This film was India’s biggest flop, pulled from cinemas after just 15 minutes, was actor’s last lead role, earned only Rs…, it is…

This film, which was supposed to change the lead actor's career, ended his career as a lead hero.

In 1982, a film hit the screens and instantly became one of the most infamous box-office disasters. Directed by a renowned actor, the movie also featured a stellar cast. This film, which was supposed to change the lead actor’s career, ended his career as a lead hero. To make things worse, the film was removed from theaters after just 15 minutes and its failure became legendary in the industry.

A Hero’s Brief Heroic Moment

Shakti Kapoor, who had been known for his iconic roles as a villain, talked about this unforgettable experience on The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show, alongside fellow actors Govinda and Chunky Panday. Reflecting on the disastrous outcome of Zakhmee Insaan, he shared, “I tried to become a hero. I did the film Zakhmee Insaan as the lead, but that film made the producer, director, audience—everyone—Zakhmee. It’s a world record! The film was released in theatres at 12 and was removed by 12:15 pm. Before that, I had told everyone I worked with as a villain that I wouldn’t play such roles anymore because I was now a hero. After the film’s release, I went back to all of them, begging for my villain roles again.”

The failure of Zakhmee Insaan marked Shakti Kapoor’s first and last chance at leading a film. Despite his wishes to transition into a hero, the disastrous outcome left him with no choice but to return to his trademark villain roles. This experience, however, didn’t tarnish his career. With more than 700 films under his belt over three decades, the actor has maintained a strong presence in the industry.

About Shakti Kapoor

Famous for his iconic villainous and comedic roles in the cinema, Shakti Kapoor has appeared in over 700 films, including Hungama, Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye, Hulchul, Chup Chup Ke, Chal Mere Bhai, Malamaal Weekly, Qurbani and Rocky. His big break came when Sunil Dutt, while working on Rocky to launch his son, Sanjay Dutt, spotted Shakti Kapoor and cast him as the antagonist. However, Sunil Dutt felt that the actor’s original name, Sunil Kapoor, wouldn’t suit his villainous persona, leading to the creation of a more fitting name, Shakti Kapoor.