Saumya Tandon Recalls Shooting Her First Dhurandhar Scene at an Amritsar Haveli: ‘Morning Shot Was With Akshaye Khanna Lighting the Frame’
Television star Saumya Tandon has opened up about her experience working in Dhurandhar, sharing behind-the-scenes moments that reveal the emotional depth and intensity behind her role. The actress, who played the wife of Rehman Dakait in the film, recently posted a series of BTS pictures on social media, reflecting on her first day on set, her scenes with Akshaye Khanna, and the overwhelming response she has received from audiences.
According to Saumya, her journey with Dhurandhar began in Amritsar, where the team shot her very first scene at Rehman Dakait’s grand haveli. The shoot took place in November last year, and for the actress, it marked a significant and emotional entry into the world of the film.
‘Nervous, Excited, and Fully Present’
Recalling her first day on set, Saumya shared that she was experiencing a mix of nervousness and excitement. The scene, set at the haveli, introduced her character to the audience and laid the emotional foundation for what followed.
“This was the very first scene I shot for the film,” Saumya wrote, adding that stepping into such a powerful narrative came with its own set of emotions. The early morning shoot, the historical setting, and the weight of the character all contributed to the moment feeling both daunting and deeply fulfilling.
Instant On-Screen Chemistry With Akshaye Khanna
One of the most talked-about aspects of Saumya’s performance has been her on-screen chemistry with Akshaye Khanna. The actress revealed that despite minimal interaction before the shoot, their connection in front of the camera felt effortless and natural.
She described Akshaye as “pure magic,” saying that the bond between them emerged the moment the camera started rolling. “We barely had time to speak before the shot, but once the scene began, the connection was instant,” she shared.
Calling him a true artist, Saumya expressed her admiration for Akshaye’s craft and said working with him was a learning experience. She also mentioned that she hopes to collaborate with him again in the future, describing him as a co-actor every performer would wish for.
Her Entry Scene and the Overwhelming Audience Response
Talking about her entry scene in Dhurandhar, Saumya admitted she never expected such a strong response. The scene, which unfolds inside the haveli, has been widely praised for its emotional weight and subtlety.
“The amount of love this scene has received has truly overwhelmed me,” she said, adding that the writing played a huge role in making the moment impactful. She credited the filmmakers for crafting a scene that allowed her to express complex emotions with honesty and restraint.
Praising Aditya Dhar’s Vision and Casting Choices
Saumya had high praise for director Aditya Dhar, highlighting his clarity of vision and commitment to authenticity. She emphasized that Dhurandhar stands as an example of how thoughtful casting and strong storytelling can elevate a film.
According to her, the director’s approach reinforced the belief that casting should be about suitability and depth, not star value alone. “Good content always wins,” she noted, praising Dhar for creating a film that prioritizes performance and truth over appearances.
The Film’s Most Intense Moment: A Real Slap on Camera
Sharing details about one of the film’s most intense scenes, Saumya revealed that she had to slap Akshaye Khanna for real during a close-up shot. The moment, she said, was insisted upon by the director to maintain complete honesty in performance.
“I was hoping we could cheat the shot, but that wasn’t an option,” she recalled. The emotional breakdown that followed was captured in a single take, making the scene even more powerful.
She explained that the emotions driving the moment—anger, helplessness, grief, and shared loss—were deeply felt. The scene revolves around the death of her on-screen son, and Saumya said the weight of that moment stayed with her long after the camera stopped rolling.
Sets That Felt Like a Different Era
Saumya also praised the film’s art department, particularly the haveli interiors and a detailed Eid celebration sequence. She described the sets as breathtaking, noting how the authentic decor transported her into the world and time period of the story.
“The space felt incredibly real,” she said, adding that the attention to detail helped her stay emotionally connected to the character. A prayer meeting scene, in particular, left a lasting impact on her due to its quiet intensity and realism.
A Performance That Left a Mark
With Dhurandhar receiving strong audience appreciation, Saumya Tandon’s performance has emerged as one of the film’s most emotionally resonant elements. Her candid reflections offer a glimpse into the dedication, vulnerability, and craftsmanship that went into bringing her character to life.
As fans continue to praise her role, Saumya’s behind-the-scenes revelations only deepen the appreciation for the work that unfolded on screen.