Lara Dutta recalls a near-death experience on Andaaz set when she nearly drowned: 'Was taken to the hospital…'

Lara Dutta, with over two decades in Bollywood, has left her mark in glamour, comedy, and action. However, one of her most memorable experiences occurred far from the film sets. This wasn't a rehearsed scene, but a harrowing near-death experience at sea.

Lara Dutta recalls a drowning incident

In a recent interview with Asian Television Network Canada, Lara Dutta recounted the incident that dramatically altered her relationship with water. During a dance sequence for Andaaz, a rogue wave swept both her and Akshay Kumar into the sea.

The situation was dire, compounded by the fact that Lara couldn't swim. "I went underwater, wearing leather, didn't know how to swim, sank like a rock," she remembered.

Fortunately, Akshay Kumar, already in the water, rescued her, pulling her back to shore. The aftermath was severe: Lara went into hypothermic shock, the shoot was stopped, and she was immediately taken to the hospital.

The event left a significant mark. When Akshay later suggested she join Blue, an underwater action film, Lara initially refused. The memory of the incident was still vivid.

She even contacted him, stating she couldn't accept the role. His response was straightforward: learn to swim. "At 30, he asked me to learn diving. I said mai hi pagal mili hu," she said, laughing as she looked back at the moment. However, she embraced the challenge. Lara learned to swim at 30, overcoming the fear from Andaaz, and eventually joined Blue.

About Blue

Directed by Anthony D'Souza, Blue placed its actors in authentic ocean environments, away from controlled sets. The film featured numerous underwater scenes, some with real sharks, increasing the unpredictability and danger.

Akshay Kumar too experienced a near miss during filming, injuring himself underwater after colliding with a sunken ship at a considerable depth.

Lara’s work front

Professionally, Lara, who was crowned Miss Universe in 2000, has starred in several Bollywood films, including 'No Entry', 'Partner', 'Bhagam Bhag', and 'Housefull'.