Ram Gopal Varma, the celebrated filmmaker known for his versatile work in Indian cinema, has recently been in the limelight for his remarkable cameo in the much-anticipated film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. However, Varma’s recent revelations have captivated his fans and the general public for a different reason altogether. The director opened up about an eerie experience involving the renowned choreographer Shiamak Davar, who claimed to have encountered the spirit of Varma’s late father during a flight.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ram Gopal Varma recounted the spine-chilling incident that took place just fifteen days after his father had passed away. Varma and Shiamak were on the same flight to Chennai. The filmmaker was still in the throes of grief over his father’s recent demise when Shiamak asked him a question that left him utterly bewildered.
“The flight had just taken off, and in broad daylight, mid-air, Shiamak suddenly leaned towards me and asked, ‘Your father passed away?’” Varma narrated. “It was an unexpected and rather unsettling question. But yes, it was true. My father had indeed passed away just fifteen days earlier. I confirmed this to him, a bit taken aback. Shiamak was seated by the window, and I was in the aisle seat. He then gazed at me for a moment and said, ‘He is here with us.’ I was completely taken aback! Here he was, this choreographer, saying something so uncanny.”
Initially skeptical, Varma responded, “Shiamak, I don’t believe in this stuff.” To this, Shiamak replied, “He (Varma’s father) also never believed in it but is very concerned about you.” The conversation continued to leave Varma in a state of shock and confusion. “How did he know my father had died? How did he know he was an atheist? The emotions stirred within me included a mixture of helplessness, anger, and fear. I was very disturbed by that conversation,” Varma shared.
. He then abruptly left his seat and moved towards the rear of the plane, but the encounter kept gnawing at him.
The filmmaker reflected on the possible explanations for Shiamak’s unexpected assertion. “There are always possibilities in these situations. Anyone could have known about my father’s death, especially since I’m a public figure. Maybe he overheard it from somewhere and decided to play a prank,” he pondered. However, the specificity of the details troubled Varma deeply.
Shiamak Davar, a figure celebrated for his contributions to Indian dance and choreography, was, in Varma’s words, always someone who seemed to sway to the beat of a different drum. It was perhaps easy to dismiss his words as eccentric musings, but the exactness and timing of his statements shook Varma to his core.
On the professional front, Varma has made a noteworthy cameo in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, a film helmed by director Nag Ashwin. The movie has generated considerable anticipation among audiences, owing in part to its star-studded cast, which includes stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ promises to offer a fresh interpretation of the Mahabharata, a subject that has intrigued scholars and storytellers for generations.
The film’s multi-layered narrative and its ensemble cast bring together a remarkable mix of talent, ensuring that it stands out as a must-watch this year. With Varma’s surprise cameo adding a layer of intrigue, fans are eagerly awaiting its release.
Ram Gopal Varma’s recounting of the spooky incident during the Chennai flight not only adds to the allure surrounding his persona but also serves as a gripping anecdote that reminds us of the unexplainable—those moments that challenge our understanding of reality. As Varma continues to dazzle audiences with his cinematic ventures, this uncanny experience will undoubtedly remain etched in the minds of his fans and followers.
Varma’s ability to juggle his creative pursuits while delving into deeply personal narratives showcases his multifaceted personality. Whether one views Shiamak’s assertion as a mystical encounter or an eerie coincidence, it underscores the film industry’s complex tapestry where fact often blends seamlessly with fiction. In sharing this personal story, Varma offers a glimpse into the lesser-known, more vulnerable aspects of his life, making him not just a filmmaker but also a storyteller who continues to explore the myriad layers of human existence.
