Mumbai: Talking about one of the most intense moments of the film, actress Saumya Tandon said she actually slapped Akshay Khanna during a close-up shot in the blockbuster “Dhurandhar” because director Aditya Dhar wanted complete honesty in the performance.
Recalling her first scene, which was shot in Amritsar last November, Saumya said that it was shot in Rehman dacoit’s mansion and there was a mix of excitement and anxiety.
He wrote on Instagram: “Some #BTS from #Dhurandhar pic 1 and 2… This was the first scene I shot in Amritsar for the film, where we see Rahman dacoit’s mansion. It was November last year, and I was a mix of nervous and excited.”
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He described the moment as special, especially sharing the frame with Akshaye Khanna, whose screen presence, he said, created an instant, unspoken connection as soon as the camera was on.
“My first morning shot was of Akshay lighting his cigarette, silently urging him to take revenge.”
She tagged Akshay as “pure magic” and said: “We barely got a chance to talk, but as soon as the camera rolled, there was an instant connection.”
“I really feel we have an amazing chemistry. It’s an absolute dream to have a co-actor like him – such a pure artist, so much to learn from. More than anything, it’s a pleasure to perform with someone of his caliber. I really hope we get to work together again someday. I pray.”
Also read: Dhurandhar sheds light on Balochistan: Bollywood legends who were from the region
Speaking about her entry scene, Saumya said that the response has been overwhelming and much more than she expected.
“Picture 3 This was my entry scene into the film, and the love it has received has truly overwhelmed me. It’s a beautifully written scene, and I never expected this reaction.”
He credited director Aditya Dhar for his honest casting choices and favoring the material over familiarity, and described the film as a true game-changer.
The actress further added, “@AdityadharFilms, you have changed the game by creating a true masterpiece and showing that casting is not about who is who, but who truly fits the character and can do justice to the role. Your honesty strengthens the belief that good content always wins.”
The actress also revealed that in one of the most intense moments, she had to slap her co-actor Akshay to keep the scene authentic while his emotional breakdown was captured in a single take.
In this scene, I felt everything at once – anger toward my husband for being the cause of our son’s death, helpless frustration, and deep, shared pain between us. And yes, I slapped Akshay once (not seven times!) – seriously – during his close-up, when Aditya insisted that it be authentic. I was hoping to cheat, but no such luck. My breakdown close-up was done in one take.”
He praised the film’s art department, particularly a scene set during Eid celebrations, noting how the elaborate Pakistani decorations made the location appear authentic and transported him to another era.
“This scene is from the Eid celebrations at our mansion. The space was breathtaking, and the art department did an extraordinary job in creating such authentic Pakistani decorations. I really hope you all notice and appreciate their beautiful work. I’ve really been transported to that era – it all felt incredibly real.”
Another film showed a prayer meeting scene after her son’s death, Saumya said that she stayed with him for a long time after the shot was over.
“It was a prayer meeting after my son passed away. The pain I felt at that moment stayed with me – it came straight from the heart.”