 Initially, Dharmendra (qv) was keen to play the role of Thakur  Baldev Singh. He eventually relented when the director informed him  that Sanjeev Kumar (I) (qv) would play Veeru if that happened, and  would get the heroine. Sanjeev Kumar had just then proposed marriage  to Hema Malini (qv). Dharmendra was in love with her and quickly  went back to the role of Veeru.