During that era, Hema Malini was making her mark in Bollywood, but ‘Lal Patthar’ gave her career a different turn. An interesting anecdote related to this film is connected with actor Raj Kumar.
It is said that initially there was talk of casting Vaijayantimala for the film. But Raj Kumar wanted Hema Malini to appear opposite him. He insisted to the producers that Hema be cast.Initially, Hema Malini had refused to do the film, because her character had a negative shade and she feared that such a role in the early stages of her career could harm her image.
Raj Kumar convinced her and eventually Hema agreed to do the film.Released in 1971, ‘Lal Patthar’ was the first time Hema played such a challenging role and drew the audience’s attention with her acting.
Rakhee and Vinod Mehra were also in important roles in the film.However, to say that Hema became a ‘superstar’ only because of Raj Kumar’s insistence is a popular filmy anecdote; behind her stardom were many films and years of hard work. But Raj Kumar’s faith in her for ‘Lal Patthar’ certainly remains memorable.
