Ranjeet, a renowned Bollywood villain, has worked in approximately 500 films over his five-decade career. There was a time when audiences trembled at the sight of Ranjeet portraying negative characters in films. Due to his villainous image, people often misunderstood him in real life. In a recent interview, Ranjeet revealed that even his family disapproved of his career choice, to the extent that his mother once showed him the door.

In 1971, Ranjeet played a negative role in the film 'Sharmilee' alongside actress Raakhee. One particular scene in the movie depicted Ranjeet's character assaulting Raakhee's character. Witnessing this scene in the theater, Ranjeet's family was outraged. Subsequently, his mother insisted that he leave home, expressing disapproval of his work, stating, "How did you muster the courage to enter this house? You tear women's clothes in films. What kind of work is this?" Ranjeet later sought Raakhee's help in resolving the issue. He recounted, "Raakhee Ji was very beautiful. My mother cried when she saw her. She said, 'Damn my son. I apologize to you. I am sorry.' Raakhee Ji explained that we were good friends, and after that, my mother accepted me back."

The interview also touched upon the rumored incident where Ranjeet allegedly turned down the role of Gabbar in Ramesh Sippy's iconic film 'Sholay' due to his friendship with Danny Denzongpa. Ranjeet clarified, "It's true. I was shooting for another film in Bangalore at that time. Danny was shooting for Feroz Khan's film 'Dharmatma' in Afghanistan. In those days, actors' schedules were not fixed." He further explained, "Feroz Khan told Danny, 'What will you do in Sholay? There are already three main actors - Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sanjeev Kumar. You will be in the fourth or fifth role. I will cast you in my film with Hema Malini instead.' Danny felt that he should work in 'Dharmatma' because 'Sholay' hadn't started yet. But he couldn't refuse 'Sholay' then. Communication was difficult in those days."

Regarding the offer to play Gabbar, Ranjeet mentioned, "Later, I got the offer to play Gabbar's role. The production team approached me and asked me to play Gabbar. By that time, Danny and I had already worked together in several films. I told them that Danny was coming to my house, and I won't be able to do this film then, as he is my friend. I had seen a photo where it was written that Danny was stuck in Afghanistan, and I had taken the film away from his hands. So I told the team that if Danny says he doesn't want to do this film and has no problem, then I will do it. But they couldn't wait because big stars were associated with it. So, the role eventually went to Amjad Khan."

Ranjeet initiated his career in the 1970s and has appeared in films such as 'Sharmilee,' 'Reshma Aur Shera,' 'Bandhe Haath,' 'Chor Sipahi,' and 'Housefull 4.' Apart from acting, he directed two films titled 'Karishma' and 'Gazab Tamasha.'

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