Big B & Sanjay didn’t shoot together in ‘Shootout…’: Director
When it comes to Bollywood, there are numerous stories and anecdotes that come to light about the making of some of the most iconic films. One such story is that of ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’, a crime drama directed by Apoorva Lakhia and starring Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt. Recently, Lakhia shared an interesting anecdote about the making of the film, revealing that the two legendary actors never actually shot a scene together.
According to Lakhia, the schedules of Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt were vastly different, making it impossible for them to share the screen together. “Amit ji comes at 2 pm, Sanjay comes at 6 pm. Amit ji leaves at 5:30 pm and Sanjay comes to set after finishing his lunch at 5:30 pm,” Lakhia told the Indian Express in an exclusive interview.
This revelation is quite astonishing, considering the two actors are considered industry stalwarts and have worked on numerous films together. However, their differing schedules and work ethics made it impossible for them to collaborate on the same scene.
‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ is a 2007 film that tells the story of the infamous encounter between Mumbai police and gangster Dharmender (played by Sanjay Dutt) in 1991. Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was a commercial success and helped revive Sanjay Dutt’s career.
Amitabh Bachchan’s character in the film, ACP Isaque Bagwan, is a pivotal one, and his presence adds gravity to the story. Sanjay Dutt’s performance as Dharmender, on the other hand, is a highlight of the film. Despite not sharing the screen together, both actors delivered memorable performances that added depth to the story.
Lakhia’s revelation highlights the challenges that come with working with two actors of such stature. Each had their own set of demands and schedules, making it difficult to coordinate their shoot. However, Lakhia managed to make it work, ensuring that both actors delivered their best performances.
The director also spoke about the challenges of working with Amitabh Bachchan, who is known for his meticulous approach to his craft. “Amit ji is a perfectionist. He has a very clear vision of what he wants to do. He is very thorough and detailed in his approach,” Lakhia said.
Sanjay Dutt, on the other hand, is known for his method acting approach, which requires him to immerse himself in his character. “Sanjay is very intense and dedicated to his work. He is a very strong actor and has a very strong presence on screen,” Lakhia added.
Despite the challenges, ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ turned out to be a successful film, both critically and commercially. The film’s success can be attributed to the efforts of the entire cast and crew, including Lakhia, who managed to bring together two of Bollywood’s most iconic actors.
In conclusion, Apoorva Lakhia’s revelation about Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt not shooting together in ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ is a fascinating anecdote that highlights the challenges of working with two industry legends. Despite the difficulties, Lakhia managed to create a memorable film that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today.
