Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi recently recounted a harrowing incident from his time on the set of the 2004 film “Yuva,” wherein he suffered a severe motorcycle accident that broke his leg in three places. Directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam, “Yuva” also boasted an ensemble cast featuring Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Esha Deol. The film, which drew inspiration from the life of George Reddy, a scholar from Osmania University in Hyderabad, has been celebrating its 20th anniversary. As part of the commemorations, Vivek shared some lesser-known behind-the-scenes stories in an interview with Zoom.
“Yuva” is a film that weaves the narratives of three men from distinct social backgrounds whose lives intertwine after an incident on Kolkata’s iconic Howrah Bridge. The cast also included acting powerhouses like Om Puri, Anant Nag, Vijay Raaz, Sonu Sood, Saurabh Shukla, and Lekha Washington, each contributing to the intricate tapestry of the storyline.
Vivek Oberoi reminisced about a bright, sunny day that took a dramatic turn for the worse due to a motorcycle mishap. “A perfectly fun day turned into pain with a terrible motorcycle accident breaking my left leg in three places. I remember my big brother Ajay and my buddy Abhishek at my side, carrying me to the hospital, being my side through the agony of broken bones tearing through my skin with blood everywhere,” Vivek recounted.
The severe accident not only left Vivek in excruciating pain but also had a profound impact on the movie’s director, Mani Ratnam. Upon witnessing the disturbing scene of Vivek’s injury, Mani Ratnam suffered a heart attack. According to Vivek, the incident plunged the set into a state of chaos and worry. “Both of us ended up in the hospital, recovering from our respective ailments. Ajay and Abhishek were with me, lifting my spirits with jokes. The painkillers were making everything a bit blurry, but their presence was a lifeline for me,” Vivek shared.
In the months following the incident, the journey to recovery was riddled with complications for both Vivek and Mani Ratnam. Vivek expressed immense gratitude for the unwavering support from his colleagues, noting, “After many complications, four months later, it felt like a reunion on the sets. The entire unit lifted my morale while I limped through shooting the songs Fanaa and Anjana Anjani.
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The character dynamics in “Yuva” were inspired by significant social and political undertones, mirroring the real-life activism of George Reddy. The film’s multi-layered narrative provided a fertile ground for exploring themes of ambition, societal change, and personal transformation. It remains a critical piece in the annals of Indian cinema, not least because of the gravity and intensity brought by its lead actors, but also due to the film’s realistic portrayal of youth and the socio-political landscape of early 2000s India.
In addition to recounting the grim details of his accident, Vivek used the opportunity to reflect on the bond that burgeoned among the cast and crew during the making of “Yuva.” The camaraderie was palpable and seemed to extend beyond professional relationships, fostering a familial environment. Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan, specifically, exhibited exceptional camaraderie and provided unyielding moral support for Vivek during his recovery. Their friendship reportedly helped him endure the pain and speed up the healing process.
The film’s journey wasn’t just a cinematic endeavor but a shared human experience, deeply affecting everyone involved. These incidents paint a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations faced by actors and directors behind the glamour and glitz of Bollywood. They serve as poignant reminders of the physical and emotional toll that creating art can sometimes entail.
As “Yuva” celebrates its 20-year milestone, the actors and filmmakers are revisiting these memories, underscoring the resilience and determination that it took to bring this cinematic piece to life. The film holds a special place in Indian cinema, both for its storytelling achievement and for the real-life events that transpired during its production.
The dedication and passion poured into this project were palpable and etched forever in the annals of its cast and crew’s lives. “Yuva” stands today not only as a piece of entertainment but also as a testament to the unbreakable human spirit in the face of adversity. Each time the film’s songs are played or its scenes are recalled, they echo the blood, sweat, and tears that shaped this extraordinary cinematic journey.
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