Gajendra Chauhan, widely recognized for his portrayal of Yudhishthir in the seminal television series Mahabharat, has recently offered insights into his professional encounters with two of Hindi cinema’s most iconic figures: Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan. In a candid interview, Chauhan reflected on these experiences, revealing moments that deeply impacted him.
Recalling a pivotal scene from the film Baghban, Chauhan detailed his internal struggle when tasked with striking Amitabh Bachchan. This act, contrary to his profound respect for the veteran actor, presented a dilemma. He approached Bachchan with the script, requesting a rehearsal. "I had the script in my hand. I went to him, pulled up a chair, and said, ‘Sir, can we do a rehearsal?’ He said, ‘Yes, sure, sure.’ He’s very fond of rehearsals," Chauhan reminisced, highlighting Bachchan’s dedication to his craft.
However, when the cameras began to roll, Chauhan admitted to instinctively holding back. "So I told him, ‘Sir, in this scene, I have to do something that my heart isn’t allowing me to do.’ He asked, ‘What?’ I said, ‘I am supposed to hit you.’” Bachchan’s immediate response, Chauhan emphasized, underscored his immense professionalism. “He said one line, and that line shows his greatness. He said, ‘Hit with full intensity.’” This directive left an indelible mark on Chauhan, serving as a powerful testament to Bachchan’s commitment to authentic performance, unhindered by his superstar status. "This one line tells you why Bachchan sahab is Bachchan sahab," Chauhan asserted, noting that Bachchan prioritized the scene’s impact over any perceived ego. He didn’t consider the potential awkwardness of a newcomer striking him; instead, he sought the rawest, most truthful depiction.
Chauhan also spoke with considerable warmth about his collaborations with Salman Khan across several films. He praised Khan not only for his acting prowess but also for his remarkable humanity and compassion. “Amazing. I’ve done two or three films with him. He is incredible, especially in terms of his behaviour. I don’t think there is anyone better when it comes to helping people or standing by someone,” Chauhan stated. He characterized Khan’s personality as a "coconut," tough on the exterior but possessing an incredibly soft and giving nature within.
Further illustrating Khan’s generosity, Chauhan recounted a powerful anecdote shared by Salman’s father, the esteemed writer Salim Khan. This story shed light on the impactful work of Salman’s charitable foundation, Being Human. Salim Khan, as a guest at a CINTAA event, narrated how their foundation would host gatherings where individuals could present their problems and request assistance. During one such event, a man approached, seeking Rs 30,000 for his son’s cancer treatment. Salman, present at the gathering, immediately instructed that the money be provided.
The true depth of the story unfolded at a subsequent gathering when the same man reappeared. Salim Khan, noticing his return, became suspicious, questioning why he had come back. The man’s reply profoundly moved everyone present: “Sir, I’ve come to return the money. The purpose for which I took it was not fulfilled. My son died.” This moment of honesty deeply affected all those present. Chauhan added that Salim Khan then elaborated on how Salman, touched by the man’s integrity and immense loss, took it upon himself to help him rebuild his life. Recognizing that the man earned a living by selling tea, Salman provided substantial financial support, investing several lakh rupees to establish a tea shop for him in Thane, thus empowering him to start anew. This narrative highlights Salman Khan’s profound empathy and commitment to humanitarian causes.
