When Jaya took over Moushumi’s role in Koshish

Jaya Bachchan has always been a shining name in Hindi cinema. Known for her natural acting and powerful screen presence, she starred in classic films like ‘Guddi,’ ‘Abhimaan,’ ‘Mili,’ and ‘Anamika.’ In the 1970s, she was the top choice for many filmmakers, winning hearts with every role she played.
But while her film journey has been full of success, Jaya Bachchan has also been part of many controversies. Her straightforward nature and quick temper have made headlines several times. Whether it’s her run-ins with paparazzi or her bold comments at public events, Jaya is never afraid to speak her mind. One of the lesser-known stories involves her alleged clash with fellow actress Moushumi Chatterjee — a story that still creates buzz.

The film that started it all

As reported by India.com, the heart of this story lies in Gulzar’s 1972 film ‘Koshish.’ While the film is remembered for its beautiful storytelling and performances, not many know that Jaya Bachchan wasn’t the original choice for the lead role.
According to Moushumi Chatterjee, she was the first actress cast in the film. She even shot for three days before being replaced. In a 2023 interview with ‘Laharen Retro,’ Moushumi opened up about what really happened behind the scenes. “I shot for three days, and I could see what manipulations were done in those three days. I could see Jaya Bachchan’s secretary. She used to be in the office from morning till night. And suddenly Gulzar da, whom I knew from the time of ‘Geetanjali’ and who used to teach Urdu to my mother-in-law, said that you have to shoot till a little late at night from tomorrow.”
At that time, Moushumi had just become a mother. She told Gulzar she could only shoot during the day, as her baby was still very young. But instead of understanding her situation, Gulzar gave her a harsh reply.
She recalled, “I had recently become a mother, and the child was small. I could shoot only in one shift.” But Gulzar told her, “Many other heroines were in the queue to take this role.” Feeling hurt and sidelined, Moushumi left the film. Soon after, Jaya Bachchan was cast in her place.

Coincidence or clever planning?
The sudden change in casting raised many questions. Moushumi noticed that Jaya’s secretary was always present during her short time on the set. It made her feel that something was being planned behind her back. Though Jaya Bachchan has never spoken about this, the timing of her entry into the film made people wonder if the move was intentional. To this day, neither Gulzar nor Jaya has responded to Moushumi’s claims. Was it just a case of bad timing? Or was there more going on behind the scenes? Guess we may never know the full truth.