Big B & Sanjay didn’t shoot together in ‘Shootout…’: Director
The 2007 action-thriller ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ directed by Apoorva Lakhia was a cinematic triumph, featuring two of the biggest stars of Indian cinema – Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt. The film’s success can be attributed to the bold storyline, engaging performances, and the chemistry between the lead actors. However, in a recent interview, director Apoorva Lakhia revealed an interesting anecdote that will come as a surprise to many fans – Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt never shot a scene together during the making of the film.
In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Lakhia shared his experience of working with the two cinematic legends. According to the director, Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt had different schedules and 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 revealed.
This revelation might come as a shock to those who remember the film’s intense action sequences, dramatic plot twists, and the strong performances of the lead actors. The film’s storyline revolves around the real-life shootout that took place at Lokhandwala Complex in 1987, and the characters played by Bachchan and Dutt were crucial to the narrative. One would expect that the two actors would have had extensive scenes together, but it seems that was not the case.
Lakhia’s revelation highlights the professional approach and dedication of both Bachchan and Dutt, who were both known for their punctuality and commitment to their work. “Amit ji was a perfectionist, and Sanjay was a thorough professional. They both came prepared and gave their best,” Lakhia praised.
Shootout at Lokhandwala was a significant film in the careers of both Bachchan and Dutt. For Bachchan, it marked a departure from his usual dramatic roles, as he played a more action-oriented character. For Dutt, it was a comeback of sorts, after he had taken a hiatus from acting due to personal reasons.
Lakhia’s directorial debut, Shootout at Lokhandwala was a commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore at the box office. The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many praising the performances of the lead actors.
In hindsight, it’s fascinating to think about how the film would have turned out if Bachchan and Dutt had actually shared scenes together. Would their on-screen chemistry have been more pronounced? Would their characters’ interactions have added more depth to the narrative? Unfortunately, we’ll never know the answer to these questions.
However, Lakhia’s revelation serves as a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the two actors. Despite not sharing any scenes together, both Bachchan and Dutt delivered standout performances that added to the film’s success.
In conclusion, Apoorva Lakhia’s anecdote from the sets of Shootout at Lokhandwala is a fascinating insight into the working styles of two of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. While it’s surprising to know that Bachchan and Dutt never shot a scene together, it’s a testament to their professionalism and dedication to their craft.
