The world of Bollywood has been graced by the talented Shilpa Shetty, who has made a name for herself in the industry. One of her most iconic films, the 1993 thriller ‘Baazigar’, still sends shivers down the spines of audiences, thanks to its jaw-dropping climax. This film marked her debut, and she shared the screen with the inimitable Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, creating an on-screen magic that’s hard to forget. The scene where Shah Rukh’s character pushes Shilpa’s character off a building has been doing the rounds on social media, particularly among younger fans. At a recent film festival, Shilpa reminisced about the shooting of this scene, sharing some fascinating anecdotes.
As she looked back on her early days in Bollywood, Shilpa revealed, “I had no idea about filmmaking back then, and I didn’t know how to go about it. I was like a student on set, and I was very nervous. Since I came from South India, I never spoke in Hindi on set. When I did, I asked Kader Khan to teach me Urdu, and I started learning from scratch.” Her journey in the industry has been nothing short of remarkable, and it’s heartening to see how she overcame her initial fears.
A Mark on Shilpa’s Hip
Shilpa confessed, “I used to get very anxious about my dialogues. But it’s all good because I finally managed to do everything. People understand what I’m trying to say.” Talking about the climax scene, she shared, “Akbar Khan was the action director, and we shot that scene about five times. I had a harness on, and I had a mark on my hip for around 8-10 years.” The dedication and perseverance that went into filming this iconic scene are a testament to Shilpa’s commitment to her craft.
Dying 15 Times for the Scene
Shilpa revealed, “We didn’t have VFX back then, so I had to do everything to show that I was falling and the building was shaking. But the makers thought the scene could be shot better. I must have ‘died’ around 15 times for that scene.” Despite the challenges, Shilpa praised Shah Rukh Khan’s acting, saying, “When we saw the final shot, I think it was one of the most incredible moments in Hindi cinema because you’ve never seen a hero push a innocent heroine like that. Shah Rukh was fantastic.” The impact of this scene has been long-lasting, and it’s a significant aspect of what makes ‘Baazigar’ a memorable film.
‘Baazigar’: A Crime Thriller
Shilpa also reflected on how films were made with love and passion in the 90s, rather than just being driven by money. Directed by Abbas-Mastan, ‘Baazigar’ is a crime thriller that has stood the test of time, and its enduring popularity can be attributed to the genuine effort that went into creating it. As we look back on this iconic film, it’s clear that Shilpa Shetty’s contribution to Bollywood has been invaluable, and her experiences on the sets of ‘Baazigar’ will remain an integral part of the film’s legacy.
