Rahul Dholakia on shooting Lamhaa in Kashmir, “Once we had to wrap up suddenly when a student protest broke out in Anantnag because they thought Kunal Kapoor’s freedom cry was genuine”

Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu and Kunal Kapoor starrer Lamhaa recently completed 14 years. Shooting the film in Kashmir in 2009-2010 was akin to playing with fire for director Rahul Dholakia. “Though the people of Kashmir loved Sanju and respected me, we were held hostage on day one by 10,000 people,” he said. “Our entire unit was locked up and they had taken me into a separate tiny room almost as a hijack and interrogation!! No JK police or CRPF could help. It was stormy winter, no government in place, threats of being attacked and almost riot-like situation at shooting locations. It was scary, intimidating and we pretty much were in hostile territory.”But shooting Lamhaa was exciting for Dholakia. “I met with Asia Andrabi, she was very warm, Geelani, Mirwaiz.. I met some separatists, and some real bravehearts like Major Sachin and his buddies in 28RR. The filming was tough, and my friend Anil Raina sorted out a lot of the problems for us. But even then, we had to stop shooting as two Lashkar members wanted to know what’s happening. Once we had to wrap up suddenly when a student protest broke out in Anantnag because they thought Kunal Kapoor’s freedom Cry was genuine! Once we had to run when we were at Maqdoom Saab when a CRPF officer told us someone may attack if we stayed longer,” recalled the filmmaker.Lamhaa’s leading lady Bipasha Basu fled Kashmir. “Bipasha had to leave as she was scared in curfew situations. On the positive side, Anupam Kher Saab got to see his ancestral home in Kashmir with me. That was a touching moment to see him go in and interact with CRPF officers who were using the place then. It was crazy!!! But guess that’s what makes it special. We created a set in Mumbai. Wasiq, my production designer, even brought some maple leaves from Kashmir to make the set authentic,” he said.Added Dholakia, “Unfortunately, because of budgetary constraints we had to cut half the set, and all production then became big issues. So, the film looked rushed in some places. Sanju went to jail also in between. Today when I look back, I feel we must have been crazy to shoot in those conditions and be so fearless. Of course, would have been better had the box office turned out as good. But there were some really solid friends who stuck by me in those times. We faced censorship issues as well. But fortunately (the then censor chief) Sharmila Tagore ji helped out again. And then Lamhaa got banned in Middle East. You supported us as well. Thank you!!”Also Read: Rahul Dholakia asks if Pakistani actors can be invited to act in India after Pakistani cricketers land in the country