One has often heard actors from the 1980s and 1990s recount the days when vanity vans were nonexistent, forcing actresses to struggle with costume changes and even basic needs like using the washroom. Today, actors enjoy the luxury of personal vans and large entourages. In earlier times, outdoor shoots meant minimal facilities for everyone. Actress Daisy Shah recently looked back at those days and shared how even leading stars had to manage without private spaces while filming abroad.
Daisy Shah's recollection of 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' shoot
Daisy recalled working as a background dancer on 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein', which marked the Bollywood debut of R Madhavan and Dia Mirza. She remembered a schedule in South Africa where the cast and crew had no vanity vans at all. "I remember, Dia once had to change her costume during a song so she had to go to a mall to change her outfit. We didn't have vanity vans. Even the main actors didn't have them, let alone the dancers, and even the celebrities didn't have vans at that point. They would look for nearby malls and change there. Or we would be sitting in a restaurant and they would be doing their makeup there, and we would be doing it there too. That's how things worked then," Daisy said in an interview with Bollywood Bubble.
Harsh weather conditions on set
She also spoke about the harsh weather conditions during the shoot. Since the team was filming in freezing temperatures, dancers would gather near the lights between takes just to stay warm. Daisy appreciated that the production team eventually stepped in to help. "When we would be asked to go for the shot, we would be freezing. But the good part was that the makers did not ignore us. The next day, they got body suits to wear under our costumes so we don't feel cold," she shared.
Dia Mirza's earlier reflections
In an earlier conversation with BBC Hindi, Dia Mirza had also reflected on the lack of basic facilities available on film sets during that period. "When we would go to locations to shoot songs, a basic thing like a toilet wouldn't be available. We would have to go behind trees, behind rocks, and three people would shield you with large sheets. We wouldn't have space to change clothes. Basically, we lacked access to privacy, access to basic hygiene."
About 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein'
Released in 2001, 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' was directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and served as the Hindi remake of his Tamil film 'Minnale'. The film also featured Saif Ali Khan and Anupam Kher in important roles. The movie remains a nostalgic favorite for many, and these behind-the-scenes anecdotes highlight the stark contrast between then and now in the Bollywood film industry.
