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Amol Palekar recently opened up about a deeply regrettable incident from the filming of Bhumika (1977), where he slapped co-star Smita Patil during a scene without her consent.
Amol Palekar recalls slapping Smita Patil during Bhumika under Shyam Benegal’s direction, an incident he deeply regrets.
Amol Palekar and Smita Patil shared the screen in Shyam Benegal’s critically acclaimed film Bhumika (1977), a movie remembered for its powerful narrative and stellar performances. However, the veteran actor recently revealed an incident from the film that continues to weigh heavily on him—slapping Smita Patil during a scene without her consent. Speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025, Palekar opened up about the incident and the moral dilemma he faced.
Recalling the moment, Palekar said, “During the making of Bhumika, we were filming a crucial scene, but Shyam was not satisfied with the intensity. He told me I needed to be more violent and then asked me to slap Smita without informing her. I was shocked and straightaway refused, but he insisted, saying it was an order.”
Despite his reservations, Palekar eventually complied during the take. “I was confused, scared, and it went against my nature. As Smita began her performance—brilliant as always—I suddenly held her hand and slapped her hard. The expression on her face was one of utter disbelief, anger, and humiliation, but being true professionals, we continued the scene until Shyam said, ‘Cut.’”
Once the take was over, Palekar immediately approached Smita to apologize. “I broke down and explained everything to her. She hugged me, and we both cried. I’ll never forget the look of disbelief and hurt on her face,” he shared.
Reflecting on the incident, Palekar admitted that he would never do something similar in today’s context. “If it were today, I wouldn’t have done it—not just because of theater discipline but because I fundamentally disagree with raising my voice or hand against a woman.”
Bhumika, which also featured Naseeruddin Shah and Amrish Puri in pivotal roles, was based on the autobiography Sangtye Aika by Marathi actress Hansa Wadkar. The film remains a landmark in Indian cinema, but for Amol Palekar, it is also a reminder of a decision that still haunts him decades later.