'Fire and reincarnation': Bollywood movie set history revealed 17 years later by Anand Mahindra

Nearly two decades after its release, Om Shanti Om, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, continues to captivate audiences. Recently, billionaire Anand Mahindra revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes detail about the film’s iconic fire sequence that has long intrigued fans.

Fire Scene Filmed at Actual Fire-Ravaged Location

According to Times of India, speaking at the launch of the 2025 Yezdi Roadster motorcycle at Mumbai’s Mukesh Mills, Mahindra shared that the dramatic scene — where Om attempts to save Shantipriya from flames — was shot at a site with its own fiery past. The mill, known for its eerie reputation in the film industry, had previously been destroyed in a fire. Mahindra noted that Shah Rukh Khan’s choice of location might have been inspired by this history, reflecting the movie’s plot that intertwined fire and reincarnation.

Mahindra also recalled Shah Rukh Khan’s fondness for the Yezdi motorcycle, highlighting that the actor had ridden it in his 1994 hit Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, making the bike launch at Mukesh Mills a fitting occasion.

Real Flames, No VFX

Action director Sham Kaushal, in a previous interview with Hindi Rush, explained that no visual effects were used during the fire sequence. Around 100 people, including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, three cameramen, and 60 crew members, were present on the set while the flames were lit. The shoot was a highly stressful experience, as the fire had to be controlled within seconds to prevent disaster. Kaushal admitted that the intensity of the shoot left him emotionally overwhelmed at times, fearing for everyone’s safety.

Legacy of Om Shanti Om

Directed by Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om released in 2007 and marked Deepika Padukone’s debut in Bollywood. Alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika, the film featured Shreyas Talpade, Arjun Rampal, and Kirron Kher in pivotal roles. The movie remains celebrated for its story and remarkable performances.