The 1994 film Bandit Queen was directed by Shekhar Kapur. The film is based on the story of dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi.
In it, the character of Phoolan was played by actress Seema Biswas. Actor Govind Namdev played the role of Thakur Shriram, who took advantage of Phoolan.
Phoolan was lodged in the prison near the set.
In a recent interview, Govind Namdev spoke about this film. He said that during the shooting of the film, Phoolan was lodged in a prison near the set. During the shoot, director Shekhar Kapur shared updates with him about the set every other day.
Govind Namdev played the negative role of Thakur in the film.
Govind Namdev played the negative role of Thakur in the film.
Phoolan had set this condition before making the film
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Namdev said, “While shooting the film, there was a rule on the set.” After shooting for two days, we had to go to Gwalior to tell Phoolan Devi what we had shot.
Since the story of the film was based on his life, he had given a condition to the makers that he would be informed about whatever would be made. An assistant director used to come from the set every two days to give him the specifications for the film.
Dolly came to meet Phoolan with the assistant director.
One day, actress Dolly Ahluwalia, who was working as a costume designer on the set, asked Shekhar Kapur if she too could meet Phoolan. By talking to him, he gets help designing the film’s costumes. Shekhar said yes and Dolly along with assistant director went to meet Phoolan.
Actress Dolly Bindra was the costume designer of this film.
Phoolan said, “My story must reach people.”
Namdev further said, “When Dolly met Phoolan, Phoolan told her whole story.” He narrated the atrocities that had happened to him. When Dolly heard this, she started crying.
When Phoolan saw him crying, he said, “Why are you crying?” What I just told you is only 50 percent of the story. Phoolan scolded him and also said that you should not cry but take my story to people.
Dimples had formed on Phoolan’s chest.
Namdev said that during this time, Phoolan also showed Dolly the marks of wounds on her body. Dimples had formed on her chest and these dimples had appeared when the Thakurs had scratched her during the rape. In many places the flesh of his body had even come out. Dolly was shocked when she saw all this.
When Phoolan cried after hearing Devi’s story, Phoolan scolded him.
After listening to this story, I played my part
Namdev said, “When Dolly came back to the set and told me the whole story, I got the hint to play this character. “I thought that I have to play the role of a person who has committed such depraved acts.
It was only through this story that I was able to get into the shoes of my character and we shot all the scenes in the film.
“Bandit Queen” was released in 1994 and won the National Award for Best Feature Film. The film was selected in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 67th Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nomination.
