Top News

Mumbai: Disha Pardeshi has opened up about filming one of the most challenging sequences in Raja Shivaji, revealing that she spent nearly 12 hours underwater to shoot a crucial scene without the use of body doubles, VFX, or AI.

In an exclusive interaction, the actress shared insights into the physically demanding experience, which has now become one of the standout moments of the film directed by Riteish Deshmukh.

A demanding underwater sequence

Disha Pardeshi played one of the wives of Afzal Khan in the film, which chronicles the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Her character’s death scene required her to perform underwater after being strangled and thrown into a water body.

Recalling the experience, Disha said she was initially unaware of the scale of the sequence. During casting, she was only asked if she knew how to swim. “I had never performed underwater before, but I was excited to try something new,” she said.

Unlike typical drowning scenes, the actress had to portray a controlled descent, resisting the natural instinct to surface. This made the performance even more challenging.

Training and preparation

To prepare for the scene, Disha underwent specialised underwater training. She revealed that a dedicated team worked closely with her to ensure safety while allowing her to perform without an oxygen mask during the shoot.

“We did a 12-hour shift and practised extensively underwater. It was intimidating at first, but also a great learning experience,” she said.

The shoot was further complicated by heavy rain on the day of filming, adding to the difficulty of executing the scene. Despite the conditions, the actress completed the sequence, describing it as both “scary and adventurous”.

No use of AI or body doubles

One of the most notable aspects of the sequence was that it was filmed entirely without technological assistance. Disha emphasised that no body doubles, visual effects, or artificial intelligence were used to create the scene.

Just before filming, Riteish Deshmukh reportedly gave her the option of using a body double for a high-risk jump into a well. However, the actress chose to perform the stunt herself.

“He asked if I was comfortable jumping from a height of 10–12 feet and assured me that a duplicate was available. His trust gave me confidence to do it myself,” she recalled.

Praise for Riteish Deshmukh’s direction

Disha also praised Riteish Deshmukh for his supportive and hands-on approach as a director. She credited his guidance for helping her perform such a demanding scene.

“He was extremely approachable and made sure I was comfortable throughout. His direction and vision made a big difference,” she said.

Film reception and release

Raja Shivaji has been released globally on May 1 in Marathi, Hindi, and Telugu. The film features Sanjay Dutt in the role of Afzal Khan and focuses on key moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s journey towards establishing Swarajya.

The film has received attention for its scale, performances, and portrayal of historical events.

Conclusion

Disha Pardeshi’s commitment to performing a physically intense underwater sequence without technological shortcuts highlights the level of dedication involved in Raja Shivaji. Her experience underscores the growing emphasis on realism in Indian cinema, even in large-scale historical productions.