Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 20 hrs ago
Rajiv Rai recalls Naseeruddin Shah’s unease romancing Sonam in Tridev
Director Rajiv Rai has recalled a concern from making Tridev, his 1989 film starring Naseeruddin Shah and Sonam.
Shah told Rai that Sonam was younger than his daughter, Heeba, and asked whether that mattered for the casting.
Rai said the age difference was not an issue for the film, explaining that the pairing worked on screen.
Shah also felt shy about dancing in the sensual song “Tirchi Topiwale” because he had not done a song like it before.
Rai encouraged him to treat the steps as acting, and said Shah became more comfortable.
Sonam was keen to act opposite Shah and asked Rai not to change her casting.
The recollection offers a glimpse of how the director and actors approached the age-gap pairing and the song while making the film.
Director Rajiv Rai recalled that Naseeruddin Shah felt awkward about romancing the younger actor Sonam in the 1989 film Tridev.
Shah told Rai that his daughter Heeba was older than Sonam, and asked whether that mattered for the casting.
Rai said he reassured Shah that the age difference was not a concern for the film.
Rai said Sonam was eager to work with Shah and asked him not to change her casting.
Shah was also shy about dancing in the song Tirchi Topiwale, Rai recalled.
- Who
- Director Rajiv Rai recalled the experience of actors Naseeruddin Shah and Sonam.
- What
- Shah felt awkward about the age difference while romancing Sonam in Tridev, and was shy about dancing in Tirchi Topiwale.
- When
- During filming of Tridev, released in 1989; Rai shared the story in a recent interview.
- Where
- Tridev; the sources do not state where the filming took place.
- Why
- Shah noted that his daughter Heeba was older than Sonam, and was also uneasy because dancing was not his forte.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tridev, starring Naseeruddin Shah and Sonam, was released.
Shah told Rai that his daughter Heeba was older than Sonam and asked whether that mattered.
Rai discussed Sonam’s comfort with the age difference, and she said she was eager to work with Shah.
Rai recalled Shah’s unease about the song Tirchi Topiwale and the age difference.
- Film
- Tridev (1989)
- Director
- Rajiv Rai
- Actors
- Naseeruddin Shah and Sonam
- Song
- Tirchi Topiwale
- Daughter mentioned
- Heeba Shah
3 sources
What people are saying
Everyone knows that Naseer ji isn’t a dance expert. So, he was feeling a bit shy.
This is cinema; we are not doing a realistic documentary.
I want to bring to your notice that I have a daughter from my first marriage who is older than Sonam. Does it matter to you?
Why would I care? I’m dying to work with Naseeruddin because he is one of the best actors we have. Please don’t change my casting.