“I was scared, as I had heard stories of Dharamji."
Actor Samir Soni has opened up about his experience of filming for the 2003 hit film, Baghban with Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini.
Samir revealed that he was hesitant to touch Hema Malini while playing her son in the film. This was because he feared Dharmendra would beat him up.
Speaking to The Times of India, Samir disclosed his fear of touching Hema as he had heard stories of her husband.
In fact, it was known that Dharmendra was quite possessive of his wife. Understandably, this caused Samir to tread carefully. He explained:
“The very first scene that I had to perform with her was when all her children come home for the Holi party.
“That sounded like an easy scene but the problem here was that your onscreen parents happen to be Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini.
“I could take Mr Bachchan as my father figure but Hema ji looked anything but like a mother. She was gorgeous.”
Samir Soni added that his doubts were clarified after seeking Hema’s permission. He said:
“During the rehearsals, I could not put my hand around her waist or shoulder, which I normally would have.
“I was scared, as I had heard stories of Dharamji. I thought maybe he will come and beat me up or something.
“So, after the first rehearsal, I asked Hema ji if it was okay if I put my arm around her. And she was like, ‘of course’.
“I had a sigh of relief.”
Baghban revolves around the story of Amitabh Bachchan as Raj Malhotra and Hema Malini as Pooja as ageing parents.
They had selflessly sacrificed their lives for their children. However, in their time of need after Raj retires, their four sons mistreat them.
The children separate their parents and pass them around from one son to another. This disrespect breaks their heart.
Directed by Ravi Chopra, Baghban also features Salman Khan as the loving adoptive son, Alok.
Unlike the four children, he treats Raj and Pooja with utmost respect and dignity.
Baghban also stars Mahima Chaudhry, Aman Verma, Saahil Chadha, Nasir Kazi, Divya Dutta and Rimi Sen just to name a few.
The film was a major success at the box office garnering approximately Rs 416.8 million (£4,394,231.70).
It was also nominated for many Filmfare Awards including Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor.
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