‘Whether it’s Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, or Dilip Kumar, these stars possess a unique cosmic charisma.’
‘It’s an indescribable phenomenon that makes you adore them.’
IMAGE: Sridevi and Rajinikanth in ChaalBaaz.
Chaalbaaz Director Pankaj Parashar reflects on his time with Rajinikanth in Chennai before the film’s 1989 release.
Among his memories is a late-night incident where Rishi Kapoor craved Chinese food.
Despite closed hotels, Rishi suggested, ‘Call Rajinikanth.’
Speaking to Rediff Senior Contributor Roshmila Bhattacharya, Pankaj recalls, “Rajinikanth took us to a restaurant that had closed. But upon recognizing him, the staff opened the doors and treated us like royalty. All four chefs were awakened to serve us.”
We celebrate Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday on December 12 with some captivating stories from Chaalbaaz.
First Encounter at Film City Studio
IMAGE: Sridevi and Rajinikanth in Chaalbaaz.
Having grown up watching Rajinikanth’s films, I often tried to mimic his cigarette trick from the movies.
During Chaalbaaz, I would attempt it next to him, usually failing, much to his amusement.
His sunglasses trick was also widely imitated.
The first Hindi film of his I saw was T Rama Rao’s Andhaa Kanoon, where he played the avenger Vijay Singh.
Our initial meeting was at Film City Studio’s canteen in Mumbai.
Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, and Rajinikanth were present. A handi of biriyani was on the table.
When I greeted Vinod Khanna, the others stood up as Sridevi walked in. They greeted her respectfully.
After she left, everyone agreed on her immense talent.
‘No Story Session with Rajinikanth’
IMAGE: Sridevi, Johnny Lever, and Rajinikanth in Chaalbaaz.
The production of Chaalbaaz was a dream experience.
Producer A Poorna Chandra Rao chose me for this remake of Ramesh Sippy’s Seeta Aur Geeta.
I never had a story session with Rajinikanth as the script wasn’t complete.
Writers Kamlesh Majumdar and Kamlesh Pandey had penned 70% of the dialogues.
In Chennai, I focused solely on my work, as everything was meticulously organized.
Someone documented daily shoot details and provided updates each evening.
With a relaxed mind, the shoot was fantastic!
‘Sunday Drinking Scene Was My Idea’
IMAGE: Sridevi and Rajinikanth in Chaalbaaz.
Sridevi and Rajinikanth often improvised on set.
For instance, in the famous scene where Rajinikanth mistakenly drinks kerosene, he added the lime and salt detail.
Sridevi’s response, ‘There was something smelly, so I threw it out,’ was her own.
My contribution was the line about Sunday being a day for drinking.
Rajinikanth asked for a classic drinking song to reflect his mood, leading me to suggest the Sunday line.
Years later, I heard friends singing it, and proudly claimed it as my creation.
‘Rajinikanth Read Autobiography Of A Yogi During Climax’
IMAGE: Sridevi, Rajinikanth, and Sunny Deol in Chaalbaaz.
Rajinikanth’s spontaneity shone through various scenes.
He offered Sridevi a towel instead of the thali cover and joked about Anju at the police station.
Stars like him have a cosmic aura that captivates audiences.
While Shah Rukh jokes about his ‘superstar luminosity,’ Rajinikanth humbly credits divine kindness for his success.
‘Predicted I Would Make a Film on Babaji’
IMAGE: Rajinikanth, Sridevi, and Sunny Deol in Chaalbaaz.
During the climax shoot in Goa, Rajinikanth was reading Autobiography Of A Yogi.
He’s a spiritual person and a devotee of Mahavatar Babaji.
He once told me I’d direct a film on Babaji.
Decades later, I directed Banaras: A Mystic Love Story, featuring Naseeruddin Shah as Babaji.
I haven’t collaborated with Rajinikanth since, but we’ve crossed paths, such as at IFFI, Goa.
Even amidst chaos, he recognized me as his Chaalbaaz director.
‘Rajinikanth’s Humble Nature’
IMAGE: Chaalbaaz Director Pankaj Parashar. Photograph: Courtesy Pankaj Parashar
A cherished memory from Chennai involves a late-night meal with Rishi Kapoor.
Rishi wanted Chinese food past midnight, so he suggested contacting Rajinikanth.
Rajinikanth arrived promptly and took us to a closed restaurant, which reopened upon seeing him.
Rishi insisted on paying, but the owner refused, emphasizing Rajinikanth’s status.
Rajinikanth remains a humble superstar, adored by millions.
Photographs curated by Satish Bodas/Rediff
