Bollywood actress Lara Dutta, renowned for her elegance and cinematic prowess, recently shared a striking instance from her past where she delivered swift justice to a man who dared to assault her in public. The incident occurred during the promotional event of her debut film ‘Andaaz’ in the bustling markets of Delhi. Lara Dutta, known not only for her acting but also her title as the former Miss Universe, reflected on the eve-teasing episode with candor in an interview with Hautterfly.
Recalling the music release occasion for ‘Andaaz’, which she headlined with co-stars Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Lara narrated the melee at Rhythm House in the iconic Chandni Chowk district where a surge of fans had gathered. The anticipation was palpable – it was, after all, the first time cinema-goers would witness Miss World and Miss Universe gracing the silver screen together, alongside the leading man, Akshay Kumar. Amongst the excitement, clad in a sari, Dutta experienced an unwelcome pinch. Fuelled by her army background training, she instinctively acted, pulling the culprit out and ensuring he was disciplined right there on the street.
Akshay Kumar, witnessing the scuffle, expressed his concern and pulled Lara away, reminding her of her new public image as an actor. Nonetheless, this episode stands out as a testament to Lara Dutta’s spirit and refusal to remain passive in a situation that demanded action.
Today, far from the tumultuous events of her early career, Lara Dutta is embarking on a new journey that resonates with her familial military roots. She is set to appear in the upcoming web series ‘Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond’, taking on the role of a power broker entrenched in the complexities of modern warfare and geopolitical scenarios. Under the direction of Santosh Singh, the series aims to peel back layers of a significant defensive operation, illuminating the interplay of traditional and advanced combat strategies.
Dutta’s bond to this storyline is deeply personal, her family having strong connections to the Indian Air Force. Emphasizing her solid sense of duty and love for her country, Lara remarked in an exclusive interview with ANI that her homeland precedes everything else in her life, even her own kin. She chose to be a part of ‘Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond’ as it held special significance, especially given the insights she was privy to as a member of an Air Force family, when the Balakot airstrike unfolded. She said this particular aspect provided her with a unique perspective on the subject, different from that of an average civilian.
In addition to this compelling web series, Lara Dutta’s career is abuzz with an array of forthcoming projects, such as ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, ‘Suryast’, and ‘Ramayana’, each poised to showcase her versatility and dedication as an artist.
Lara Dutta’s storied career evolution, from reigning as Miss Universe to captivating audiences on the silver screen, and now venturing into intense roles that explore themes of nationalism and strategy, reflect her enduring commitment to her craft and her country. Through her actions and choices, she reveals a narrative of empowerment, resilience, and an unrelenting spirit that inspires both on and off the screen.
