A controversial incident involving actor Vinod Khanna and actress Dimple Kapadia during the filming of an intimate scene for the movie "Prem Dharm" has resurfaced, sparking renewed discussion about on-set conduct and power dynamics in the film industry. The incident, which occurred during Khanna's comeback to mainstream cinema after a five-year spiritual hiatus, involved a scene that required him to hug and kiss Kapadia.
According to reports, director Mahesh Bhatt initially filmed the scene as planned, with Khanna and Kapadia enacting the embrace and kiss. However, Bhatt decided to retake the scene for a longer duration to capture more intensity. As the cameras rolled again, Khanna reportedly continued kissing and hugging Kapadia even after Bhatt called "cut".
Eyewitness accounts suggest that Kapadia was visibly shocked and uncomfortable. Sources indicate she was scared and rushed to her makeup room, deeply upset by the incident. Bhatt and other crew members intervened to stop Khanna.
The incident remained largely unspoken for years, shrouded by the industry's tendency to keep such matters private. However, the resurgence of the story has ignited conversations about the ethical responsibilities of actors and directors during intimate scenes, as well as the importance of ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all performers.
Following the incident, Bhatt reportedly confronted Khanna, who apologized to Kapadia, attributing his behavior to being "intoxicated" and losing control due to a long absence from shooting such scenes.
This is not the only incident of alleged misconduct involving Vinod Khanna. There are reports that during the filming of "Dayavan," Khanna became so engrossed in a kissing scene with Madhuri Dixit that he bit her lip.
The "Prem Dharm" incident underscores the need for clear boundaries, open communication, and a greater awareness of acceptable conduct on film sets. It serves as a reminder of the potential for power imbalances to be exploited and the importance of protecting actors, particularly in vulnerable situations.
