Latest news with #Yudh
India.com
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Director Rajiv Rai reveals why he hid for 20 Years, received threats from…, took CID training: 'I knew it was…'- Exclusive
Bollywood director Rajiv Rai is a popular name in the film industry. He made his debut with the action film Yudh (1985), starring Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha. In 1997, he made another iconic film, Gupt , starring Kajol and Bobby Deol. He directed films like Mohra (1994), starring Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon. During an exclusive conversation with Rajiv Rai opened up about the threats he reportedly received from gangsters and an underworld don, at a point when there were many cases revolving around Bollywood. He further revealed to why, for 20 years, he disappeared from the film industry. Rajiv Rai received notorious calls, and the then Police Commissioner helped him understand and deal with the situation. Rajiv Rai reveals why he disappeared from Bollywood for 20 years Talking to Rajiv Rai recalled his anecdote and shared the reason behind disappearing from the cinema. He said, 'There were multiple reasons of leaving, for disappearing. I had to leave the country for certain reasons, including crime, attack, and unrest in the city. I was forced to leave and look after my son, who is autistic. I took a break because after 2004, when my father passed away, it was an emotionally disturbing period, and I lost the motivation to work. Ek sadness agayi thi life mai, I just thought, mai kaam nahi kar paaunga. (I thought I wouldn't be able to work). It was a complicated part of my life, where I was not able to make decisions. When you're confused, you just let it go.' Rajiv Rai shares shocking details on receiving threats In an exclusive conversation with Rajiv Rai talked about the 'darkest chapter of his life.' According to reports, Rajiv Rai was reportedly attacked in his office in 1997, soon after directing Gupt. 'When you get these notorious elements calling you and go to the police, they call you not to train you but to tell you how to deal with it. It was a psychological thing. I was told how to deal with things and was told to take precautions. I was not taught how to fire a gun; that never happened. I was explained the existing situation—where I stand, what might happen, what are the areas I should worry about, what I should do and not do,' said Mohra's director. Rajiv Rai talked about how a Police Commissioner trained him while he was getting notorious calls from the underworld dons. He said, 'The Police Commissioner at that time felt that I should be explained. It was very casual; it was not a formal training. I was explained and told what I should expect out of this.' What message did Rajiv Rai receive from the anonymous calls? In 1997, when filmmaker Rajiv Rai first received calls from a notorious number, he revealed the first message he got during the call— and it was a death threat. Rajiv Rai said, 'At that time, Bollywood was already on fire. There were many cases around me. They were notorious calls, probably for money, but it never got around to a threat. I was told, 'If I won't do this, I might be killed,' but it was not directly told to me. To the notorious people, I really never spoke. It gets very frustrating for you and for the person. So when that incident happened for the first time, I immediately knew what it was.' What is Rajiv Rai's upcoming film? After taking a break from cinema for 20 years, director Rajiv Rai is set to release his upcoming film, Zora. It is written, directed, and produced by Rajiv Rai. The film's background score and music are composed by Viju Shah. The murder mystery is reportedly made on a modest budget of ₹2 crore. Zora will be released on 8 August 2025.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Top Bollywood star's drug habit got him removed from movie; even father pleaded for another chance
Director's Tough call and Personal Cost 'It Was For His Own Good' Sanjay Dutt's early battle with drug addiction not only disrupted his personal life but also had a direct impact on his professional journey. One major turning point came during the making of Yudh (1985), when filmmaker Rajiv Rai made the difficult decision to remove him from the film. Rai opened up about this challenging period and how it strained his friendship with the Rai, known for directing hit films like Tridev and Mohra, revealed in recent interview with Siddharth Kannan that he and Sanjay Dutt were once extremely close. The two had already completed 14 reels of shooting for Yudh, and Rai described those days as some of the best of his life. However, Sanjay's worsening drug dependency raised concerns about the film's future. Rai ultimately decided to recast the role, bringing in Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff to replace explained that his decision stemmed from genuine concern for Dutt's health and well-being. Sanjay was eventually sent to rehab in Florida. 'Sanju was not well, he needed help,' Rai said in the interview, adding that he even reached out to Sanjay's father, the legendary Sunil Dutt, to discuss the matter. Despite deep personal ties between their families — Rai's father, producer Gulshan Rai, had even issued Sunil Dutt his first cheque — the decision to let Sanjay go was Dutt, however, was deeply upset. He repeatedly urged Rajiv and Gulshan Rai to reconsider. According to Rajiv, 'Dutt saab kept asking me to give Sanju another chance,' but the filmmakers were firm. Delaying the film wasn't an option, and Rai believed the move might serve as the wake-up call Sanjay back, Rai said the situation caused emotional turmoil for everyone involved. He admitted that he has no bitterness and still considers Sanjay a friend. 'Things didn't work out professionally between me and Sanju, and it was for his own good,' he reflected. Whether Sanjay felt betrayed or grateful, Rai said they never spoke about it after the incident, though he suspects both father and son were disappointed in director also shared how close the families were — recalling being in New York when Sanjay's mother, Nargis, was undergoing treatment for cancer. Despite their falling out, he attempted to approach Dutt again years later for Tridev, hoping to cast him in a role eventually played by Naseeruddin Shah. But by then, the damage seemed to have left a lingering discomfort between Dutt eventually returned from rehab and resumed his film career, though further struggles awaited him — including legal trouble linked to the 1993 Bombay blasts and a cancer diagnosis years later. His life story, including this tumultuous phase, was partly depicted in the 2018 biopic Sanju, starring Ranbir Kapoor.
News18
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sanjay Dutt's Best Friend, Director Of Tridev And Mohra, Fired Actor From Film: 'He Needed Rehab'
Rajiv Rai says letting go of Sanjay Dutt during Yudh was painful but necessary and believes the move helped the actor start his recovery. Director Rajiv Rai has opened up about one of the most difficult decisions of his career – letting go of Sanjay Dutt from his film Yudh. Speaking in a recent interview, the filmmaker shared that the two were once extremely close, but their relationship was tested when Dutt's drug problems began to affect the film's progress. Rai said he had already filmed 14 reels with Dutt and described those working days as the best of his life. 'In my heart of hearts, he's still my best friend. I can never forget those days, because they were the best days of my life." At the time, Sanjay was struggling with substance use and was eventually sent to rehab in Florida. Rai said he had spoken to Sanjay's father, actor and politician Sunil Dutt, about the situation. 'Sanju was not well. He needed rehab in Florida. I spoke to his father and told him to get him out of this… Whatever this is… I was very concerned." Despite their deep personal ties, Rai said that he made the decision based on what he believed was best for both Sanjay and the film. 'If I had not taken this drastic step then, he wouldn't have made the changes in his life. I had to forgo my friendship with him." Sunil Dutt had asked Rai and his father, producer Gulshan Rai, to give Sanjay another chance. But the team decided not to delay the project. 'He'd keep requesting me to give him another chance. He was very upset about the situation as well. But I told him that he needs the electric shock." Rai added that he didn't hold anything against Sanjay and still speaks about that period with emotion. 'Things didn't work out professionally between me and Sanju, and it was for his own good. He may love me for it or hate me for it, but I don't know, because we've never spoken about it… I have nothing bad to say about it." While their professional relationship didn't continue after Yudh, Rai's decision might have played a small role in pushing Dutt toward recovery. Though Sanjay faced many more challenges later – including legal battles and a cancer diagnosis – he returned to the industry and rebuilt his career. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Sanjay Dutt's drug addiction got him fired from Yudh; Sunil Dutt kept pleading for his son to be given another chance
Filmmaker Rajiv Rai said that he was best friends with actor Sanjay Dutt, but their relation soured when he cast the actor out from his movie Yudh, presumably because of his drug habit at the time. In an interview, the filmmaker said that he should probably get the credit for 'changing his life', because it was only after Sanjay was fired that he got the 'shock' he needed to get his life back on track. He was sent to the United States for rehab, but his father, the legendary Sunil Dutt, never stopped worrying about him. He even requested Rajiv Rai and his father, Gulshan Rai, to reconsider removing Sanjay from the film, but they wouldn't budge because they knew that they couldn't afford to delay their film. Rajiv said that it is a sin to criticise actors for being unprofessional, because they always work with the producer's best interests in mind. He also claimed that Sanjay was never a no-show in the time that he worked on Yudh. 'I shot 14 reels with Sanjay Dutt. In my heart of hearts, he's still my best friend. I can never forget those days, because they were the best days of my life. My father was best friends with Dutt saab; we were very close to the family. There were issues…' Also read – 'Asked Amitabh Bachchan to give me dates or I'll trash his film': Trishul producer's son recalls dad's conversation with Big B He continued, 'Sanju was not well. He needed rehab in Florida. I spoke to his father and told him to get him out of this… Whatever this is… I was very concerned. I'm not sure how he took it, but I think I changed his life. If I had not taken this drastic step then, he wouldn't have made the changes in his life. I had to forgo my friendship with him.' Rajiv said that 'fire' is a very 'ugly word', but he admitted that he had a conversation that led to him being removed from the movie. He added, 'I spoke to him every day, and I told him that he should take care of his health. I asked for his kind permission to carry on with the film and find somebody else. I had nobody.' He said that their families 'go back a long way', and that Sunil Dutt's first cheque was cut by Gulshan Rai, and that both he and his father were in New York for a significant period of time when Sanjay's mother, Nargis, was undergoing treatment for cancer. He said, 'Things didn't work out professionally between me and Sanju, and it was for his own good. He may love me for it or hate me for it, but I don't know, because we've never spoken about it… I have nothing bad to say about it. I've been tortured by this. I could sense that both he and his father were very upset with me, but I don't know for sure. If I was in their place, I would definitely be upset. I would sit with Dutt saab, and he didn't want Sanju to be removed. He'd keep requesting me to give him another chance. He was very upset about the situation as well. But I told him that he needs the electric shock.' Sanjay Dutt returned from rehab and resumed his career, but his troubles didn't end. Some years later, he was convicted in connection with the Mumbai blasts, and years after that, he was diagnosed with cancer. A film based on his life was released in 2018, with Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Sanjay.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rajiv Rai opens up on fall out with once best friend Sanjay Dutt: ‘He needed rehab, I spoke to his father Sunil Dutt, if I had not taken that drastic step…'
who is known for making movies like 'Yudh', 'Mohra', 'Gupt', has recently opened up on his friendship with and how they had a fall out. For those not in the know, Rai's film 'Yudh' was supposed to star Sanjay first. It eventually was made with and . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Rai revealed in a recent interview that he had even shot with Sanjay and Raj Kiran. But he then changed the cast and reshot the film. He said during a chat with Siddharth Kannan, ''Yudh' had Sanjay Dutt, I had shot 14 reels with him. He was my best friend and I still have the biggest regards for him. They were the best days of my life. My father was friends with Dutt Sahab. There were issues due to which I had to reshoot the film and then I had to shoot with Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff.' He added, 'Sanju was not well, he needed a rehab in Florida. Raj Kiran was going through health issues and ended up putting on weight, but he was acting so well. I was concerned about Sanjay Dutt, he needed a rehab, I spoke to his father to get him out of it. I'm not sure how he took it but I think I changed his life. If I had not taken this drastic step, he would not have changed his life.' When asked bluntly if he removed Sanjay from the film, he said, 'Nikaal diya is an ugly word. Main kaun hota hu nikaalne wala? I spoke to him every day and asked him that please take care of your health and can I carry on with the film with your kind permission. Dutt sahab got the first cheque of his life from my father Gulshan Rai. We go a long way. When Nargis ji was ill, I was with Sanjay in New York. That film made on Sanju's life, I know what happened. We've been close family friends. Unfortunately, things didn't work out well between me and Sanju. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He may love me for it, hate me for it. But I had to do it. But, I always wanted to work with him. In 'Tridev', I thought of giving him Naseer's role. I tried approaching him but I got this feeling that Sanjay and his father were not happy with me after what I did with him in 'Yudh'.' He added further about how close he was to him. 'I have no bad word to speak about boy because he is my best friend. In your young days when you make best friends, you don't get it again. And I've not managed to make a friend out of an actor. He was the only actor who was my friend. For me it was on my heart and soul. Mereko torture hua.' Rai also revealed that he thought Sunil Dutt and Sanjay Dutt were upset with him for changing the cast of 'Yudh'. He said, 'I think he was upset. I used to tell him ke yeh karoge toh jhatka lagega usko. Main wrong bhi ho sakta hu. I would be hurt if I was in Sanjay Dutt's place and my father would be hurt. Woh kuch bole hi nahi. That's the greatness of that man. Dutt sahab ghar aate the, aakhri waqt tak hum baat karte the. Par kaam nahi kar sakte. Aap ek baar kisi ke saath aadhi picture banaao aur phir change kardo. How do you reach out to that actor again?' When asked if he will ever work with Sanjay again, he said, 'I met him in the plane, he said, we'll work, how are you' and he spoke well I would love to work with him but he's surrounded by so many directors. Today he's a bigger man than I am. I'm nobody to go to him now. At that time, he was nobody. Today he's a big man. So, I'm shy to approach him and I don't think I have the right role to approach him. Today a lot of actors do work for money also at this age so you see him in many movies even in a smaller role and that's fine. ' The director further admitted that he thinks Sanjay is a good actor. He said, 'There's a burning fire that what if we worked together. Though, when he meets me, he's friendly to me. I was at the crossroads in my career when I was losing my patience. He is a sincere actor and really was serious about doing the film. But sometimes you go through that phase in your life where you are at that age. His mother passed away. He could be emotionally disturbed. I don't know why he did what he did. He gave me no trouble. He's a gentleman. He's one of the best personalities we have in Bollywood, his walk, his style, his eyes. That's why Munnabhai and all these films happened. It was not by fluke. It happened because he's a good actor.'
