Actress Kajol recently shared her initial reluctance to star in the 1998 psychological thriller “Dushman” due to the intense nature of its subject matter, specifically the portrayal of a rape victim.
Remembering the Chilling ‘Dushman’
Tanuja Chandra’s 1998 psychological thriller “Dushman” left a lasting impression on viewers, largely thanks to Ashutosh Rana’s haunting portrayal of the antagonist, Gokul Pandit. The film saw Kajol in a challenging dual role, one of which involved her character being a victim of sexual violence.
This intense subject matter was a major point of hesitation for Kajol. She revealed that she only agreed to take on the project after producer Pooja Bhatt and director Tanuja Chandra guaranteed a safe and respectful filming environment.
Kajol’s Reluctance: “You Feel All Those Things”
During a recent interaction with Lallantop, Kajol openly discussed the difficulties of the role. “It was a very difficult role. It was a subject matter. I had refused the film,” she stated.
She explained her discomfort stemmed from the emotional toll of such a portrayal. “As an actor when you are acting in that emotion, you feel all those things. As an actor, I don’t need to do that. I can show my acting prowess in other things,” Kajol shared, highlighting her desire to avoid depicting molestation or rape on screen due to the profound emotional impact it would have on her.
A Female Perspective on Set Safety
Kajol admitted that she was extremely uncomfortable with the idea of shooting the scenes involving sexual violence. However, the presence of a female producer and director ultimately gave her the confidence to proceed.
“Then Tanuja and Pooja made me understand,” she recounted. “They said, ‘Don’t worry about it. We are women, we understand, and we will figure this out, and we will shoot with a body double and we will do this and that, and we will not do anything that you are uncomfortable with at any point, so yes, that’s how Dushman came to be.'” This assurance of using a body double and prioritizing her comfort was crucial.
The Gripping Plot of ‘Dushman’
In “Dushman,” Kajol played twin sisters. The plot revolves around one sister becoming the victim of a brutal rape and murder at the hands of Gokul Pandit. The other sister then embarks on a quest for revenge.
Her journey leads her to a blind military veteran, portrayed by Sanjay Dutt, who trains her to fight back and confront the terrifying killer. The film garnered significant critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and brave exploration of sensitive themes.
Legacy Amidst Blockbusters
“Dushman” was released in the same year as Kajol’s massively successful romantic drama “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.” While “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” became a cultural phenomenon, “Dushman” carved out its own niche.
Despite being a more intense and gritty film, “Dushman” left a profound and lasting impact on audiences and critics alike, recognized for its bold narrative and challenging subject matter.
- Kajol initially declined “Dushman” due to discomfort with portraying sexual violence.
- She feared the emotional toll of acting in such intense scenes.
- Producer Pooja Bhatt and director Tanuja Chandra convinced her by promising a comfortable set and using a body double for sensitive scenes.
- The film was critically acclaimed for its performances and bold themes.
This insight sheds light on the challenges actors face with demanding roles and the importance of a supportive and understanding production team.
