Actor Aditya Pancholi has set social media abuzz after claiming that he was the original choice to star opposite Madhuri Dixit in the 1988 blockbuster ‘Tezaab’.
In a post on X, Pancholi hinted that “an actor and his elder brother” influenced director N Chandra to replace him — a remark many online believe points to Anil Kapoor and Boney Kapoor.
“I was the original choice for Tezaab (1988), opposite @MadhuriDixit. Director N. Chandra, still very much around, can confirm this. Unfortunately, an actor, through his elder brother (who remains active in the industry), influenced the director to replace me. The rest, as they say, is history,” Pancholi wrote.
He then took aim at the film industry’s internal politics, saying the problem extends far beyond nepotism.
“Recently, I saw an #Actor speak about nepotism while promoting his new release. Let me say this clearly: Politics in the film industry runs deeper than #Nepotism. Favouritism, manipulation, and power games shape careers more than family ties ever could,” the ‘Aatish’ actor added.
I was the original choice for Tezaab (1988), opposite @MadhuriDixit . Director N. Chandra, still very much around can confirm this.
Unfortunately, an actor, through his elder brother (who remains active in the industry), influenced the director to replace me. The rest, as they… pic.twitter.com/0GsBvsK2KG
— Aditya Pancholi (@AdityaRPancholi) October 27, 2025
The post quickly gained traction online, with people weighing in on Pancholi’s claims and others decoding the “cryptic” references.
“That’s such an honest take. People often talk about nepotism, but the real story is how power, influence, and silent politics decide who gets a shot. Respect for speaking the truth with grace,” one user wrote.
Another speculated, “Is he referring to Anil Kapoor and his brother Boney Kapoor as the actors who influenced the director?”
However, not everyone agreed with Pancholi’s claims.
One user defended the Kapoor brothers, writing, “Boney and Anil Kapoor virtually struggled their way to top in eighties. It is laughable to suggest Boney drew any power to influence Anil’s selection. U are a good actor but lacked that boy-next-door appeal to succeed in such roles.”
Another added, “How come you’re bringing this up suddenly after four decades?”
Directed by N Chandra, Tezaab became a cult classic and a career-defining film for both Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor.