In the realm of Indian cinema, the film Zanjeer holds a significant place, not only for its storyline but also for the drama that unfolded behind the scenes. In Diptakirti Chaudhuri's book ‘Written by Salim-Javed’, Salim Khan disclosed that he conceived the treatment for Zanjeer before ever partnering with Javed Akhtar. Drawing intriguing inspiration from his background, Salim's father, Abdul Rashid Khan, served as a police officer and had encountered the challenging terrains of Chambal, which later influenced the famous movie Sholay.

Salim's original idea for Zanjeer was sold to the actor Dharmendra for a sum of Rs 2,500. The initial plan sought to have Dharmendra star in the film, with his brother Ajit co-producing alongside director Prakash Mehra. Unfortunately, the production partnership became strained, leading to Dharmendra withdrawing from the project after his brother decided to exit.

Following Dharmendra's departure, the film was offered to the esteemed Dilip Kumar, who also chose not to participate. Eventually, the film found its leading man in Amitabh Bachchan, who was initially considered a last resort, as revealed by Javed Akhtar during a discussion. Akhtar's comments highlight how various actors, including Dharmendra, had declined the role before it reached Amitabh.

Bobby Deol, in a previous interview, shed light on the circumstances surrounding his father’s exit from Zanjeer. He recounted an incident involving a disagreement between a cousin of theirs and Prakash Mehra. Bobby explained that his cousin expressed strong disapproval of Dharmendra taking on the film, leading to a dramatic ultimatum that compelled his father to relinquish the role.

In a response to Akhtar's remarks on social media, Dharmendra reflected on the situation, conveying a sense of understanding amidst the complexities of the film industry. Zanjeer ultimately became a groundbreaking success, not only for its gripping narrative but also as a pivotal moment in Amitabh Bachchan's career, alongside co-stars Pran and Jaya Bachchan.

Zanjeer's journey from conception to realization illustrates the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the intricate relationships involved. The film's legacy continues to influence Indian cinema, serving as a reminder of the myriad factors that determine a project's outcome.