The Divine Dilemma: Why Akshay Kumar Initially Shied Away From Playing God in 'OMG'

Bollywood director Umesh Shukla has finally lifted the veil on a fascinating anecdote from the sets of the highly acclaimed film, 'OMG – Oh My God!'. It turns out that superstar Akshay Kumar, who ultimately delivered a memorable performance as Lord Krishna's messenger, initially had strong reservations about taking on the role, a reluctance deeply rooted in his respect for cinematic legend Amitabh Bachchan.

Shukla revealed that when he first approached Akshay for the pivotal role, the actor flat-out refused.

His reasoning? He felt that if an icon like Amitabh Bachchan, who had previously played God in 'God Tussi Great Ho', couldn't quite 'pull off' the portrayal to Akshay's personal satisfaction, then he, Akshay, shouldn't even attempt it. It was a surprising and deeply humble stance from an actor known for his diverse roles.

The director elaborated on the crucial misunderstanding.

Akshay was under the impression that he was being asked to play the literal, all-powerful God. Shukla had to meticulously explain that the character was not God himself, but rather a human manifestation, a messenger of Lord Krishna. He clarified that the role was an interpretation, a guide, and a divine presence in human form, designed to help Paresh Rawal's character, Kanji Lal Mehta, navigate his existential crisis.

This clarification was the turning point.

Once Akshay understood the nuanced nature of the role – that it wasn't about embodying an omnipotent deity but rather a philosophical guide – he eventually agreed to come on board. His portrayal went on to become one of the most beloved aspects of the film, earning him widespread critical acclaim and connecting deeply with audiences.

Interestingly, Akshay Kumar wasn't the only one with initial reservations.

Paresh Rawal, whose powerhouse performance as the atheist shopkeeper Kanji Lal Mehta formed the emotional core of the film, was also hesitant at first. However, Shukla managed to convince both his lead actors of the script's potential, leading to a cinematic masterpiece that transcended religious boundaries and sparked important conversations.

'OMG – Oh My God!' released in 2012, became a massive critical and commercial success, lauded for its thought-provoking script, stellar performances, and a fresh take on faith and spirituality.

The film cemented its place as a significant milestone in Indian cinema, and now, thanks to Umesh Shukla's revelation, we have an even deeper appreciation for the journey behind its creation.