Why was Isha Koppikar slapped 14 times by Nagarjuna Akkineni while filming Chandralekha? Says, ‘Nishan padd..’

Actress Isha Koppikar recently opened up about one of the most unforgettable experiences from the early days of her acting career. In a detailed conversation with Pinkvilla’s Hindi Rush, the actress revisited the time she was slapped — not once or twice — but 14 times by South superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni during the shoot of the 1998 Telugu film Chandralekha.

While the story might sound shocking at first, Isha was quick to clarify that the slaps were part of a highly emotional scene and entirely her own choice as a method actor.

“Maine khaaye the Nagarjuna se thappad. Aur mai ek dum committed actress, meko real method acting karni hai. Toh voh joh thappad maar rahe the, meko feel hi nahi ho rha tha thappad,” Isha revealed.

At the time, Chandralekha was only her second film in the industry. Coming from a modeling background, Isha had just stepped into the world of cinema and was eager to prove her dedication. She shared that she wanted to deliver the most authentic performance possible, and in order to emote realistically, she actually requested Nagarjuna to slap her for real during the take.

Maine khaaye the Nagarjuna se thappad. Aur mai ek dum committed actress, meko real method acting karni hai. Toh voh joh thappad maar rahe the, meko feel hi nahi ho rha tha thappad

- Isha Koppikar

Nagarjuna, surprised by the request, asked her if she was sure. “Are you sure?” he reportedly asked. But Isha was firm. “Meko feel hi nahi ho rha hai. Usne bichare ne di thappad lekin pyaar wala,” she recalled.

However, even after a few light slaps, the director wasn’t satisfied. He stepped in and reminded Isha that the slaps were already registering on camera. “But the director said, ‘Isha, you are being slapped,’” she remembered, laughing.

Isha further explained that while she had no trouble expressing emotions in her personal life, portraying anger in front of the camera was a challenge. “Mera dusra problem hai ki mai asli life mai gussa hoti hu, camera ke samne mai gussa nahi ho sakti. I don’t know kya problem hai,” she said honestly.

In her attempt to channel the right emotion, she kept pushing for retakes. What followed was a long series of repeated shots that eventually added up to 14 real slaps. “Voh anger ke chakkar mai maine 14 chapped kha liye. End mai literally nishan aa gaye,” she revealed.

Despite the physically intense shoot, Isha held no resentment. She recalled how Nagarjuna, known for being a gentleman and a thorough professional, was extremely apologetic after the scene wrapped. “Voh bichara muje leke baita ‘Sorry sorry.’ I said, ‘No no, I asked for it. Why are you saying sorry?’” she shared with a smile.

The incident not only highlighted her commitment to the craft but also reflected the working style of the 90s film industry, where actors often went the extra mile for authenticity. At a time when body doubles, VFX, and camera tricks were limited, real reactions often meant real action.

Over the years, Isha Koppikar went on to make a mark across multiple film industries — from Hindi and Telugu to Tamil and Kannada. She became a popular name with films like Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi, Kya Kool Hai Hum, Don, and Company. Known for her striking screen presence and versatility, Isha balanced glamorous roles with strong performances, gaining both commercial hits and critical acclaim.

Her throwback to Chandralekha offers a rare glimpse into the passion and pain that go behind even a few seconds of on-screen drama. For Isha, those 14 slaps may have left temporary marks, but they also became a part of her journey — one that helped shape her as the sincere and fearless performer she is today.