Chhaava director Laxman Utekar revealed that both Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna were immersed so deeply into their characters that neither of them wanted to see the other’s face.
Vicky will be seen essaying the role of the legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava.
Vicky Kaushal, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Chhaava, is busy promoting the film in full swing. Vicky will be seen essaying the role of the legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Laxman Utekar’s film, while Rashmika Mandanna will be seen as Yesubai Bhonsale. The film also stars Akshaye Khanna as Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. In a recent interview, Vicky Kaushal revealed that he did not interact with Akshaye Khanna at all. Laxman Utekar said that they only met each other while shooting for their scene. He added that they were immersed so deeply into their characters that neither of them wanted to see the other’s face.
While speaking with Bollywood Hungama, Laxman Utekar said, “They (Vicky and Akshaye) never met. Jis din un dono ka scene tha, dono character mein ek dusre ke saamne aaye the. (The day their scene was shot, both characters came face to face with each other for the first time). Before that, they never met only.” Vicky Kaushal added to this, and said, “To be honest, me and Akshaye sir did not have personal communication at all. When we were shooting that scene, we exchanged no good morning, no goodbye, no hello. He was Aurangzeb and I was Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and we went straight into shooting the scene. There was no communication as Vicky Kaushal to Akshaye Khanna.”
Vicky explained that given the intensity of their scenes, there was no room for casual interactions and pleasantries before filming their scenes. “The way the scenes were set, you can’t just sit on a chair and have a cup of tea together to do them. Wo ho nahi sakta tha. Wo organically nahi hua. (It didn’t happen organically).” He further added that he will probably get to chat with Akshaye Khanna after the release of Chhaava, but they ‘never interacted’ while shooting.
Laxman Utekar then added, “In fact, they both refused. When I told Akshaye sir, he said ‘I don’t want to meet him’. Jab maine inko bola milte hai, he said ‘Abhi nahi milna hai.’ Shayad dono apne characters mein itna ghus chuke the ke dono hi ek dusre ka chehra nahi dekhna chahte the. (Maybe both had gotten so deeply into their characters that neither of them wanted to see the other’s face),” he said.
Chhaava is a historical drama that revolves around the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film also stars Ashutosh Rana, and Divya Dutta in key roles. Chhaava will be released on February 14, 2025.
