Dissha Pardeshi, known for her role in Raja Shivaji, has recounted the difficulties she faced during a demanding underwater sequence filmed for the project. The shoot lasted for twelve hours, during which the actor performed without any body double or the aid of artificial intelligence or visual effects. According to Pardeshi, this approach made the scene not only physically taxing but also a significant challenge in her acting career.

In Raja Shivaji, Pardeshi plays one of Afzal Khan’s wives, a role that includes a critical scene where her character is depicted as being strangled and subsequently thrown into water. The actress expressed that she was unaware of the intensity of the underwater work when she initially accepted the role. During an interview with Zoom, she shared how the casting director’s question about her swimming ability did not fully prepare her for the complexities involved in filming the sequence.

While discussing the experience of filming death scenes, Pardeshi noted that performing underwater presented a unique set of challenges. She explained that, in such scenes, actors usually portray a character’s struggle to reach the surface for air. However, she was required to simulate the act of drowning, which added a layer of complexity to her performance.

Training and Preparation for the Role

To prepare adequately for the rigorous underwater sequence, the actress underwent intensive training, which involved long hours of practice in controlled aquatic environments. According to her, a dedicated team worked hard to ensure that all sequences could be shot without the use of oxygen masks, thereby enhancing the authenticity of the underwater scenes. Pardeshi shared that although the conditions were challenging, including rain during the shoot, the experience was both scary and rewarding.

Pardeshi explained her experiences of filming in the rain, stating that it added to the adventure of the project. Despite the difficulties, she felt that she learned valuable lessons throughout the lengthy shoot. As a testament to her commitment, she was presented with the option of using a body double for a particularly high-risk scene but chose to perform the act herself, showcasing her dedication to the role.

“Just before filming commenced, Riteish Deshmukh, the director, approached me and inquired if I could jump into a well from a height of ten to twelve feet,” she recalled. He assured her that body doubles were available should she feel uncomfortable. Pardeshi credited Deshmukh’s approachable nature and trust in her abilities as significant factors that contributed to her confidence during filming. She emphasised that the team abstained from employing duplicates or digital enhancements, which she believed added to the scene’s emotional depth and realism.

Overview of Raja Shivaji

The film Raja Shivaji, which centres on the pledge for Swarajya made by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, also delves into the narrative surrounding Afzal Khan. Sanjay Dutt plays the film’s antagonist, with a supporting cast that includes prominent actors such as Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree, and Genelia Deshmukh. In a notable appearance, Salman Khan joins the film in a special cameo role.

Raja Shivaji had its global release in multiple languages, including Marathi, Hindi, and Telugu, on May 1, marking a significant moment in the landscape of Indian cinema. The film’s rich storytelling and dedication to historical events resonate with both audiences and critics alike.

As the film continues to gain traction, discussions around its portrayal of historical figures and events are likely to inspire further interest in India’s rich cultural heritage.

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