Gulshan Grover played the memorable villain Kabira in Priyadarshan’s 2000 film Hera Pheri. In an interview, he shared how a scheduling conflict caused him to lose a role in Mahesh Bhatt’s National Award-winning film Zakhm to Saurabh Shukla.
The Clash Between ‘Hera Pheri’ and ‘Zakhm’
Talking to SCREEN, Gulshan recalled losing a role in Zakhm, starring Ajay Devgn, due to his commitment to Hera Pheri. He had planned to shoot for Hera Pheri from 7 AM to 12 PM and then join Mahesh Bhatt’s team at 1 PM to play a sardar, a role that eventually went to Saurabh Shukla. However, delays on set caused a conflict. The team of Zakhm needed specific lighting conditions, with sunlight hitting a particular spot at a certain time. Since this timing clashed with his prior commitment, he had to step away from the project.
Mahesh Bhatt advised Gulshan Grover to prioritize Hera Pheri when scheduling conflicts arose. As discussions took place between producers and managers, Grover approached Bhatt, whom he considers a mentor, for guidance. Bhatt suggested he complete Hera Pheri since the crew was already waiting. Despite efforts to adjust the schedule, it wasn’t possible, and Grover had to let go of Zakhm to film Hera Pheri’s climax over ten days.
Priyadarshan’s meticulous approach
Recalling Priyadarshan’s attention to detail, Gulshan Grover shared an interesting incident. On the day of filming his famous call scene to Laxmi Prasad at Film City, he was asked to arrive by 9 am. While on his way, his makeup artist called, informing him that Priyadarshan was in his room and wanted to speak to him. Surprised and concerned, Grover wondered why the director would be there. However, Priyadarshan reassured him, saying there was no rush to start the shoot immediately.
Gulshan Grover further shared how Priyadarshan’s attention to detail delayed the shoot. The director wanted a neon light reflection inside the set, but the initial setup wasn’t perfect and needed a few hours of adjustment. He insisted on placing a neon light outside the apartment to create a realistic effect, emphasizing that their hideout was an empty apartment left behind by someone on holiday. Grover admired Priyadarshan’s precision, calling it a brilliant idea that added depth to the scene.
Bond with Hera Pheri cast
Gulshan Grover fondly recalled his bond with the star-studded cast of Hera Pheri, including Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty. He described them as close friends, sharing how they spent time together and worked on multiple films. He noted that Suniel Shetty was more of a prankster than Akshay but never played tricks on him. Calling Hera Pheri a cult classic, he emphasized how the film allowed many actors to shine, making it a perfect example of an ensemble cast.
The sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, directed by Neeraj Vora instead of Priyadarshan, didn’t achieve the same success as the original. However, fans are eagerly awaiting Hera Pheri 3, which will reunite the original team. Gulshan Grover shared that this time, the film is being made by the original creators with the initial cast, rather than the rumored replacements. He admitted that he never watched Phir Hera Pheri but is thrilled to reprise his role as Kabira in the upcoming installment.
