Renowned filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar, known for his collaborations with Bollywood icons such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Sachin Tendulkar, recently shared intriguing insights into the challenges faced during the shooting of a soft drink advertisement amid the tumultuous Mumbai riots of the early ’90s.
The advertisement, which also featured Mahima Chaudhary and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, captured the attention of audiences despite the adverse circumstances surrounding its production. Kakkar revealed that Aamir Khan expressed apprehensions about filming during the riots and recounted their unsuccessful attempts to secure police protection.
In a recent interview with News 18, Kakkar recounted the unexpected turn of events during the shoot. Midway through production, the riots erupted, leading to the immediate evacuation of the entire crew. Vibha Rishi, realizing the logistical challenges posed by the ongoing riots, organized a convoy to transport the team to safety at the President’s hotel, emphasizing the importance of their well-being.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Kakkar highlighted the dedication of the team to completing the shoot. However, he noted that the studio continued to charge them for the facilities, emphasizing the urgency to finish the film.
Aamir Khan and his family, understandably concerned for their safety given the ongoing riots, initially hesitated to continue the shoot. Kakkar recalled their apprehensions, noting that they expressed concerns about Aamir, a Muslim, being at risk in such a volatile environment.
In a determined effort to resume filming, Kakkar shared a humorous anecdote about sending his eight-month-pregnant wife to pick up Aamir. Despite initial hesitation, Aamir agreed to return to the set after receiving assurances of police escort and protection. However, the director was faced with the unexpected challenge of limited police availability, resulting in the creative solution of dressing the crew in police uniforms for added security.
Despite the obstacles, the team persevered and successfully completed the shoot. Kakkar’s recollection provides a glimpse into the resilience and commitment exhibited by the Bollywood industry during challenging times.
On a different note, Aamir Khan’s most recent appearance was in the film ‘Laal Singh Chaddha,’ where he shared the screen with Kareena Kapoor Khan.
