Big B & Sanjay didn’t shoot together in ‘Shootout…’: Director
Apoorva Lakhia’s 2007 film ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ was a critically acclaimed crime drama that featured some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt. The movie was based on the true events of the Lokhandwala shootout, which took place in 1991. The film’s director, Apoorva Lakhia, recently shared an interesting anecdote from the sets of the film, revealing that the two legendary actors never met or shot a scene together.
In an interview, Lakhia shared that the two actors had vastly different working schedules, which meant they never crossed paths on set. He said, “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.” This meant that Amitabh Bachchan would wrap up his shooting by late afternoon, while Sanjay Dutt would only arrive on set after his lunch break.
The director went on to explain that he had to manage the schedules of the two actors carefully, ensuring that they didn’t clash or interfere with each other’s work. He said, “I had to plan their scenes accordingly, so they wouldn’t bump into each other. It was like managing two different productions.”
This revelation is a fascinating insight into the working styles of two of Bollywood’s biggest legends. Amitabh Bachchan, known for his punctuality and dedication to his craft, was reportedly on set by 2 pm every day. Sanjay Dutt, on the other hand, was known for his laid-back approach and would often arrive late on set.
Despite their vastly different schedules, both actors delivered critically acclaimed performances in the film. Amitabh Bachchan played the role of a police officer who is tasked with bringing down the notorious gangster, while Sanjay Dutt played the role of the gangster himself.
The film’s success can be attributed to the strong performances from its lead cast, as well as the meticulous direction of Apoorva Lakhia. Lakhia’s attention to detail and ability to balance the schedules of his lead actors were crucial in bringing the story to life.
In an industry where actors often work together for extended periods, it’s not uncommon for them to develop close bonds or even friendships. However, in the case of ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’, it seems that the two lead actors never really had the opportunity to interact with each other.
Despite this, both Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt have spoken highly of each other in interviews. Bachchan has often spoken about the respect he has for Dutt’s talent and dedication to his craft, while Dutt has praised Bachchan’s professionalism and commitment to his work.
The revelation that the two actors never met or shot together on the sets of ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ is a fascinating insight into the world of Bollywood. It’s a reminder that even in the most unlikely of circumstances, the magic of filmmaking can bring together some of the most talented individuals in the industry.
