Former Miss Universe and actor Lara Dutta recently revisited a chilling memory from the early days of her career, revealing how she nearly drowned while shooting her debut film Andaaz.
In a candid recollection with Asian Television Network Canada, Lara shared that the incident occurred during a song sequence filmed in the sea alongside co-star Akshay Kumar. What was meant to be a visually striking moment quickly turned dangerous when a powerful wave pulled her underwater.
“I went underwater, wearing leather, didn’t know how to swim, sank like a rock,” she recalled, describing the terrifying experience of being unable to stay afloat.
At the time, Lara had no swimming skills, which made the situation even more critical. As panic set in, it was Akshay Kumar who acted swiftly, bringing her back to shore and preventing what could have turned into a fatal accident.
However, the ordeal didn’t end there. Lara went into hypothermic shock soon after being rescued, forcing the film’s shoot to be halted. She was immediately rushed for medical attention, marking a traumatic start to her journey in the film industry.
The incident left a lasting impact on her relationship with water. Years later, when she was offered the underwater action film Blue—which again starred Akshay Kumar—Lara initially hesitated due to the lingering fear from her near-death experience.
It was Kumar who once again played a pivotal role, encouraging her to confront her fears. Taking his advice, Lara learned how to swim and even trained in diving at the age of 30. What began as a frightening memory eventually became a story of resilience, as she went on to perform underwater sequences for Blue.
Lara’s experience sheds light on the unforeseen risks actors sometimes face on set, especially in physically demanding environments. More importantly, it stands as a testament to overcoming fear—turning a moment of vulnerability into one of strength and growth.
More Pages: Andaaz Box Office Collection
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