Reflecting on Sarbjit: Randeep Hooda’s Bond Beyond the Screen

In a candid reflection on his time filming Sarbjit, actor Randeep Hooda shares insights into his experience working alongside Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and the profound connection he forged with Sarabjit Singh’s family.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Randeep Hooda worked together in Sarbjit.

Directed by Omung Kumar, Sarbjit delves into the poignant tale of Sarabjit Singh, a man embroiled in the tumultuous realms of terrorism and espionage in Pakistan. Hooda recalls Rai’s presence on set as sincere, despite the challenge of transforming her appearance to mirror reality. “They tried their best to make her look real, but she’s so unreal,” he quips with a smile.

While acknowledging Rai’s professionalism, Hooda highlights a deeper bond formed with Sarabjit’s family, particularly his sister portrayed by Aishwarya in the film. Reflecting on his interactions, he shares, “Although we didn’t have many interactions on set because a lot of my scenes were away from her, but whenever we did, she was all that she’s made out to be.”

However, it was the profound connection with Sarabjit’s family that left an indelible mark on Hooda. He recounts the emotional moment of fulfilling Sarabjit’s sister’s final wish by lighting her funeral pyre, a gesture that symbolized the depth of their bond. “That movie had a real-life impact,” he muses, emphasizing the lasting resonance of the project.

As Hooda gears up for his directorial debut with the controversial biopic Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, his journey in Sarbjit serves as a poignant reminder of the profound human connections that transcend the boundaries of cinema.