Gulzar wanted to sign Zarina Wahab for the lead role. Sharmila Tagore heard of the project and told Gulzar she was interested in the film. Gulzar needed a star to sell the film so he agreed to cast her.
Rakhee and Jaya Bachchan recommended Anju Mahendru for the lead role but Gulzar rejected the idea. Anju never forgave Gulzar for this.
Amitabh and Jaya were to star in the film. But Hrishikesh changed his mind.
Jaya Bhaduri and Amitabh were to do the film. When Gulzar approached Amitabh, Amitabh told Gulzar he did not want to work with the producer.The producer had prior removed Amitabh from 2 films and he did not want to work for that man. Amitabh told Gulzar to change the producer. Gulzar did not want to take orders from a actor and signed Sanjeev.