Behind the Madhuri Dixit Cutout Prank That Fooled Aamir Khan

Madhuri Dixit has opened up about a funny episode from the shooting of 'Prem Deewane', where cutouts made to look exactly like her left even Aamir Khan and one of her friends convinced. The actress shared the story while speaking on the reality game show 'Kaun Hoga Crorepati', and director Sachin Pilgaonkar later added more details about how the cutouts were created.

Madhuri said a friend had arrived at the set after a delay and went directly to the shooting location, while she was in her room. The friend hurried to Madhuri's room, asking why she had put up cutouts of her. The friend revealed that she had gone up to one and began speaking to it before realising it was not a real person.

Pilgaonkar said the cutouts were an essential part of the film. Jackie Shroff's character lives with the memories of Madhuri's character after they part ways, and his home is filled with her pictures and cutouts. The director wanted the replicas to look so real that anyone might be deceived.

He explained that the team measured Madhuri's height precisely and organised a special photoshoot. They spent a whole day photographing her in different costumes and looks to achieve the final effect.

Pilgaonkar also remembered a moment involving Aamir Khan. Aamir was shooting in the vicinity and dropped by to meet him. The set lights were not on at the time. Aamir looked around, saw a cutout of Madhuri, and for a moment thought she was there. He waved at the figure until Pilgaonkar informed him it was a cutout.

The director said the work had been so beautifully done that the confusion was natural, and that he and the crew had great fun making and filming with the cutouts.

Released in 1992, Prem Deewane was a romantic drama directed by Pilgaonkar and produced by Ashok Ghai. Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, Vivek Mushran and Pooja Bhatt starred in the film. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed its music, and Anand Bakshi wrote the lyrics.