When Shakti Samanta decided to make the film Amanush in both Bengali and Hindi, Rajesh Khanna expressed to Samanta his willingness to play the lead in Hindi. But Khanna being too busy asked Samanta to delay the shooting by a few months for the Hindi version, but Samanta thought he could make both versions easily if Uttam Kumar himself starred in the Hindi version too. Rajesh Khanna was very disappointed on having lost this role just because of date issues.
During its release at Mumbai's Barkha cinema the screen had caught fire during one of the shows.
Final film at Mumbai's Broadway theatre in Dadar east.
Shatrughan Sinha was approached for the lead role, but could not do it.
Shakti Samanta stated "Amanush was a blockbuster in Bengal. I remember after the first show I was mobbed and when I pleaded to be allowed out of the theatre, I was lifted on the shoulders of cheering fans and carried down the stairs. Uttam Kumar was fondly called "Guru" by his fans in Bengal. After Amanush I became "Guru" too. And there were two "Gurus" in Kolkata. Uttam Kumar was a very fine person. He was around 42 when he did Amanush. I was certain that only he could do justice to this complex role and he far-surpassed my expectations. I was sure after Amanush he would have made a place for himself in Hindi cinema. (Sighs) If he had only picked and chosen his roles with more care.I had advised him to be very selective. He was the reigning superstar of Bengal and didn't need to accept every Hindi film that came his way. He agreed with me but the actress with whom he was living believe differently. She thought he should make hay while the sun shone. The films he signed weren't worthy of him."