In a recent conversation, Lara Dutta recalled a shocking behind-the-scenes moment from her debut film, 'Andaaz'.
Indian actress, Lara Dutta needs no introduction. India still remembers Lara's win in the Miss Universe 2000 pageant. She made her acting debut with the film, Andaaz. For her stellar performance in her debut film, Lara also won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She has appeared in many films, including Masti, Housefull, No Entry, Bhagam Bhag, Partner, Don 2 and Chalo Dilli. In a recent conversation, Lara revisited one of the most shocking moments of her career, where she was left completely exposed to the ocean’s force.
Lara Dutta received widespread acclaim for her debut film, Andaaz. But a behind-the-scenes moment from the shooting floor of Andaaz still haunts Lara. Speaking to Asian Television Network Canada recounted an accidental drowning experience during a dance sequence in the film, Andaaz. The dance sequence dangerously went wrong when a wave swept both Lara and her co-star, Akshay Kumar. It was a terrifying experience for Lara as she didn’t know how to swim at the time. Bollywood actor, Akshay Kumar, who himself was in the water, grabbed hold of Lara and brought her back to the beach. Due to Lara’s hypothermic shock, the shooting was postponed, and she was rushed to the hospital. Lara said:
"I went underwater, wearing leather, didn’t know how to swim, sank like a rock."
During the same conversation, Lara revealed that she learned swimming at the age of 30 for the film, Blue. For the uninitiated, Blue is an underwater adventure film that would require extensive ocean sequences. Due to this, Lara was hesitant to feature in it. However, it was her Andaaz co-star, Akshay Kumar, who recommended her name to the producers of Blue. When the Miss Universe 2020 pageant winner got to know this, she called Akshay and told him that she can’t do it. However, Akshay pushed her to take up the project and learn swimming. Initially, Lara was reluctant, but she agreed later on to overcome the phobia due to the drowning experience. In her words:
"At 30, he asked me to learn diving. I said mai hi pagal mili hu."
Lara Dutta has been happily married to Indian tennis legend, Mahesh Bhupathi since 2011. Before finding love in Mahesh, Lara briefly dated Derek Jeter and Dino Morea. She also had a nine-year relationship with actor, Kelly Dorji. On February 16, 2011, Lara tied the knot with Mahesh Bhupathi. After one year of marriage on January 20, 2012, the couple had their first child, a daughter named Saira Bhupathi. Once in an interview with IANS, Lara spoke fondly about her daughter. She also called Mahesh a hands-on dad. She was quoted as saying:
"It doesn't matter if your child is one day old or whether she is 21 years of age. It is constantly evolving, and each parent's experience is completely different, but it has been a wonderful ride. My daughter has been literally my life's greatest teacher, and she has pushed all the limits as far as possible because she is at that age right now. She is pushing it as far as it can go before mom erupts, but it is fun and wonderful. Mahesh has been a wonderful and hands-on dad."
After embracing motherhood, Lara had taken a break from acting. In a past interview with Pinkvilla, Lara shared that she wanted to be present during her daughter's early years. She mentioned that motherhood was her first priority. Lara highlighted that she and her husband, Mahesh, were very clear about one thing between them one parent would always be with their daughter, Saira, full-time.
What are your thoughts on Lara Dutta's statement? Let us know.
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