Looking back: When actor Balraj Sahni raced against a train for a scene in Pinjre ke Panchhi

Looking back: When actor Balraj Sahni raced against a train for a scene in Pinjre ke Panchhi

Veteran actor Balraj Sahni played a dare devil role by running after a train in the film
Pinjre ke Panchhi. It was shot in Khandala and Meena Kumari had to walk on the rail tracks
in her attempt to commit suicide.
He later managed to pull her aside from the rushing train at the last minute.

Whereas as per the filmmaker he only wanted shots of Sahni running after her and pulling her away; to be juxtapositioned later. Sahni, however, knew that a train would pass the spot soon, and if they moved fast, the whole scene could be filmed there only. He asked the director, who, in turn, asked the actress, and she agreed.

With all arrangements in place, he started chasing Meena Kumari amid shrill whistles from the approaching train’s driver, who ‘must have been horrified to see us right in the middle of the track’. The train must have been only a few yards away when Sahni dragged Meena Kumari away.

News Edit K.V.Raman