Why 'Chhaava' co-stars Vicky-Akshaye avoided 'even seeing each other's faces'
What's the story
In a surprising revelation, it has come to light that Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna, the lead actors of the upcoming historical action film Chhaava, deliberately kept their distance from each other during the shoot.
Director Laxman Utekar shared this unusual approach to character immersion in a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama.
He explained that both actors were so deeply invested in their roles that they chose to "avoid even seeing each other's faces."
Director's admiration
Utekar praised Khanna's portrayal of Aurangzeb
Utekar had only high praise for Khanna, whom he considers one of Bollywood's finest actors.
Although the trailer gave a small glimpse of his character, Utekar assured Khanna's Mughal Shahenshah Aurangzeb will be nothing short of exceptional.
"The way he has played Aurangzeb will leave you frightened," said the director.
"He talks very little but communicates so much with his eyes."
Actor's commitment
Khanna's selective approach to film projects
Khanna is known for his selective approach to films, often doing only a few movies at a time.
When asked how he convinced Khanna to be a part of Chhaava, Utekar revealed that all it took was a visit to the actor's home in Alibaug.
"He is a very nice person. Though he does only a few projects, whatever he does, he does wholeheartedly," Utekar added.
Unique approach
Kaushal and Khanna's 1st meeting was in character
Utekar revealed Kaushal and Khanna didn't meet each other until the day they filmed their intense face-off scene.
"The day their scene together was to be shot was the day when they met each other for the first time and that too as characters," he said.
Echoing this, Kaushal confirmed, "When we were shooting that scene, we exchanged no good mornings or goodbyes or hellos. He was Aurangzeb and I was Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj."
Post-release interaction
Kaushal hopes to interact with Khanna post-release
Kaushal further explained their unique approach, saying, "Considering the way the scenes were, you can't do them by sitting on chairs next to each other, sipping tea, and then going for the shoot when ready."
"So, it didn't happen organically either. I hope I get to chat with him after the movie's release, but during the shoot, we never interacted with each other," he added.
Chhaava releases on February 14.