Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the director known for films like "Rang De Basanti" and "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag," recently shared insights into the making of his 2009 film "Delhi-6," revealing that veteran actress Waheeda Rehman initially turned down the role before eventually accepting it. Mehra also discussed the film's ending and how it was changed for Indian audiences.

Mehra stated that Waheeda Rehman, who played the role of the grandmother in "Delhi-6," had initially refused the role because she "didn't feel like acting". However, he eventually convinced her to take on the role, which became a memorable part of the film.

"Delhi-6" featured an ensemble cast, including Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, Rishi Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, Atul Kulkarni, Divya Dutta, Om Puri, and Pavan Malhotra. The film tells the story of an NRI, played by Abhishek Bachchan, who returns to India with his ailing grandmother (Waheeda Rehman) and gets caught up in a religious dispute. The film is set against the backdrop of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, capturing the area's vibrant culture and communal tensions.

Mehra also revealed that the original version of "Delhi-6," which was screened at the Venice Film Festival, had a different ending than the one released in Indian theaters. The original cut began with the death of the lead character. However, influenced by external opinions that suggested a more hopeful resolution, Mehra altered the ending for the Indian release. He admitted that he later regretted this decision, acknowledging that the initial ending, with its "dark humor," was closer to his original vision.

Despite the pre-release buzz and a successful soundtrack by A.R. Rahman, "Delhi-6" received mixed reviews from critics and did not perform well at the box office. While the performances of the cast and the music were praised, the film was criticized for its story, screenplay, and pacing.

In related news, Mehra disclosed that Waheeda Rehman has now embraced wildlife photography and is exploring jungles in Africa and India. This new passion showcases Rehman's continued zest for life and exploration beyond her celebrated acting career.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, born on July 7, 1963, is one of India's respected film directors and screenwriters. He is known for his contributions to Indian cinema, including the critically acclaimed "Rang De Basanti" (2006) and the biographical sports drama "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" (2013).