Veteran actor Renuka Shahane recently shared a shocking revelation about the challenging conditions actors faced during the filming of the 1994 blockbuster Hum Aapke Hain Koun, particularly highlighting co-star Madhuri Dixit's extreme sacrifice for her craft.
The No-Water Dilemma During Outdoor Shoots
In a recent interview with Zoom, Shahane recalled how the lack of basic facilities during outdoor shoots in Ooty forced Madhuri Dixit to avoid drinking water entirely. "There were no washrooms during the outdoor shoot at all," Shahane revealed, explaining the difficult situation the cast faced while filming the popular song 'Dhiktana' and cricket sequences.
The veteran actress disclosed that Madhuri had consciously decided not to consume water to avoid the inconvenience of finding washroom facilities. "She told me that she destroyed her skin by not drinking water, so that we don't have to look for a washroom," Shahane recounted, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Madhuri's Stern Warning to Co-stars
Despite her own extreme measure, Madhuri strongly advised Renuka Shahane against following the same practice. "She warned me that don't you dare not drink water, otherwise your skin will become like mine," Shahane shared, highlighting Madhuri's concern for her co-star's wellbeing.
The actors had to resort to creative solutions when nature called. "Whenever we wanted to use the washroom, we used to take four hairdressers with us and go outside if needed," Shahane explained, painting a vivid picture of the makeshift arrangements that were commonplace before the era of mobile vanity vans.
Fun Amidst Challenges on HAHK Sets
Despite the logistical challenges, Shahane fondly remembered the joyful atmosphere on set. "The whole atmosphere was so fun," she recalled, describing how the cast including Reema Lagoo, Anupam Kher, and Satish Shah would play dumb charades between shots.
Director Sooraj Barjatya often remarked about the strong Marathi presence on set, with Shahane noting, "Sooraj ji always used to say that a Marathi film can also be done on the side because there are so many Marathi artists here."
The 1994 romantic musical drama, which became a cultural phenomenon and massive box office success, featured an ensemble cast including Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Mohnish Bahl, and others. Shahane's revelations provide a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes realities of classic Bollywood filmmaking, where stars navigated challenging conditions without modern amenities.
