Filmmaker Rajiv Rai opened up on how he discovered late actress Divya Bharti for his 1992 hit Vishwatma.
Late actress Divya Bharti is still remembered for her iconic song ‘Saat Samundar Paar’ from Rajiv Rai’s 1992 film Vishwatma. The film marked her entry in Bollywood, and she left a lasting impression on the audience right from the first time she made an appearance on screen.
Recently in a chat with Radio Nasha, director Rajiv Rai who launched Divya in this film, got candid about the late actress. He revealed that he was initially hesitant to cast her in Vishwatma, but then her sincerity and potential helped her to bag that film, that too without a screen test.
The filmmaker revealed, “I’m the person responsible for bringing Divya to Bollywood.”
Recalling his first meeting with her at his office, he continued, “She came to my office once or twice. I was worried talking to her, as I wasn’t convinced. The second time she came, she cried. And then I realised, she is sincere. She will not give me trouble. First time I couldn’t gauge her. Second time, I thought, she is a very good girl. I didn’t even take her screen test.”
Rai further revealed that he thought her role in Vishwatma wasn’t good, so he signed her for two-three films.
“She was very happy and we became good friends. She gave no trouble. I knew I was giving her a song, but I didn’t know that it would be the best song of her life, and in fact, for all of us. So, I often feel happy that she might not be here with us anymore, but I have contributed to her life with that song. That song belongs to Divya Bharti. And people will always recall her for that, because she danced very well,” he shared in his chat.
Besides Divya Bharti, Vishwatma also starred Sunny Deol, Chunky Panday, Sonam and Naseeruddin Shah in pivotal roles. The film revolves around an honest cop and a reformed convict who team up to capture a dreaded crime lord operating from Kenya.
After the success of Vishwatma, Divya Bharti went on to feature in Hindi films like Shola Aur Shabnam, Deewana, Balwan, Dil Ashna Hai, amongst others. Her flourishing film career came to a tragic halt on April 5, 1993, when she passed away at the age of 19.
