Big B & Sanjay didn’t shoot together in ‘Shootout…’: Director
The 2007 action-thriller ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ directed by Apoorva Lakhia was a critically acclaimed film that revolved around the real-life encounter between the Mumbai police and gangster Maya Dolas. The film featured an ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and Suniel Shetty, among others. However, in a recent revelation, director Apoorva Lakhia shared an interesting anecdote about the shoot of the film, which surprised fans and film enthusiasts alike.
According to Lakhia, Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt, two of the biggest stars of the Indian film industry, did not even shoot a single scene together during the entire duration of the film. In an interview, Lakhia shared the details of their shooting schedules, stating, “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 revelation has left many wondering how this was possible, especially since both actors were part of the same film. Lakhia explained that their shooting schedules were planned in such a way that they did not overlap with each other. Bachchan, being the senior actor, had a more relaxed schedule, while Dutt, who played the role of Maya Dolas, had a more demanding one.
The reason behind this unusual arrangement was reportedly due to the actors’ personal and professional commitments. Bachchan, who was already an established star, had a more flexible schedule, allowing him to shoot according to his convenience. On the other hand, Dutt, who was still reeling from the aftermath of his controversy-ridden career, had a more intense schedule to make up for lost time.
Despite not sharing screen space, both actors delivered remarkable performances in the film. Bachchan played the role of ACP Isaque Bagwan, while Dutt portrayed the character of Maya Dolas, a notorious gangster. The film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore at the box office.
In an era where stars often share screen space and camaraderie, the fact that two of the biggest stars of the industry did not even meet on set is a testament to the unique circumstances surrounding the film. It is a fascinating insight into the lives of these two cinematic legends and a reminder that even the most unlikely of situations can lead to remarkable results.
Apoorva Lakhia’s revelation has sparked a renewed interest in the film, with many fans and film enthusiasts revisiting the movie to relive the experience. ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ remains a cult classic in Indian cinema, and its unique shoot schedule is just one of the many fascinating anecdotes surrounding its making.
