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Ram Gopal Varma Apologizes After 36 Years for Shiva's Risky Child Stunt

Thirty-six years after making his debut film Shiva, director Ram Gopal Varma has finally apologized to the child actor from the iconic cycle chase scene. He admitted his "directorial greed" blinded him to the risks he subjected young Sushma to during filming. Sushma, who now works in AI research in the US, graciously accepted the apology and expressed honor at being part of Shiva's legacy. The film remains a cult classic that launched RGV's career and featured Nagarjuna in a breakthrough role.

Key Points: Ram Gopal Varma Apologizes to Shiva Child Actor Sushma

  • RGV apologized for directorial greed blinding him to child's safety
  • Sushma now researches AI and cognitive science in USA
  • The iconic cycle chase featured Nagarjuna protecting child from gangsters
  • Shiva became cult classic and was successfully remade in Tamil
2 min read

Ram Gopal Varma tenders apology to child actor in iconic cycle chase scene in Nagarjuna-starrer Shiva!

Director Ram Gopal Varma apologizes to child actor Sushma 36 years after Shiva's iconic cycle chase scene for subjecting her to risky stunt shots.

"I apologise once again for subjecting a little girl like you to such risky shots - Ram Gopal Varma"

Hyderabad, Nov 12

Thirty six years after having made his debut film 'Shiva', well known director Ram Gopal Varma on Wednesday tendered an apology to a child actor who had been a part of an iconic cycle chase scene in the film, which went on to emerge a cult classic.

.Ram Gopal Varma tendered the apology to the child for subjecting her to risky shots during the stunt.

Taking to his X timeline to introduce the child actor Sushma, who is now in the US doing research in Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science, Ram Gopal Varma wrote, "This is the grown up girl Sushma from the iconic cycle chase scene in 'SHIVA' where she is sitting scared on the bar with @Iamnagarjuna cycling in tension. @symbolicsushi is now doing research in AI and Cognitive Science in the USA."

Soon after he posted this tweet, Sushma responded to Ram Gopal Varma, saying, "Thank you, sir! Honoured to be remembered as part of Shiva's legacy. That experience as a child was unforgettable, and I'm grateful to have contributed to such an iconic film. Wishing you @RGVzoomin and @iamnagarjuna continued success with the Shiva 4K release!"

The ace director then tendered an apology to Sushma saying, "Hey @symbolicsushi, please accept my sincere apologies after 36 years for subjecting you to such a traumatic experience which I dint realise at that time ..The directorial greed in me took over in being blinded to subjecting a little girl like you to such risky shots ..I apologise once again."

For the unaware, 'Shiva' marked Ram Gopal Varma's debut in direction. It featured actors Nagarjuna and Amala in the lead and late actor Raghuvaran as the antagonist.

The cycle chase being referred to by Ram Gopal Varma in the film happens when Nagarjuna, who plays a student who is actively involved in college politics, is attacked by a group of gangsters when he is out on a bicycle. To compound his problems, Nagarjuna has a child (his niece) with him at the time of attack.

The film, which went on to emerge a superhit, was remade in Tamil as 'Udhayam'. The Tamil version of the film too was immensely successful.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wow, Sushma went from being a child actor in Shiva to doing AI research in the US! What an incredible journey. Shows how talented people from our country are making waves globally 🌟
R
Rohit P
Better late than never, but child safety on film sets should be non-negotiable. Even in the 80s, we should have been more careful with young actors. Glad RGV acknowledged this.
A
Anjali F
Shiva changed Telugu cinema forever! That cycle chase scene still gives me goosebumps. Nagarjuna was so young and dynamic. Can't wait for the 4K release! 🚴‍♂️
M
Michael C
As someone who grew up watching Telugu films abroad, Shiva was revolutionary. RGV's apology shows growth as a filmmaker. The industry has come a long way in safety standards.
K
Kavya N
Sushma's response is so classy! Instead of bitterness, she's grateful for being part of cinema history. This is the kind of positivity we need more of in the film industry 💫

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