Ram Teri Ganga Maili: Not Mandakani But This 14-Year-Old Actress Was Initially Cast As Lead In Raj Kapoor’s Film

Ram Teri Ganga Maili is one of the most iconic and well-known movies in Hindi cinema from the 1980s. Directed by the visionary Raj Kapoor, the film starred his youngest son, Rajiv Kapoor and Mandakani. The movie was an all-time blockbuster and was one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the decade alongside 1981’s Kranti and 1989’s Maine Pyar Kiya, and is also among the films with the highest footfall.

The movie catapulted Mandakini to instant fame for her unforgettable portrayal of Ganga, but not many know that she wasn’t the first choice for the role. Interestingly, Raj Kapoor had initially cast a 14-year-old actress to play the lead. However, the initial casting choice didn’t pan out as expected.

Khushbu Sundar Was Almost Cast In Ram Teri Ganga Maili

Raj Kapoor, known for his keen eye for talent and ability to push boundaries, initially cast actress Khushbu Sundar as Ganga in Ram Teri Ganga Maili. At just 14 years of age, the actress fit Kapoor’s vision of portraying innocence and purity. However, Ganga Sahay had to play the role of a mother in the movie, which would have looked odd for a 14-year-old girl, and that’s why Raj Kapoor dropped the idea. Khushbu Sundar revealed these details in a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani.