Bollywood veteran Rishi Kapoor, known for his charming roles and captivating performances, had a spine-chilling experience during the shooting of Yash Chopra’s iconic film Kabhi-Kabhi. In his autobiography Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored, the actor revealed a terrifying incident that took place while shooting in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which almost turned fatal. What began as a regular day on set suddenly became one of the most dangerous moments of his life.
Kashmir: The Dream Destination for Bollywood in the ’80s
During the early days of Hindi cinema, Kashmir was considered an ideal location for film shoots. The serene snow-capped mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and lush valleys made it a perfect setting for romantic Bollywood movies. Before the trend of shooting love scenes in Switzerland began, directors often flocked to Kashmir for its picturesque beauty. Many hit films were shot in this region, with Kabhi-Kabhi being one of them.
However, things took a drastic turn during the 1980s. The political climate in Kashmir suddenly became unstable, leading to unrest and violence. This not only affected the local people but also posed a threat to film units and actors who were visiting for shoots. Rishi Kapoor found himself caught in the middle of such turmoil during the filming of Kabhi-Kabhi.
A Birthday Party That Turned Into Chaos
Rishi Kapoor recalled how Yash Chopra had organized a small birthday party for him while shooting in Pahalgam. His wife, Neetu Singh, and fellow actor Naseem were also present at the celebration. The entire crew was in a joyous mood, having completed the shooting of a song earlier that day. The party was in full swing inside the hotel, and no one had any idea that chaos was brewing just outside.
Unbeknownst to the film crew, a heated argument had broken out between local horse owners and taxi drivers. This situation took a turn for the worse when one of the drivers, who had been drinking, started a fight. As the argument escalated, a massive crowd gathered outside the hotel where Rishi Kapoor and his team were staying.
Mob Attack: A Fight for Survival
Deepak Sarin, a member of Yash Chopra’s crew, went outside to assess the situation. But before anyone could react, the angry mob began attacking the hotel with stones and fireballs. Rishi Kapoor, who was unaware of the brewing unrest, suddenly found himself in the crosshairs of a furious crowd. In his book, Rishi mentioned that the mob was demanding the blood of both Deepak Sarin and himself.
With no time to waste, the crew took desperate measures to protect themselves. They were told to return to their rooms and hide under their beds, not knowing what might happen next. Even though the doors were locked from the inside, the hotel windows were shattered by the pelting stones. As Rishi lay under the bed, he described it as the scariest moment of his life.
The Hotel Set on Fire and Rescue by the Army
As the attack intensified, the hotel was set on fire. Rishi Kapoor recalled that their rooms were filled with smoke and the fire spread quickly. It was only through the intervention of then-Chief Minister Sheikh Abdullah and the swift action of the Indian Army that Rishi and the others were evacuated safely. The army played a crucial role in rescuing the actor and the crew from what could have been a disastrous outcome.
Grateful But Haunted by the Incident
Despite the harrowing experience, Rishi Kapoor mentioned in his autobiography that he still held many fond memories of his time shooting in Kashmir. The beauty of the place, combined with the wonderful moments spent on set, remained etched in his mind. However, the terrifying incident also served as a reminder of how unpredictable life can be, even in the midst of what should have been a routine film shoot.
Rishi Kapoor’s account of this frightening experience in Kashmir gives fans a glimpse of the dangers actors often face behind the scenes, far from the glamour of the silver screen. It’s a chilling tale of survival and the importance of staying strong in the face of adversity.
