Why Sunil Dutt screamed at Waheeda Rehman on the sets of 'Mujhe Jeene Do'
Mumbai, June 30
Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman had once recalled an incident from the sets of 'Mujhe Jeene Do' when co-star Sunil Dutt suddenly shouted at everyone on the set.
During her appearance on the talk show "Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai," Waheeda shared how Dutt remained completely immersed in his dacoit character even off-camera during the shoot. Reflecting on her experience, the actress mentioned, "I worked with Sunil Dutt in two of his home productions-Mujhe Jeene Do and Reshma Aur Shera. We also did two or three films outside his banner. He always chose very interesting and exciting locations for his films. For Mujhe Jeene Do, we stayed in tents in the Chambal Valley. He was playing Thakur Jarnail Singh, and he carried that character into real life as well. He never smiled or laughed and was always completely immersed in the role."
"After a few days, Nargis arrived at the location with Sanju, who was around two to two-and-a-half years old. As soon as she came, I complained to her. I said, 'Nargis, please make your husband understand. Why is he behaving like a dacoit even in real life? He's just like Hitler. He keeps asking us, "Where are you going? Why are you coming?"
"Three days later, during a shoot, Nirupa Roy, Nargis and I were sitting on a ghat, eating and chatting. Suddenly, Sunil Dutt came over and shouted, "Mrs. Dutt, get up. All of you, Waheeda ji, get up. 'Thank God he said, 'Waheeda Ji.' Then Nargis asked him, 'What happened?' He replied, 'You ask too many questions. Just get up." "Then we left. We looked at each other and wondered, 'What happened? What's the problem?'
Waheeda further recalled, "After a while, Sunil Dutt returned with the BSF commander. Looking at their faces, we sensed that something was wrong. He said, 'Ladies, get up quickly. Get into the jeeps.' There was one jeep in front and another behind us. We were seated in the middle, surrounded by armed guards."
Waheeda Rehman and Sunil Dutt have starred together in several films, including "Ek Phool Char Kante," "Mujhe Jeene Do," "Meri Bhabhi," "Darpan," "Reshma Aur Shera," and "Zindagi Zindagi."
For the unversed, Sunil Dutt passed away on May 25, 2005. The veteran actor and politician died of a heart attack in his sleep at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is such a classic Bollywood anecdote! Sunil Dutt shouting at everyone, Nargis coming to the set with little Sanju, and the whole security drama—it's like a movie within a movie. Waheeda ji's complaint to Nargis is hilarious: "He's just like Hitler!" 🤣 But seriously, the Chambal Valley was a real dacoit hotspot back then, so Sunil Dutt's caution made sense. These old stars had such interesting stories, not like today's sanitized PR-driven image.
As someone who loves classic Indian cinema from abroad, these kinds of stories are gold! It's amazing how dedicated actors were in the past—they lived their roles, roughing it out in tents in the Chambal Valley. Sunil Dutt's commitment to authenticity is commendable, but I also feel for Waheeda and the others who had to deal with his on-set intensity. Still, it makes for a memorable anecdote decades later!
Sunil Dutt was not just a great actor but also a man of principle. Staying in character even off-camera shows his dedication. But I think there's a fine line between method acting and being a bit too intense. Waheeda ji's complaint to Nargis was completely justified—art shouldn't make everyone uncomfortable. Still, the fact that it turned out to be a security situation redeems him. What a legend!
This is such a charming piece of Bollywood history! I love how Waheeda Rehman recounts the story with humor and grace. The image of Nargis arriving with little Sanju and then getting scolded is priceless. And the BSF involvement adds a layer of seriousness—it's a reminder of how dangerous the Chambal Valley was back then. Sunil Dutt's protective instincts were admirable, even if the delivery was a bit harsh! 🌟
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