Karan Johar’s 2023 hit Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was one of the major successful films which talked about various social themes. While the film starred Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, it was undoubtedly veteran actors Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi who stole the spotlight with their unexpected chemistry and on-screen kiss. However, not many know that Dharmendra was supposed to have a similar scene with the 90s Bollywood actress Sheeba Agarwal.
Dharmendra & Sheeba ‘s Untold ‘Rocky Aur Rani’ Story
During the recent conversation with Lehren Retro, Sheeba revealed this lesser-known anecdote. She shared that when she signed the film, her contract included a kissing scene with an A-list actor. However, she wasn’t informed who it would be. It was only later that she learned it was supposed to be with the legend Dharmendra Deol. And according to Sheeba, the makers initially planned the scene but later they reconsidered. The idea was that if Dharmendra kissed multiple women in the film, it might not fit well with the storyline or seem creepy. So, the filmmakers decided to keep only the scene with Shabana Azmi.
Sheeba, who played Dharmendra’s love interest in the film recalled how she had already taken permission from her husband Akashdeep and even discussed it with their children. She shed light upon how she wanted her family to be comfortable with her decision. However, with the creative changes, the scene was altered and Dharmendra ultimately gave her a peck on the cheek instead.
‘Dharmendra Ji Was Also Uncomfortable With The Scene’: Akashdeep
Akashdeep, who also acted in the film shared that Dharmendra ji himself felt awkward about the kiss ,who even requested the director if he can only kiss Sheeba on the cheek instead of a lip-lock. Eventually, the scene was filmed just as Dharmendra Ji preferred.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani featured an ensemble cast including Jaya Bachchan, Tota Roy Chowdhury, Churni Ganguly and more. Released on July 28, 2023 the film became the tenth highest-grossing Indian and seventh highest-grossing Hindi film of the year .
