Khushbu Sundar was the first choice for Ram Teri Ganga Maili but she was deemed too young (14) to play a mother.
Padmini had played the younger version of Zeenat Aman’s character Rupa in Satyam Shivam Sundaram followed by the lead role in Prem Rog. Raj Kapoor offered Ram Teri Ganga Maili but she declined the offer.
The reason being the bold, intimate scenes in the film. Padmini was uncomfortable with the bold content of the film and the kissing scenes in the script. During that stage the breastfeeding scene was not a part of the script still she refused.
Both shared a very good relationship and Raj Kapoor understood her reasons. He even asked Padmini to reconsider the offer even after a 45 day shooting schedule with Mandakini and others.
Padmini’s strict inhibitions against on-screen kissing led the search. After auditioning Dimple Kapadia, Raj Kapoor decided to search for a fresh new innocent face rather than an established star to play the role of a hill station girl. Mandakini’s father Joseph took her and her sister for audition. Yasmeen Joesph was selected and Raj Kapoor gave her the screen name, “Mandakini”.
Ram Teri Ganga Maili was the defining moment in Mandakini’s career propelling her to overnight stardom.
Image(s) Courtesy: Google