Renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, known for his recent film ’12th Fail,’ has been a prominent figure in the film industry since the 1970s. After achieving success with acclaimed movies such as ‘Parinda’ and ‘1942: A Love Story,’ he ventured into directing the 1998 film ‘Kareeb,’ featuring Bobby Deol and the then newcomer Neha, now recognized as Shabana Raza.
In a retrospective interview with Filmfare in 2001, Bobby Deol disclosed that Vidhu Vinod Chopra had discovered Neha in Delhi for the film ‘Kareeb.’ Highlighting Neha’s inexperience, Bobby mentioned that Chopra relentlessly pushed her during the filming process, creating challenges for the newcomer. Bobby contrasted his own experience, suggesting that his well-known surname may have shielded him from such intense scrutiny compared to Neha’s situation.
Recounting a particular incident, Bobby revealed that Vidhu Vinod Chopra went to extreme lengths to ensure Neha remembered which hand to extend in a scene. Despite being asked to bite her right hand to aid her memory, Neha continued to make mistakes. Frustrated, Chopra eventually lost his patience and bit her right hand himself, leaving Bobby stunned by the unexpected turn of events.
Bobby noted that Shabana (Neha) was understandably shocked and frightened by the incident, recalling how she was shivering afterward. Despite her distress, even in the final take, she extended her right hand instead of the left one required for the scene.
While Neha (Shabana) has not publicly discussed the biting incident, a previous interview with Rediff in 2008 revealed her discomfort with the forced name change from Shabana to Neha for the film industry. Despite her initial reluctance to pursue acting, she eventually tried her hand at it due to the persistent interest shown by the makers of ‘Kareeb’ in casting her.
