While the “shot dead” rumour may have been a publicity stunt, its impact was deeply personal for Shilpa Shirodkar and her family
In a startling revelation that blends nostalgia with controversy, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shirodkar has opened up about one of the most bizarre episodes of her career, a time when she was falsely declared dead during the shoot of the 1995 film Raghuveer. The incident, which was later revealed to be a publicity stunt, left her family terrified and the industry stunned.
The Rumour That Shook Her Family
During a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Shilpa recounted the chaos that unfolded while she was filming in Kullu Manali alongside Suniel Shetty. With no mobile phones at the time, communication was limited. Her father, desperate to reach her, had called the hotel repeatedly, only to be met with silence.
“When I came back to the room, there were around 20-25 missed calls,” Shilpa said. “My parents were worried. There was a headline in a newspaper that read, ‘Shilpa Shirodkar was shot dead.’”
The rumour had spread like wildfire, causing panic among fans and family alike. Locals watching the shoot were confused, unsure if the actress on set was Shilpa or someone else impersonating her.
The Producer’s Shocking Admission
The truth behind the rumour was even more unsettling. Shilpa later learned that the film’s producer had orchestrated the fake news as a promotional strategy to generate buzz around Raghuveer. “When he told me, I was like ‘Okay’. Yes, thoda zyada hogaya,” she admitted. “There was no PR activity or anything at that time. I was the last one to know that something like this was going to happen. No one used to take permission at that time”.
Despite the emotional toll, Shilpa chose not to hold a grudge. The film performed moderately well at the box office, and she viewed the incident as part of the unpredictable world of 90s Bollywood marketing.
Raghuveer: The Film Behind the Frenzy
Directed by K. Pappu, Raghuveer starred Suniel Shetty in the lead role, with Shilpa Shirodkar, Suresh Oberoi, Sudha Chandran, Mohnish Bahl, Aruna Irani, Gulshan Grover, and Prem Chopra rounding out the cast. The film was a typical action drama of its time, and while it didn’t break records, it gained attention—partly due to the controversy surrounding Shilpa’s “death”.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Shilpa Shirodkar made her debut in Ramesh Sippy’s Bhrashtachar in 1989, portraying a blind girl opposite Mithun Chakraborty and Rekha. She went on to star in hits like Khuda Gawah, Aankhen, Pehchaan, Gopi Kishan, and Mrityudand. After a hiatus from films, she transitioned to television and later appeared in Bigg Boss 18, reigniting public interest in her journey.
Her Comeback: Jatadhara and Beyond
Now, Shilpa is set to return to the silver screen in Jatadhara, a pan-India supernatural thriller centered around the mystical lore of the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple. The film stars Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha, marking Shilpa’s first collaboration with both actors. Her role is said to be pivotal, and fans are eager to see her back in action.
Publicity vs. Privacy: A Changing Landscape
The incident from Raghuveer highlights the stark contrast between the publicity tactics of the 90s and today’s more regulated media environment. In an era before social media and digital PR, filmmakers often resorted to sensationalism to grab attention. Shilpa’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the emotional cost of such strategies.
Conclusion: A Tale of Resilience
While the “shot dead” rumour may have been a publicity stunt, its impact was deeply personal for Shilpa Shirodkar and her family. Her ability to reflect on the incident with grace and humor speaks volumes about her resilience. As she gears up for her cinematic comeback, Shilpa’s story reminds us that behind every headline lies a human being navigating fame, fear, and the unpredictable tides of showbiz.
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