It has been over two decades since the release of the iconic horror film Raaz, but the film continues to be a favorite among fans, especially for its haunting music and memorable performances. Starring Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea, the movie was a massive hit at the box office. However, behind the scenes, the atmosphere on set was far from perfect. Director Vikram Bhatt recently opened up about the challenges they faced during the filming of Raaz due to the deteriorating relationship between the lead actors.
The On-Set Tension
Raaz, released in 2002, was not just a milestone in Bollywood horror but also in the careers of Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea. The two actors were dating during the film’s production, but their relationship was on the brink of collapse. This personal turmoil created significant tension on set, especially during the shooting of the song “Main Agar Saamne.”
Director Vikram Bhatt shared his experience with News18, revealing the difficult situation they faced while filming. He said, “We were shooting the wedding song ‘Main Agar Saamne,’ which has a line, ‘Apni shaadi ke din ab nahi door hain,’ and during this scene, both Bipasha and Dino were fighting. Bipasha was in tears, and Dino was visibly upset.”
Balancing Personal and Professional Lives
The contrast between the joyful wedding scene they were filming and the real-life emotional distress of the actors created an uncomfortable atmosphere on set. Vikram Bhatt, understanding the gravity of the situation, tried to maintain professionalism while giving the actors space. He recalled, “I told them, ‘You can’t fight. We are shooting a wedding song. Why don’t you stop fighting for two days?’ We even had lunch together to lighten the mood, but the tension was palpable.”
Despite the director’s attempts to ease the situation, the personal issues between Bipasha and Dino were too overwhelming. Their relationship eventually ended shortly after the film’s release, adding to the already intense environment during production.
Post-Raaz Breakup
Vikram Bhatt emphasized that he did not interfere in the personal lives of his actors, respecting their privacy. However, he acknowledged that the breakup had a noticeable impact on the film’s production. “I am not the kind of person who interferes in the personal lives of his actors. So, I don’t know what happened. But yes, their relationship broke down completely soon after Raaz,” he added.
Life After the Breakup
After her breakup with Dino Morea, Bipasha Basu went on to date actor John Abraham. Their relationship lasted for nine years before they too went their separate ways. Bipasha has since found happiness with actor Karan Singh Grover, whom she married in 2016. The couple welcomed their daughter, Devi, in 2022, marking a new chapter in Bipasha’s life.
The success of Raaz is undeniable, but the film’s production was marked by emotional struggles due to the breakup of its lead stars. Director Vikram Bhatt’s revelations provide a glimpse into the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives in the high-pressure environment of filmmaking. Despite the difficulties, Raaz remains a beloved film, and Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea have moved on to different paths, leaving the past behind.