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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 India.com 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 India.com 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 India.com 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 wouldnt be able to work). It was a complicated part of my life where I was not able to make decisions. When youre confused you just let it go. Rajiv Rai shares shocking details on receiving threats In an exclusive conversation with India.com 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 Mohras 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 Rais 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 films 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.