Bollywood – Shilpa Shirodkar Recalls Water Mishap During Hum Song Shoot

Bollywood – Actor Shilpa Shirodkar has revisited a frightening experience from the early 1990s, recalling how she nearly drowned while filming a song sequence with Govinda for the film Hum. The incident, she said, took place during the shooting of Sanam Mere Sanam, at a time when film sets often operated with far fewer safety arrangements than those commonly expected today.

Govinda Sends a Special Message on Dance Reality Show

The memory came up during a recent episode of India’s Best Dancer Season 5, where Shilpa received a video message from Govinda. The actor spoke warmly about the films they worked on together and then narrated the dramatic moment from the Hum shoot.

Govinda said Shilpa did not know how to swim, adding that he himself was not a confident swimmer. During the water-based sequence, Shilpa reportedly slipped beneath the surface while he was handling the boat. He recalled calling out for her before jumping into the water and bringing her back to safety.

A Frightening Moment Turned Into a Lighter Memory

According to Govinda, Shilpa was upset immediately after she was rescued and questioned why she had been asked to take part in the sequence despite informing the team that she could not swim. His animated retelling of the episode prompted laughter from Shilpa and those present on the show.

While the incident is now remembered with humour, it also highlighted the risks actors sometimes faced during outdoor shoots in that period. The exchange offered viewers a glimpse into the working environment of mainstream Hindi cinema in the 1990s.

Shilpa Shirodkar Describes Limited Safety on Set

Speaking about the shoot, Shilpa said the unit was working in the middle of the water with only a handful of people nearby. She recalled wearing leather pants for the sequence while director W.B. Rao was positioned in another boat, instructing her to pose for the camera.

The actor said she was anxious throughout the scene because there was little support around her. She also stated that there were no life jackets or other visible safety equipment available during the shoot. Shilpa described the episode as an example of how film productions were handled at the time.

Her comments underline how safety practices on sets have evolved over the years, particularly for scenes involving water, stunts, large-scale action and difficult outdoor locations. Modern productions generally involve specialised teams, safety coordinators and protective gear for such sequences, though procedures can vary from project to project.

Hum Remains a Popular Film From the Early 1990s

Released in 1991, Hum was among the notable commercial Hindi films of its time. The film featured Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Govinda, Shilpa Shirodkar and Kimi Katkar in key roles. It was directed by Mukul S. Anand and became widely known for its music, action sequences and ensemble cast.

The song Sanam Mere Sanam featured Govinda and Shilpa Shirodkar and remains the sequence connected to the incident discussed on the reality show. Their recollection has drawn attention not only because of the dramatic rescue but also because it reflects the changing standards of safety in the Indian film industry.