While the acting was brilliant across the film, there was one moment on set that revealed just how much pressure the actors were under during filming.
Yash Chopra’s Silsila is one of the most iconic movies of all time. The film brought together an ensemble cast that included some of the biggest stars of the cinema. From the unforgettable music to the intricate storyline and compelling characters, everything about the film was beyond perfect. What stood out most was the incredible performances by the actors. The chemistry between Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha and Jaya Bachchan created a deeply emotional narrative that made the film a timeless classic. However, while the acting was brilliant across the board, there was one moment on set that revealed just how much pressure the actors were under during filming.
When Amitabh Bachchan Calmed Nervous Rekha
In an interview with Dinesh Raheja in 1994, Rekha revealed a behind-the-scenes story that left many shocked. She recounted a particularly nerve-wracking experience during the intense ‘I hate you’ scene. With 15,000 people on the set early in the morning, Rekha had to perform a highly emotional scene in which she was crying and delivering significant lines. Feeling the weight of the moment, she asked the director, Yash Chopra, for extra time to prepare. However, to her surprise, he refused. That’s when Amitabh Bachchan, ever the calming presence, shared an anecdote about the legendary James Dean from the film Giant.
Rekha recalled, “It was such an intense scene and there were 15,000 people on the location at five in the morning. I had major lines to speak, crying et al. I asked Yashji (Chopra, Director) for time, but he said no. Then Amitji related an incident. He said, James Dean in a film called Giant faced a similar dilemma. He just turned around and did Number 1 (urinated) in front of the crowd. That made him feel on top of the world. James Dean thought to himself, ‘Isse bura kya ho sakta hai?’ and gave a perfect shot.”
Rekha Hugged Amitabh Bachchan In The Film
Amitabh Bachchan’s story helped Rekha settle her nerves, and she thanked him for the advice. She said, “I said to Amitji, ‘Excuse me, that really makes me feel better.’ He said, ‘I don’t mean it literally, but you know what I mean, come on. This is acting.” As the cameras rolled, the massive crowd on set fell silent. When the scene concluded and Rekha embraced Amitabh Bachchan, the audience’s reaction was a loud ‘Ooooh’. Rekha, laughing, recalled, “Start, camera, action sunte hi sab chup ho gaye. End mein when I hugged Amitji, toh sab bole, ‘Ooooh’. I had a hard time trying to control my expression.”
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