Legendary filmmaker Shakti Samanta created some of Bollywood's most beloved movies. His films like 'An Evening in Paris', 'Aaradhna', and 'Amar Prem' continue to charm audiences even today. His partnership with actress Sharmila Tagore stands out as particularly memorable in Indian cinema history.
Sharmila Tagore's Bold Swimsuit Moment
In a recent interview with Radio Nasha Official, Shakti Samanta's son Ashim Samanta shared fascinating stories from the making of 'An Evening In Paris'. The film stars Sharmila Tagore and Shammi Kapoor. It remains an eternal favorite for many movie lovers.
The film features the famous song 'Aasman Se Aaya Farishta'. Tagore's swimsuit scene in that song created quite a buzz at the time. Many people considered it a bold move for the actress.
When asked if Tagore felt nervous about wearing the swimsuit, Ashim Samanta revealed an interesting detail. "Actually, she wanted to wear a bikini," he said. "My father suggested a one-piece instead. But she felt completely comfortable with it. She was a modern woman who knew she had a fabulous figure."
Shammi Kapoor's Helicopter Adventure
Ashim also shared a humorous story about Shammi Kapoor's entry scene. The actor suggested making his entrance by swinging from a helicopter. He thought it would look spectacular on screen.
"Shammi uncle proposed the helicopter idea to my father," Ashim explained. "He asked, 'What if I come swinging from a helicopter? How will that look?' My father immediately replied, 'It will look amazing!'"
Later, Shammi Kapoor realized he had a problem. He suffered from vertigo and feared heights. He wondered why he even suggested such a thing. He also doubted whether Shakti Samanta could find a helicopter in Beirut, where they were filming.
"Shammi uncle went to sleep thinking nothing would happen," Ashim continued. "The next morning, my father woke him up with exciting news. He had arranged a helicopter for the shot."
Hearing this, Shammi Kapoor panicked. But being the star he was, he refused to show fear. He went to the hotel bar, which was closed at that hour. He demanded the manager open it immediately.
"The manager seemed surprised," Ashim recalled. "He asked, 'At 10 in the morning?' Shammi uncle insisted. The bar opened, and he drank two pegs of brandy. Then he declared, 'Where is the helicopter? Let's go, Shakti!'"
Shakti Samanta's Own Memories
Shakti Samanta himself once spoke about Sharmila Tagore on the show 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai'. He recognized her potential very early in her career. He described her as very talented but also quite stubborn.
"She would fight a lot," the filmmaker admitted. He shared another memory about the 'Aasman Se Aaya Farishta' song shoot. Tagore initially wanted to wear a two-piece bikini for the swimming scene.
Samanta warned her that the film might not get a censor certificate if she did. She responded by threatening not to do the scene at all. After some persuasion, she agreed reluctantly.
"In anger, she finally said, 'Okay, get it done,'" Samanta remembered. He arranged a new costume for her. After watching the completed film, Tagore admitted the scene looked good.
These behind-the-scenes stories reveal the creative tensions and humorous moments that shaped classic Bollywood cinema. They show how legendary artists collaborated to create enduring cinematic magic.
