Bollywood is a treasure trove of countless stories. While the audience sees a polished product on screen, what happens behind the camera is often far more dramatic—and sometimes, even eerie. One such spine-chilling moment was recently recalled by Raveena Tandon from the sets of Laadla, a film that starred Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, and Raveena herself.
Divya Bharti Was the Original Choice for Sridevi’s Role
Few know that before Sridevi came on board, it was the late Divya Bharti who had originally been cast in Laadla. She had even filmed several scenes. Tragically, Divya passed away unexpectedly, leaving the film’s future uncertain. Her untimely demise sent shockwaves through the industry and forced the makers to recast her role.
Reshooting a Scene Triggered a Wave of Emotions
In an old interview, Raveena recalled the emotional challenge of reshooting one particular scene—one she had originally filmed with Divya and Shakti Kapoor. Raveena remembered how Divya had repeatedly fumbled a particular dialogue line during that scene, requiring multiple takes.
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Sridevi Struggled at the Exact Same Spot
Six months after Divya’s passing, the shoot resumed with Sridevi stepping into her role. But what unfolded on set left everyone stunned. Sridevi struggled with the exact same line where Divya had earlier faltered. “We all had goosebumps on the set,” Raveena recalled. The entire crew felt an eerie presence—almost as if Divya was still there.
The Team Turned to Prayer to Calm the Atmosphere
Overwhelmed by the strange coincidence and the emotional weight of the moment, the actors and crew members turned to spirituality for strength. They began chanting the Gayatri Mantra in unison, hoping to bring peace to the set. “I held Sridevi’s hand and prayed,” Raveena said. The team also broke a coconut—a ritual often performed to dispel negativity and mark a fresh beginning—before continuing the shoot.
Divya Bharti’s Blessings and the Film’s Blockbuster Fate
Despite the emotional setbacks, Laadla was completed and released on 25 March 1994. It went on to become a blockbuster. Many believed that Divya Bharti’s presence and blessings stayed with the film throughout its journey, playing an unseen role in its success.
