan. Interestingly, Rajesh Khanna, Rakhi, and Sharmina Tagore reportedly accepted lower fees for their work on the film, with Rakhi even contributing ₹3 lakhs towards its production.
"Daag" remains a testament to Rajesh Khanna's enduring legacy as a cinematic icon, and its success story serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely films can achieve greatness with the right combination of talent and audience appreciation.
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