British director Danny Boyle watched Satya and Company (2002) to understand the true color of Mumbai before he started filming his acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire. He acknowledged this in a TV interview.
Earlier, Manoj Bajpayee was to play the role of Satya. However, as the roles were developed and became clear,director ram gopal verma realised that Bhiku Mhatre needed a strong character with good command over hindi. Hence, Manoj Bajpayee was asked to potray Bhiku Mhatre.
Iconic dialog from the film Mumbai Ka King Kaun Bhiku Mhatre.While shooting the scene Manoj Bajpai really had a hard time due to fear of height.Manoj Bajpai had to stand at the edge on the high rocks and utter his dialog.Manoj Bajpai would do it perfectly but upon reaching on the rocks he would forget his dialog fearing he might fall.Finally he was tied up with rope and made to climb the rocks but due to heavy winds He would again forget the dialog.Director Rm Gopal Verma then told him to climb on the rocks and say what ever comes to his mind and he would later dub the line sin dubbing session.Manoj Bajpai finally climbed the rocks and shouted Muje Yaha Se Neeche Utara Muje Yaha Se Neeche Utara (take me down from here take me down from here).The original dialog was later dubbed in dubbing session.
When asked why he did not cast famous actors for the lead roles, Varma stated he needed actors who had no set image in the public's mind. He needed unknown actors to make the film look real.
Manoj Bajpai's first lead role.