Did Amitabh Bachchan drop Parveen Babi from ‘Silsila’? Bollywood writer claims: ‘She was crawling, her cheeks were swollen, he feared …’

Yash Chopra’s 1981 romantic drama Silsila may not have set the box office on fire upon its release, but over time, it achieved cult status for boldly venturing into the controversial theme of extramarital relationships—a rarity in mainstream Indian cinema of the era. Featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha, the film’s narrative was layered with complexities, not just on screen but behind the scenes as well. However, few know that the original lineup for Silsila did not include Rekha or Jaya Bachchan at all.

Parveen Babi and Smita Patil Were Initially Cast

According to journalist and author Hanif Zaveri, who recently spoke on the Meri Saheli podcast, the initial choices for the female leads in Silsila were completely different. Zaveri revealed that Parveen Babi was originally cast in the role of Chandni, while Smita Patil had been chosen to portray Shobha. This pairing could have taken the film in an entirely different direction, but unforeseen developments changed the trajectory of the casting.

Parveen Babi’s Growing Paranoia and Mental Health Struggles

As the production began, it became evident that Parveen Babi was facing severe emotional and psychological challenges. Zaveri recalled an incident that took place during the pre-shoot phase. While working on another film, Kaalia, alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Kashmir, Parveen carried with her all the costumes she had selected for Silsila. When questioned by cinematographer Parvin Bhatt, a close associate, she said that she feared her clothes would be stolen if left behind in Mumbai. This behavior, marked by excessive paranoia, left Bhatt deeply concerned about her mental condition.


Zaveri also shared another disturbing moment that occurred on the same shoot. One night, Parveen was seen crawling down the hallway of her hotel, making her way toward Bhatt’s room.

"During the shoot of Kaalia, Parvin Bhatt and Parveen Babi had their rooms on the same floor with some distance when he found her crawling towards his room..." Zaveri reminisced.

She reportedly told him that she felt she would fall if she stood up. This physical manifestation of fear further confirmed suspicions that she was battling a serious psychological issue.

Amitabh Bachchan Steps In to Prevent a Crisis

Even Amitabh Bachchan is said to have taken note of Parveen’s altered behavior. Concerned by her increasingly unstable demeanor and physical changes—such as swollen facial features possibly due to substance use—he contacted director Yash Chopra, urging him to fly to the shoot location in Kashmir. Upon witnessing her condition firsthand, Chopra realized that continuing with her in the pivotal role of Chandni could jeopardize the entire project.

"When he reached the set, he noticed that her cheeks were swollen, maybe because of alcohol intake...... He feared that if it gets worse in between the shoots of Silsila, his whole film will come to a halt. He then lied to Parveen, saying they made changes in the film’s script and that her role has become too small..." Zaveri stated.

Though the decision was made to protect the production, it had a lasting emotional impact on Parveen.

Rumors, Replacements, and Fallout

Following her exit from Silsila, Parveen Babi became convinced that Amitabh Bachchan was responsible for her removal. This belief was compounded by subsequent rumors and speculative theories in the media. According to Zaveri, however, Bachchan’s actions were not rooted in personal animosity but in concern for the film’s continuity and Parveen’s declining mental health.

Further confirmation came from actor Ranjeet, a close friend of Parveen’s, who recounted a painful conversation during which she was visibly distressed. Ranjeet stated that Silsila had initially featured Parveen in a lead role, but after what he described as a "gimmick controversy," the casting was abruptly changed. Rekha and Jaya Bachchan were then brought in, reportedly to capitalize on public curiosity around the real-life dynamics between the three stars.

A Sad Turn in Parveen’s Life

Parveen Babi’s removal from Silsila was just one chapter in a life increasingly marked by emotional instability and public controversy. In the years that followed, she became more withdrawn and eventually accused Amitabh Bachchan of plotting against her—even going as far as alleging that he had kidnapped her. These statements were often viewed as further evidence of her deteriorating mental state.

Ultimately, the casting shake-up in Silsila became a pivotal moment not just in Bollywood lore, but also in the tragic arc of Parveen Babi’s life and career. What began as a creative shift in a film’s production turned into a haunting symbol of how mental health was misunderstood and mishandled in the Indian film industry of the 1980s.