DYK This Actress Almost Drowned During Her Debut Film Shoot With Akshay Kumar
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Lara Dutta is geared up for the release of director Ahmed Khan's Welcome to the Jungle.
Remember the 2003 film Andaaz? Headlined by Akshay Kumar, the romantic musical became a hit upon its release. The credit goes to the emotionally resonant storyline, foot-tapping songs and the superb performances. Akshay Kumar's signature charm worked like magic, making the Raj Kanwar directorial etched fondly in our memories. While Priyanka Chopra played the female lead in Andaaz, another actress made her debut with the film. She is none other than the winner of Miss Universe 2000 — Lara Dutta.
Lara Dutta came from a non-film background. His father, retired Wing Commander LK Dutta, was the personal pilot of India's former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Interestingly, Lara also played the role of Indira Gandhi in the 2021 film Bell Bottom. During one of the interviews back then, Lara revealed that she took insights from her father.
Before entering the world of glitz and glam, Lara Dutta participated in several pageant competitions. However, her most significant achievement came after bagging the coveted Miss Universe crown. Just three years later, she made her foray into Bollywood with Andaaz. Audiences loved Lara's tomboyish character Kajal. But do you know, she almost drowned while shooting for the film?
According to a report by The Times of India, the incident happened while Lara Dutta was filming the song sequence — Rabba Ishq Na Hove in Cape Town. A powerful wave struck a rock during the high tide, which caught Lara off guard. She lost her balance and fell into the water. Since the actress did not know how to swim, she was being swept away by the current. That's when Akshay Kumar came to her rescue. He jumped into the water and saved her life.
Lara Dutta has been a part of some commercially successful films like Masti (2004), No Entry (2005), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Partner (2007), Billu Barber (2009) and Housefull (2010) to name a few. At present, she is geared up for the release of director Ahmed Khan's Welcome to the Jungle. The film also stars Akshay Kumar, Jacqueliene Fernandez, Sanjay Dutt, Disha Patani, Randeep Hooda, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal in key roles.
On the personal front, Lara Dutta married Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi in 2011. The couple welcomed their daughter, Saira, in 2012.
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