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Rohit Shetty reveals his mom Ratna was Hema Malini’s stunt double

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty unveils a surprising family secret: his mother served as Hema Malini’s stunt double in Seeta Aur Geeta. Discover the untold stories behind Bollywood’s iconic action sequences.

Rohit Shetty reveals his mom Ratna was Hema Malini’s stunt double

Rohit Shetty's mom, behind Hema Malini's iconic scenes in Seeta Aur Geeta.

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty recently shared insights into his family’s deep-rooted connection with the world of Bollywood stunts. Unveiling a lesser-known chapter from his family history, Rohit disclosed that his mother, Ratna Shetty, had a remarkable stint as a stuntwoman and even served as the body double for Bollywood legends Hema Malini and Vyjanthimala.

The surprising revelation came as Shetty delved into his parents’ experiences during the early years of their careers in the film industry. Discussing his family’s predisposition for daredevilry, Shetty humorously remarked, “Breaking bones runs in my family.”

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Fondly reminiscing about his mother’s contributions to the iconic film “Seeta Aur Geeta,” he disclosed, “The Hema Malini you see on the screen is actually my mom. She was a stuntwoman, and she took on the challenging role of being Hema Malini’s body double.”

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Shetty continued his recount by highlighting his mother’s versatile skills, noting that Ratna also assumed the role of a body double for the veteran star Vyjanthimala in a memorable staircase descent scene. “The Vyjanthimala rolling down the staircase—it’s her; her physique was such,” he revealed, adding a layer of intrigue to his family’s cinematic legacy.

The filmmaker then shifted the spotlight to his father, the acclaimed action director MB Shetty, who carved his niche in the industry by directing adrenaline-pumping action sequences in iconic films. MB Shetty, credited with inventing the glass break technique, often returned home with battle scars, with Shetty recalling, “He got lots of cuts. He used to come home with blood stains and stitches.”

Drawing a direct connection between his parents’ daredevil exploits and his own directorial style, Shetty credited his family’s penchant for breaking bones as the driving force behind the intense action sequences he is celebrated for today. With a touch of humor, he remarked, “That’s why I am like this. It is a family business that breaks bones. It is in our DNA to break our own bones.”

This revelation not only sheds light on the unsung heroes of Bollywood—the stunt performers. It also adds a personal and humorous touch to Rohit Shetty’s cinematic journey. This showcases how a family legacy of daring stunts has left an indelible mark on the world of Indian cinema.

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