Ajay Devgan, who rose to fame in the 90s, is one of Bollywood’s most popular mass action stars. His debut in the 90s marked the beginning of a successful career, with movies like ‘Dilwale’, ‘Vijaypath’, ‘Jaan’, and ‘Diljale’ making him a household name. One of his notable films, ‘Kachche Dhaage’, created a significant buzz among the public and is still remembered for its action-packed sequences and hit songs.
In ‘Kachche Dhaage’, Ajay played the role of an angry young man, an illegitimate son of a wealthy businessman. The film also starred Saif Ali Khan as Ajay’s half-brother, and together they embarked on an action-filled journey. The movie’s plot was engaging, and the chemistry between the lead actors made it a big hit of its era.
A train sequence that still impresses
One of the most iconic scenes in ‘Kachche Dhaage’ is the train sequence, which bears some resemblance to the classic film ‘Sholay’. While ‘Sholay’ featured Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra fighting bandits on a train, ‘Kachche Dhaage’ had Ajay and Saif escaping from the police and fighting against the motion of the train. The scene was intense, with the train racing through the desert and the brothers trying to overcome the challenges they faced.
The train sequence was not just thrilling to watch, but it was also challenging to shoot. Director Milan Luthria recalled that the scene was planned as a highlight of the film, and the team worked tirelessly to make it happen. Action director Tinu Verma was in the engine of the train, guiding the driver and ensuring that the sequence was shot perfectly.
Ajay’s daredevil stunt
In one of the most memorable scenes, Ajay is seen hanging from a moving train, trying to separate the guard cabin from the rest of the train. The scene was shot without a body double, and Ajay performed the stunt himself. However, the shoot was not without its challenges. Milan Luthria recalled that Ajay’s life was almost lost during the shoot when the driver increased the speed of the train, despite being instructed to stop. Ajay’s kurta and vest were torn, and he suffered injuries to his back.
Saif’s ‘Guru Dakshina’
Another interesting anecdote from the shoot of ‘Kachche Dhaage’ involves Saif Ali Khan. Action director Tinu Verma shared that Saif had a habit of starting to dance as soon as the camera started rolling, which would often disrupt the shot. Tinu got frustrated with Saif’s antics and eventually gave him a slap, telling him to respect the technicians and the craft. Saif later apologized, and Tinu considers the incident as Saif’s ‘Guru Dakshina’, a payment or fee given to a guru or teacher.
Ajay’s near-death experience
In another intense scene, Ajay had to jump from a jeep that was blasted in the air. However, as he fell to the ground, the jeep came crashing down, barely missing him. Milan Luthria recalled that he and Tinu Verma had to jump into the frame to pull Ajay to safety, just in time. Ajay himself said that he would have died if they hadn’t reacted quickly.
The shoot of ‘Kachche Dhaage’ was undoubtedly challenging, with the cast and crew facing numerous obstacles. However, the end result was worth it, as the film’s action sequences remain iconic to this day. Ajay Devgan’s daredevil stunts and the chemistry between the lead actors made the film a memorable one, and its legacy continues to be felt in Bollywood.