Vinod Khanna carved out a legendary status in the Hindi film industry, delivering numerous box office hits before making the shocking decision to leave cinema behind. He embraced spirituality and became a disciple of spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh, staying away from the glamour of Bollywood for nearly five years. When he finally decided to re-enter the film world, his dramatic comeback generated stories and anecdotes that continue to be discussed in film circles years later.
Shooting Prem Dharam With Dimple Kapadia
Following his return from the ashram, Khanna signed up for Mahesh Bhatt's film titled Prem Dharam. He was paired alongside Dimple Kapadia for this project, and their on-screen chemistry drew significant attention from fans and critics alike. However, it was not just their pairing that caught the eye, as an intimate scene filmed between the two actors became the center of a major controversy.
The Incident Behind the Director's Cut
Reports emerged claiming that during the filming of an intimate sequence, Khanna got completely carried away and failed to stop even after the director shouted cut. During the filming of a kissing sequence, despite multiple instructions to halt, the actor allegedly kept going. Over the years, various versions and interpretations of this specific incident have surfaced across different media platforms.
Director Intervention and Actress Discomfort
Some observers attributed this behavior to his prolonged absence from the cinematic environment, suggesting he struggled to maintain emotional control on set. Others speculated that he simply did not hear the director's instructions over the intensity of the moment. The unexpected turn of events left Dimple Kapadia deeply uncomfortable, and she reportedly walked straight to her makeup room the moment the shot concluded.
Mahesh Bhatt Steps In and Past Controversies
Realizing the gravity of the situation, director Mahesh Bhatt reportedly intervened and advised Khanna to speak with Kapadia and apologize for his actions. It was believed that Khanna himself realized he had lost composure during the take. While multiple conflicting accounts surround the incident, no single version provides absolute clarity. A similar controversy had previously surrounded Khanna during the shooting of Dayavan alongside Madhuri Dixit, where the actress later expressed regret over doing a bold romantic scene.
A Memorable Chapter in Stardom
This remarkable comeback story remains one of the most talked-about incidents in Bollywood history. Before stepping away at the peak of his career to join the ashram, Khanna was among the leading stars of his generation. His return to the studios after half a decade gave his career a brand new chapter, marked by both his enduring star power and unforgettable behind-the-scenes controversies that remain etched in industry folklore.
