Hema Malini Recalls Grueling 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' Shoot as Sholay Turns 50
As the iconic Bollywood film 'Sholay' celebrates its golden jubilee, actress Hema Malini has shared never-before-heard details about one of the movie's most memorable sequences. In an exclusive interview, the veteran star opened up about the challenging production of the timeless song 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', revealing the physical hardships she endured during filming.
The Brutal Reality Behind the Graceful Dance Sequence
The legendary song was filmed during the peak of summer in May, with temperatures reaching extreme levels. Hema Malini had to perform intricate dance moves barefoot on various challenging surfaces including hot sand, thick mud, and sharp rocks. Recalling the difficult conditions, she told ANI, "My mother was so worried about me dancing barefoot on the rocks, especially considering the extreme heat."
Elaborating on the physical toll, the actress added, "The sand, the mud, and especially the rocks were unbearably hot. Even stepping barefoot on the stones was very painful." The combination of scorching temperatures and rough terrain made the shooting conditions particularly brutal for the performer.
A Mother's Concern and Temporary Solution
Worried about her daughter's wellbeing, Hema Malini's mother proposed a practical solution to alleviate the pain. She suggested that her daughter wear a thin protective sole beneath her feet during the dance sequences. Hema tried this temporary fix, but the relief proved to be short-lived.
"My mother was worried and suggested that I wear a thin sole under my feet so that it wouldn't hurt too much," Hema recalled. However, this adjustment was quickly noticed by the film's director, leading to an important creative decision.
Director Ramesh Sippy's Uncompromising Vision
Director Ramesh Sippy maintained a firm stance on preserving the scene's authenticity. Hema revealed, "Rameshji noticed it immediately and asked me to remove it. He explained that during the dance movements, it would be visible on screen, and that wouldn't look right."
The actress even attempted to negotiate a different shooting schedule to avoid the extreme summer conditions. "I tried my best to convince Ramesh Sippy to shoot the song in November or December. I told him it would be extremely hot in May and that I would be able to dance better if we avoided that heat," she shared. However, the director remained particular about maintaining the original May shooting schedule.
Enduring Pain and Creating Cinematic History
After each day's shooting, Hema Malini had to follow a specific recovery routine to manage the physical toll. She shared, "After the shoot, I would put my feet in cold water and wrap them in cold towels to reduce the pain." The actress credited her extensive Bharatanatyam training for helping her endure the challenging conditions throughout the filming process.
Released in 1975, 'Sholay' went on to become a landmark film in Indian cinema history, featuring an ensemble cast including Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Amjad Khan. Five decades later, the film's legacy continues to shine brightly, and now the stories behind its creation add new dimensions to its enduring appeal.
The dedication and perseverance shown by artists like Hema Malini during challenging filming conditions highlight the commitment that went into creating what would become one of Bollywood's most celebrated films. As Sholay completes fifty years, these behind-the-scenes revelations provide fans with deeper appreciation for the cinematic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences across generations.
