The 1976 film Naagin is still remembered as one of the biggest examples of shape-shifting snake and revenge stories in Hindi cinema. Directed by Rajkumar Kohli, the film is known for its mysterious plot, eerie twists and the timeless music composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, especially the now-famous Naagin tune that is still instantly recognisable to audiences. Nearly five decades have passed since its release, yet the story and its music still stay fresh in the minds of audiences. The film turned actress Reena Roy into an overnight star, but few people know that she was not the first choice for the lead, and most powerful, character in Naagin.
Rekha and Asha Parekh Had Already Turned Down The Role
Reena Roy appeared as a guest on The Kapil Sharma Show, where she shared an interesting and lesser known story linked to the film. She recalled that when director Rajkumar Kohli was working on the script of Naagin, he wanted established, top actresses of that era to play the powerful and mysterious central character, since this role was the backbone of the entire story and the makers did not want to take any risk with such an important part. According to Reena Roy, Rekha, Asha Parekh and a few other leading actresses of the time were approached for the role first, but all of them clearly declined to be part of the film for different reasons of their own. After one leading actress after another turned down the offer, the makers' search finally led them to Reena Roy.
How The Career Defining Opportunity Came Her Way
Recalling the opportunity in an interview, Reena Roy said, when the other big actresses refused to do the film, the makers felt I would be perfect for the role. I was comfortable with acting as well as dance. The opportunity came to me, and it turned out to be the biggest turning point of my career. In other words, the very role that several leading and established heroines of that time had rejected went on to become Reena Roy's biggest identity and gave her a unique and special place in the film industry.
Her Mother Was Unhappy With The Naagin Role
Playing the shape-shifting snake was not easy for Reena Roy, since her own family stood firmly against the decision. She revealed that her mother was completely unhappy about the project from the start. Her mother felt the character was entirely negative and grey-shaded, someone who kills humans throughout the film purely for the sake of revenge. Her mother had also asked her why she was choosing such a fierce and negative role so early in her career, one that could damage her screen image going forward.
Reena Roy Took The Bold Call Despite The Objections
Despite her mother's objections, Reena Roy saw a different kind of strength and appeal in the film's story that others may have missed. She set aside her mother's worries, followed her own instinct, and made the bold decision to take on the challenging character regardless of the risk. That decision later proved to be the biggest turning point of her career. Her role in Naagin not only changed her fortunes overnight but also placed her among the most talked about and successful actresses of that era in Hindi cinema.
