When Dharmendra's Fearlessness Shook Rajinikanth
The recent passing of veteran actor Dharmendra has triggered an outpouring of nostalgic memories from colleagues across Indian cinema. Among the most captivating revelations comes from South Indian actress Radhika Sarathkumar, who shared an extraordinary behind-the-scenes incident involving Dharmendra and superstar Rajinikanth during their early filming days.
The Tense Tiger Scene at Vahini Studio
Radhika Sarathkumar recalled the unforgettable encounter when she was shooting with Rajinikanth at Vahini Studio while Dharmendra was working on an adjacent set. The situation involved filming a particularly challenging sequence for their movie where Radhika's character was tied to a tree while Rajinikanth had to confront a real tiger.
The absence of VFX technology during that era meant actors had to perform with actual animals, creating genuinely dangerous situations. According to Radhika, the tiger wasn't particularly aggressive, but Rajinikanth remained understandably uncomfortable about the entire setup.
Dharmendra's Unexpected Intervention
Amid the tense atmosphere, Dharmendra made a dramatic entrance onto their set. Standing tall with his characteristic charisma, he first greeted Rajinikanth before turning his attention to the tiger. In a move that stunned everyone present, Dharmendra delivered a firm slap to the tiger using his large hands.
Radhika described the surreal moment, noting how the tiger reacted like a domestic cat to Dharmendra's bold action. The entire crew watched in silent amazement, unable to process what they had just witnessed. The veteran actress still finds amusement in remembering that extraordinary incident.
Rajinikanth's Practical Reaction
The consequences of Dharmendra's action became apparent shortly afterward. Rajinikanth left the set in his car, initially leading the team to assume he was heading to his vanity van. However, the producer soon received a phone call from the concerned actor.
Rajinikanth expressed his apprehension clearly, pointing out that while Dharmendra could return to his own set after the dramatic act, he himself had to continue shooting with the same tiger. He insisted on waiting until the animal had completely calmed down before resuming the scene.
This remarkable story, shared by Radhika Sarathkumar, perfectly illustrates Dharmendra's fearless personality and provides a rare glimpse into the practical challenges actors faced before the digital effects era. The incident occurred during the filming of Insaaf Kaun Karega, showcasing the very different approaches two legendary actors took when confronted with dangerous situations.
Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, but such memories ensure his legendary status and unique personality continue to live on in Indian cinema history.
