Govind Namdev Recalls Shooting Intense Rape Scene With Madhuri Dixit: 'Main Dar Raha Tha Ki...'

Veteran actor, Govind Namdev recently opened up about his experience filming the sensitive and controversial rape scene in Prem Granth alongside Madhuri Dixit. The 70-year-old actor has worked with numerous stalwarts in the industry throughout his long acting career. Amid the different types of roles he had to play over the years, he found it rather challenging to shoot the rape scene with Madhuri for the 1996 film.

Govind Namdev recalls the pressure of shooting a rape scene with Madhuri Dixit

In a recent interview with Hindi Rush, Namdev recalled the immense pressure while shooting the scene and how Madhuri’s professionalism helped him overcome his apprehensions. Reflecting on the intensity of the sequence, Namdev admitted that he was initially hesitant about filming the scene, fearing that even a minor misstep could create discomfort. He was especially conscious of Madhuri’s stature, as she was Bollywood’s leading actress back then. However, Madhuri made him feel comfortable to shoot for the film. He shared:

“Her attitude made me very comfortable. We shot the scene almost at the end...I used to fold my hands and say, 'I'm going to do this'. She used to say, 'Yes, okay'. She made very free. What was the temperament of the scene... (main darr raha tha ki kuch oonch neech na ho jaaye).”

Namdev also admitted that he was deeply concerned about ensuring the scene was executed correctly, especially given Madhuri Dixit's stature in Bollywood at the time. In this matter, the actor revealed:

“I was also scared that something untoward or wrong shouldn't happen with the number one heroine, and things could go bad between us."

The incident has made Namdev a fan of Madhuri Dixit

Despite the challenging nature of the scene, Madhuri Dixit remained calm and supportive, which helped Namdev overcome his fears. He recalled how he would approach her before shooting with great respect. The actor shared:

"I've become a fan of Madhuri in this matter. If a new actor who is nervous and conscious gets such cooperation from a high-level actor, then they can give their 100 per cent. Usually, it doesn't happen. An actress stays in her own aura. But she cooperated a lot, since the beginning."

The controversial scene in Prem Granth

In case you did not know, Prem Granth was an adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s popular English novel, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, featuring Madhuri Dixit, which tackled the theme of sexual assault, a topic rarely discussed in Bollywood at the time. Directed by Rajiv Kapoor, the film was an ambitious project featuring Madhuri Dixit and Rishi Kapoor in lead roles. While the film was praised for highlighting this social issue, the rape scene generated controversy, with some critics arguing that it lacked sensitivity. 

What do you think about Govind Nayan’s revelations?

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