The 90s were a defining era for Bollywood, with a plethora of iconic films and actors that still hold a special place in our hearts. Ayesha Jhulka, one of the top heroines of that time, has shared a shocking incident from the sets of her 1991 film ‘Kurbaan’, where she narrowly escaped a fatal accident, thanks to the quick thinking of her co-star, Salman Khan. In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Ayesha recollected the terrifying moment when Salman’s prompt action saved her life.
It was during the filming of ‘Kurbaan’ that Ayesha and Salman were shooting on a railway track in Igatpuri. As Ayesha began to dance on the tracks, Salman, who had just finished his shot, suddenly heard the sound of an approaching train. Without hesitation, he swiftly pulled Ayesha to safety, just in time. The train whizzed by, leaving everyone on set shaken. Ayesha, still shaken, recalls the moment, “I was dancing on the track, and Salman, who was standing nearby, heard the train’s whistle and immediately pulled me towards him. I was so shocked that I didn’t even realize what had happened initially.”
What’s striking about this incident is that, back in the 90s, safety protocols on film sets were not as stringent as they are today. The crew relied on manual signals, such as waving flags or shouting instructions, to communicate. As Ayesha recounts, “We were told that no train would be passing through that track at that time. But, as fate would have it, a train appeared out of nowhere, and Salman’s quick reflexes saved me.”
Lack of Walkie-Talkies Made Communication Challenging
Ayesha emphasizes that the absence of walkie-talkies on set made communication difficult. Crew members would often rely on shouting or using hand gestures to convey instructions. This lack of effective communication created an environment where accidents could easily occur. The fact that Salman was able to respond swiftly, despite the chaos, highlights his presence of mind and instinctive nature.
Ayesha Recalls the Exact Moment
As Ayesha delves deeper into the incident, she paints a vivid picture of the events leading up to the close call. “The cameraman had just set up the shot, and I was about to start dancing on the track. Salman had finished his part and was standing nearby. Suddenly, I felt a strong pull, and before I knew it, I was being dragged away from the track. It was only later that I realized a train had almost hit me.” Salman’s prompt action not only saved Ayesha’s life but also underscores the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings, especially in high-pressure environments like film sets.
Salman’s Heroic Act
Ayesha’s account of the incident highlights Salman’s heroic act, which has stayed with her to this day. “Salman heard the train’s whistle and immediately reacted. He pulled me towards him, and I felt like all my organs were shaking. It was only when I saw the train passing by that I realized what had just happened.” This incident showcases the bond between the two actors and the instinctive trust that develops between colleagues in high-stakes situations.
‘Kurbaan’ marked Ayesha’s debut in Hindi cinema, and she went on to act in numerous films, reality shows, and OTT projects. This incident, however, remains etched in her memory, a testament to the unpredictability of life and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. As Ayesha looks back on her journey, this incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the value of human connection in the face of adversity.