Title: Big B & Sanjay didn’t shoot together in ‘Shootout…’: Director
The 2007 Bollywood film ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ was a critically acclaimed movie that told the real-life story of the 1991 encounter between the Mumbai Police and the gangsters who had taken refuge in a Lokhandwala complex. The film featured an ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt, two of the most iconic actors in the industry. However, despite being part of the same film, it seems that the two actors never even met on set.
Director Apoorva Lakhia recently shared an anecdote from the sets of the film, revealing that Big B and Sanjay Dutt didn’t even shoot a scene together. According to Lakhia, the two actors had completely different schedules, which meant that they never crossed paths on set.
“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 interview. This means that the two actors were never on set at the same time, making it impossible for them to have even a brief interaction.
It’s not uncommon for actors to have different schedules and shooting timetables, especially on larger films with multiple units and locations. However, the fact that two of the biggest stars in the industry didn’t even meet on set is a testament to the unique circumstances of the ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ shoot.
The film was based on a real-life event, which meant that the director and his team had to work closely with the police and other authorities to get the details right. The film’s script was written in consultation with the police officers who were involved in the encounter, and the film’s sets were built on location to ensure accuracy.
Despite the challenges, the film’s cast and crew were passionate about bringing the story to life on screen. Amitabh Bachchan, in particular, was known for his meticulous preparation and research, and he spent hours with the police officers and other experts to get the details of his character right.
Sanjay Dutt, on the other hand, was part of the film’s antagonist cast, playing the role of Maya Dolas, one of the gangsters involved in the encounter. Dutt had previously worked with director Apoorva Lakhia on the film ‘Mission Kashmir’, and the two had developed a strong working relationship.
Despite not meeting on set, both Bachchan and Dutt received critical acclaim for their performances in the film. Bachchan’s portrayal of Inspector Aftab Ahmed, a police officer who was part of the team that took down the gangsters, was particularly praised, with many critics noting that it was one of his best performances in years.
In hindsight, it’s perhaps surprising that two of the biggest stars in the industry didn’t even meet on set. However, given the unique circumstances of the film’s production, it’s clear that both Bachchan and Dutt were focused on bringing their characters to life on screen.
The anecdote shared by Apoorva Lakhia serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in making a big-budget film. Despite the challenges, the cast and crew of ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ managed to create a gripping and realistic film that still holds up today.
As the Indian film industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s stories like this one that serve as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into making a movie. Whether it’s the stars, the crew, or the technical team, everyone plays a crucial role in bringing the story to life on screen.
Sources:
