Madhuri Dixit recalls jumping from 15 feet height for Anjaam scene without any safety; says, “Today, the actor’s life is made so much easier”.
Written by Avishay Kumar on November 16, 2024
Madhuri Dixit is basking in the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Besides the film, she also celebrates her 40th year in Bollywood this year. Speaking of her illustrious career, in an interview , Madhuri opened up on the evolution of the film industry and how it has transformed the lives of actors.
he Evolution of Filmmaking
For Madhuri, the journey has been a witness to remarkable changes in the industry. She recalled the early days of her career, marked by noisy reel cameras that once dominated film sets. “When I began my career, all the cameras used to make a noise. There used to be the reel cameras, so their whirring sound used to be there. Now they’re all digital. They don’t make a sound,” she shared.
From Ambassador Cars to Vanity Vans
The absence of vanity vans in her early career was another stark contrast Madhuri highlighted. Back then, actors would endure harsh weather conditions with only umbrellas for shade or take shelter in ambassador cars during outdoor shoots.
“We never had any vanity vans. We used to just sit outside in the sun with just an umbrella, be it rain, thunder, shower, or whatever climate,” Madhuri reminisced. Today, the availability of luxurious vanity vans ensures comfort and privacy for actors, significantly enhancing their working conditions.
Safety in Stunts: A Game-Changer
One of the most striking differences Madhuri noted was the emphasis on safety during stunt sequences. Recalling a scene from Anjaam, she said, “I had to jump off some at least 15 feet, and we just jumped. There was no rope, no harness, there was nothing.”
In contrast, today’s productions prioritize safety with advanced equipment, ropes, and harnesses, allowing actors to perform high-octane stunts with confidence and minimal risk.
The Era of Bound Scripts
Madhuri also spoke about the shift in pre-production practices, especially regarding scripts. In her early days, it wasn’t uncommon for actors to sit on set, fully dressed, waiting for dialogues to arrive. “There used to be times when we used to sit on the set waiting, all dressed up, waiting for dialogs to come our way,” she revealed.