10 Years of 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan': Kabir Khan recalls CBFC clash over 'Jai Shri Ram' line; Om Puri’s scene almost got cut

As 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' completes 10 years, director Kabir Khan is opening up about the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped one of Bollywood’s most emotionally moving films. Known for its universal message of humanity across borders, the film became a landmark in Salman Khan’s career, but its journey wasn’t without hurdles.

CBFC Wanted to Cut a Line They Feared Would Offend

One of the most debated scenes in 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' features Om Puri, who played a Pakistani Maulvi, blessing Salman Khan’s character with the words “Jai Shri Ram”. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), however, wasn’t comfortable with it.Kabir Khan shared to SCREEN, “They felt it might hurt Muslim sentiments. But I fought hard for it. That moment wasn’t about religion, it was about unity, and it landed exactly like that with the audience.”

He recalled watching the film at Mumbai’s Gaiety Galaxy, a single-screen theatre packed with Muslim blue-collar workers, who cheered loudly at that very moment. “It was the clearest sign that everyone who doubted it was wrong.

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The Emotions Surprised Even the Filmmaker

Kabir confessed that he hadn’t expected the emotional depth to strike viewers so profoundly. “I thought it was going to be more of a fun, adventurous movie. But when I saw audiences just sitting in silence after the film, I realized it hit something deep,” he said.

“Even today, I get misty-eyed watching the final scene.”

Naseeruddin Shah Was First Choice for Om Puri’s Role

Interestingly, Kabir also revealed that Om Puri wasn’t the original choice for the Maulvi role. “I had offered it to Naseeruddin Shah, who really liked the script. But it couldn’t work out,” he said, calling Puri’s performance unforgettable nonetheless.A decade later, 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' remains not just a film, but an emotion. Sadly, Salman Khan is yet to make a magnificent comeback, as the majority of his recent films were underwhelming.