Vijaya Shanthi, fondly addressed as ‘Lady Amitabh’ and ‘The Action Queen of Telugu Cinema', is a name synonymous with powerful performances and groundbreaking roles in Indian cinema. Spanning a career of 40 years, she has acted in around 200 films in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam languages. However, a little-known fact is that this powerhouse performer once refused to work with Amitabh Bachchan himself.

In 1996, Vijaya Shanthi was paired opposite Amitabh Bachchan in the film Zamaanat, directed by S. Ramanathan. However, the film was eventually shelved. While this project never saw the light of day, another instance reveals a deliberate choice by an actress to not work with Bachchan.

Before Amitabh Bachchan achieved the status of a mega-star, during his struggling phase from 1969 to 1972, many leading ladies were hesitant to work with him. Prior to the release of Zanjeer in 1973, most major heroines declined roles opposite him. According to reports, Asha Parekh was offered a film with Bachchan in 1971 but she refused the offer. They eventually worked together in Kaalia, where she played his sister-in-law. Parekh clarified that the refusal wasn't due to a lack of interest on her part but rather misunderstandings created by mediators. Mala Sinha was one of the few major heroines who worked with Amitabh Bachchan in his pre-Zanjeer days, in the film Sanjog.

Similarly, actress Sridevi had refused to work in Shashi Kapoor's home production Ajooba, in which she was offered a role opposite Amitabh Bachchan.

Even Jaya Bachchan was initially reluctant to star in Zanjeer due to its male-centric theme, but she agreed, partly to spend more time with Amitabh. The film Zanjeer was a turning point in Amitabh Bachchan's career. Before Zanjeer, Amitabh Bachchan had experienced a string of unsuccessful films, with approximately 11 movies not performing well at the box office. There was a time when Amitabh was ready to leave the film industry.

Vyjayanthimala, a veteran actress and classical dancer, also rejected a role in Amitabh Bachchan's film Deewar. She also declined roles in Kranti and Vishwaroopam.

Vijaya Shanthi's career reached its peak in the 1990s when she became the highest-paid actress in India, earning as much as her male counterparts Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan.