In a recent interview, renowned Bollywood director duo Abbas-Mustan revealed intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the iconic 1993 film “Baazigar.” The movie, which served as a launchpad for superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Shilpa Shetty, marked a significant milestone in Hindi cinema.
Director Abbas Mustan reminisced about a particular scene in the film where Kajol, then only 17 years old, struggled to stifle her laughter during Shilpa Shetty’s character’s death sequence. Mustan attributed Kajol’s laughter to her youthful innocence, as she found it peculiar for a deceased person to have their eyes open.
To help Kajol grasp the gravity of the scene, the directors instructed her to envision the deceased character as her own younger sister, prompting genuine tears from the young actress. This emotional depth translated into a powerful and authentic performance captured in a single take, as recounted by Mustan.
The interview shed light on the casting process for “Baazigar,” revealing that Kajol was chosen even before the release of her debut film “Bekhudi.” The directors were impressed by her natural acting skills and discovered her talent for writing during their initial meeting at her residence.
Similarly, Shilpa Shetty was selected for her role based on her suitability and youthful age of 17, requiring parental consent for her involvement in the project. Abbas-Mustan emphasized the importance of the parental consent, as both actresses were minors at the time of filming.
The revelations from the interview offer fans a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and creative decisions that shaped the timeless classic “Baazigar,” cementing its legacy in Bollywood history.