Feroz Khan turned down Prakash Mehra’s Hera Pheri over Sunday work rule, says Sanjay Gupta

Feroz Khan refused Prakash Mehra’s 1976 film Hera Pheri because the shoot would have required him to work on Sundays, a day he never worked, Sanjay Gupta revealed on X on September 28, 2026. Gupta quoted the director’s offer that would have paired Khan with Amitabh Bachchan, but Khan turned it down to keep his Sunday‑off rule. The same post noted that Gupta thought he was the only star with such a rule. In a separate X post, Gupta called Khan a “true gentleman” and said the late actor was always grateful to the lesser‑known filmmakers who gave him early breaks, believing they built his foundation. Feroz Khan entered the film world in 1960 and acted in hits such as Arzoo, Aadmi Aur Insaan, Safar, Mela, Apradh, Khotey Sikkay, Kaala Sona and Nagin. He later directed, produced and starred in his own projects, most famously Dharmatma, Qurbani and Janbaaz. His final big‑screen role was in the comedy Welcome (2009). Khan died on April 27, 2009, aged 69. ## Context His refusal illustrates how personal principles could shape casting choices in Bollywood, and his gratitude highlights the role of small‑budget filmmakers in launching big stars.