Bollywood's Evergreen Antagonist Raza Murad: Celebrating a Legend on His Birthday

Renowned as one of Bollywood's legendary villains, Raza Murad has left an indelible mark on the film industry, consistently delivering powerful performances in antagonistic roles. Even at the age of 72, Murad remains a dynamic force in Bollywood, captivating audiences with his diverse and compelling characters. As we approach November 23, the celebrated actor's birthday, let's delve into a fascinating incident that occurred during the filming of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmaavat,' where Murad's on-screen villainy translated into a remarkable real-life cinematic moment.

In 2018, Raza Murad undertook the role of Jalaluddin Khilji in 'Padmaavat,' a cinematic masterpiece directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film featured an ensemble cast, including the likes of Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Deepika Padukone, Aditi Rao Hydari, Anupriya Goenka, and the dynamic Ranveer Singh, who portrayed the formidable character of Alauddin Khilji. The film, set against the backdrop of medieval India, mesmerized audiences with its grandeur and intricate storytelling.

One of the standout scenes in 'Padmaavat' involved Raza Murad's character administering a series of slaps to Ranveer Singh's Alauddin Khilji. This scene, undoubtedly etched in the memories of those who watched the film, was pivotal to the narrative, showcasing the intense dynamics between the characters. However, what adds a layer of intrigue to this cinematic moment is the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded during its creation.

Despite Murad's seasoned expertise, the perfectionist director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, found the initial takes of the slapping scene unsatisfactory. Determined to achieve cinematic excellence, Bhansali insisted on reshooting the scene an astonishing 24 times. As a consequence of this pursuit of perfection, Ranveer Singh found himself on the receiving end of Murad's slaps a total of 24 times. The commitment of both actors to deliver an authentic and impactful performance is evident in the dedication they displayed on set.

'Padmaavat' proved to be a colossal success, both critically and commercially. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the film grossed a staggering 302 crore rupees in India alone and amassed a global business of 571 crore rupees. This triumphant box office performance solidified 'Padmaavat' as one of the highest-grossing films of 2018. The film's success was undoubtedly attributed to the stellar performances of its cast, the meticulous direction of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and the immersive storytelling that brought medieval India to life on the silver screen.

As we celebrate Raza Murad's birthday on November 23, it is fitting to reflect on not just his on-screen prowess but also the dedication and effort that goes into creating cinematic magic. The slapping incident in 'Padmaavat' stands as a testament to the commitment of artists in the pursuit of perfection and the lengths they are willing to go to create memorable moments that resonate with audiences for years tocome.

- PTC PUNJABI