Big B & Sanjay didn’t shoot together in ‘Shootout…’: Director
Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt, two of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema, have shared the screen in numerous films. However, there’s one film that stands out, where they didn’t even meet on set. The film in question is Apoorva Lakhia’s directorial ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ (2007). The director recently shared an interesting anecdote about the making of the film, revealing that Big B and Sanjay Dutt never shot a scene together.
‘ Shootout at Lokhandwala’ is a crime thriller based on the real-life events of the 1991 encounter at Lokhandwala Complex in Mumbai. The film features Amitabh Bachchan as ACP Isaque Bagwan, the police officer who led the operation, and Sanjay Dutt as Maya Dolas, the notorious gangster who was killed in the encounter. Despite being two of the main characters, the actors never shared a scene together.
Apoorva Lakhia, the director of the film, recently shared this fascinating fact in an interview. According to him, the two actors had different schedules and would rarely overlap 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 revealed.
It’s not uncommon for actors to have different schedules and shooting times, especially on big-budget films with complex action sequences or elaborate sets. However, for two actors of the caliber of Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt, it’s surprising that they didn’t have a single scene together.
‘ Shootout at Lokhandwala’ was a critical and commercial success, and both Bachchan and Dutt delivered strong performances. Bachchan’s portrayal of the no-nonsense ACP Bagwan was praised by critics, while Dutt’s performance as the volatile Maya Dolas was equally impressive.
The film’s success can be attributed to the strong performances of the entire cast, as well as Lakhia’s direction. The film’s action sequences, cinematography, and music were all praised by critics and audiences alike. The film’s climax, which features a intense gun battle between the police and Maya’s gang, is still remembered for its intensity and realism.
Despite the success of ‘ Shootout at Lokhandwala’, the lack of interaction between Bachchan and Dutt on set is a testament to the busy schedules and egos of movie stars. It’s not uncommon for actors to have different personalities and working styles, which can sometimes lead to clashes or misunderstandings on set.
However, in the case of ‘ Shootout at Lokhandwala’, it’s clear that both Bachchan and Dutt were professionals who knew their craft. They delivered strong performances without any issues, and the film’s success is a testament to their talent and dedication.
In conclusion, Apoorva Lakhia’s revelation about Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt not shooting together in ‘ Shootout at Lokhandwala’ is a fascinating insight into the making of the film. Despite being two of the main characters, the actors never had a scene together due to their different schedules. However, their performances in the film were strong, and the film’s success is a testament to their talent and dedication.
