'I thought my career was over at 17': Farhan Akhtar recalls Sridevi falling on the floor due to his mistake

Farhan Akhtar and Sridevi

It was 1991. Farhan Akhtar, at 17, had just started his film career as an assistant to cinematographer Manmohan Singh on Yash Chopra's love musical Lamhe, which starred Sridevi and Anil Kapoor. However, one incident on set almost ended his promising career: Sridevi accidentally collapsed during the shot. Farhan revisited the scene nearly 35 years later during an appearance on India TV's Aap Ki Adalat.

Farhan Akhtar recalls the incident when Sridevi fell because of him

Farhan then detailed the incident, he shared, "Main kaun hota hoon Sridevi ko girane wala! (Who am I to make her fall?)" He then explained what actually happened: "Unfortunately, such an accident did occur. I was Man Ji's seventh or eighth assistant on Lamhe. It was a typical Yash Chopra setup - a passionate dance sequence choreographed by Saroj Ji (choreographer Saroj Khan). Sridevi had to express her anger and pain through dance after she heard some bad news. The final shot was supposed to be a crane shot. While Sridevi was rehearsing, Manmohan Singh, who was checking the frame, noticed a stain on the wooden floor. He asked someone to clean it, and since I was the closest, I ran to wipe it off."

Farhan revealed that as he was rushing, he didn't realise that Sridevi was walking towards him, "I was bent down, cleaning the stain and coordinating with Manji when she walked over, slipped, and fell. I still remember it in slow motion - Sridevi flying in the air and hitting the floor. The entire set froze. I thought, This is it, my career is over."

Farhan Akhtar revealed how Sridevi reacted after the fall

But instead of being angry, Sridevi laughed it off. "She simply smiled and said, 'It's okay; it happens.'" Everyone followed her lead and began giggling. "That's when I started breathing again," Farhan recounted.

Farhan left Lamhe to work in advertising, and 10 years later, he made his directorial debut with the classic Dil Chahta Hai. Reflecting on his path, he expressed thanks, "I will always be thankful to Sridevi - I truly believe I owe my career to her."