The story of the iconic film 'Zanjeer' is one of twists and turns, reflecting the evolving dynamics of Bollywood during the 1970s. According to the insights shared in the book 'Written by Salim-Javed' by Diptakirti Chaudhuri, Salim Khan conceived the treatment for 'Zanjeer' before his writing partnership with Javed Akhtar began. Salim's familial connections played a significant role in the film's inception; his father, Abdul Rashid Khan, was a police officer with a past in the Chambal region, which also inspired other notable films like 'Sholay.' Initially, Salim sold the idea for 'Zanjeer' to actor Dharmendra for ₹2,500, with plans for Dharmendra to take the lead role and his brother Ajit co-producing with director Prakash Mehra.

As destiny would have it, these plans unraveled as the producing partnership faced difficulties, leading to Dharmendra's exit from the project after Ajit departed. Following his withdrawal, the film approached legendary actor Dilip Kumar, who similarly declined the opportunity. Ultimately, the role found a stronghold in the hands of Amitabh Bachchan, marking a significant pivot in his career.

Bobby Deol, in a past interview, revealed that a familial conflict between a cousin and Prakash Mehra played a pivotal role in Dharmendra’s stepping down from the project. He recalled that his cousin explicitly warned their father about dire consequences if he took on the role in 'Zanjeer,' thus forcing him to withdraw. This anecdote highlights the intense family dynamics that sometimes influence career decisions in the film industry.

In 2022, Javed Akhtar reflected on the casting of 'Zanjeer,' labeling Amitabh Bachchan as the last resort after notable actors, including Dharmendra, had rejected the film. In response, Dharmendra humorously acknowledged the situation, commenting on how true realities are often overshadowed by the glitz and glamor of the film industry. Alongside Amitabh Bachchan, 'Zanjeer' featured stalwart performances from Pran and Jaya Bachchan, solidifying its status as a classic in Indian cinema history.

The saga of 'Zanjeer' underscores how unforeseen circumstances in Bollywood can drastically shape the outcome of a film, influencing both the actors involved and the trajectory of cinematic storytelling.