Rajiv Rai recalls how Vishwatma’s 1992 Kenya shoot with Sunny Deol and Naseeruddin Shah turned tense when two actors were arrested at night.
The world of cinema is full of memorable stories and incidents that often go unnoticed by the audience. These behind-the-scenes moments are often the ones that make a film truly special. One such incident took place during the shooting of the 1992 action-thriller film, Vishwatma. Directed by Rajiv Rai, the film starred two of the most talented actors of Indian cinema, Sunny Deol and Naseeruddin Shah.
The film was being shot in Kenya, a country known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture. The entire cast and crew were excited to be shooting in such a beautiful location. However, little did they know that this shoot would turn into a tense and unforgettable experience.
Rajiv Rai, the director of the film, recently shared his experience of shooting Vishwatma in Kenya. He recalled how everything was going smoothly until one night when two of his actors were arrested by the local police. The incident left everyone on the sets in a state of shock and panic.
It all started when Sunny Deol and Naseeruddin Shah, along with a few other crew members, decided to explore the city after a long day of shooting. They were driving around in a car when they were stopped by the police. The officers accused them of violating the curfew and arrested them on the spot.
Rajiv Rai, who was not present at the scene, was informed about the incident by the remaining crew members. He immediately rushed to the police station to sort out the matter. However, the situation was not as simple as he thought. The police were not ready to release the actors and insisted on taking them to court the next day.
The entire team of Vishwatma was in a state of shock. Shooting in a foreign country was already a challenge, and this incident made it even more difficult. Rajiv Rai knew that he had to act fast to get his actors out of this situation. He contacted the Indian embassy and sought their help. The embassy officials intervened, and after a lot of negotiations, the actors were finally released.
The incident had a deep impact on Rajiv Rai. He was grateful to the Indian embassy for their timely help, and he also realized the importance of following the rules and regulations of a foreign country. He made sure that the entire team was aware of the local laws and regulations and strictly adhered to them for the rest of the shoot.
Despite the tense situation, Rajiv Rai and his team managed to complete the shoot successfully. Vishwatma went on to become a blockbuster hit and is still remembered for its thrilling action sequences and gripping storyline. The film also marked the debut of actress Divya Bharti, who became an overnight sensation.
Looking back at the incident, Rajiv Rai feels that it was a learning experience for him and his team. He believes that such challenges make a filmmaker stronger and more resilient. He also credits the professionalism and dedication of his actors, Sunny Deol and Naseeruddin Shah, for helping him complete the shoot without any further hiccups.
The incident during the shoot of Vishwatma in Kenya may have been a tense one, but it also brought the team closer and taught them the importance of teamwork and perseverance. Rajiv Rai fondly remembers the shoot and cherishes the memories of working with such talented actors and a dedicated crew.
In conclusion, the incident during the shoot of Vishwatma in Kenya may have been a challenging one, but it also taught everyone a valuable lesson. It is a reminder that no matter how difficult the situation may be, with determination and teamwork, anything is possible. The success of Vishwatma stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the making of the film.
