Leander Paes has just started shooting for his debut film Rajdhani Express at Filmalaya Studios. A few days back, an elderly man playing a minor role suffered a heart attack one afternoon.
The tennis star, who was on the sets, asked the director to cancel the day's shoot and rushed the junior artiste to a hospital. However, the old man passed away that night.
Character actor Gulshan Grover features in the film. He confirms, "This elderly guy was actually playing the role of a sick person.
During the shoot, he complained of uneasiness and was rushed to the hospital where he later passed away."
The 'Bad Man' of Bollywood is all praise for his co-star. "I met Leander socially many years ago, but this time got to know him as an actor.
He is genuine and extremely warm. He has tremendous respect for everyone and goes out of his way to make sure everything goes smoothly."
Interestingly, several actors have had Gulshan for a co-star in their first films. "Rani (Mukerji), Katrina (Kaif), Sanju (Dutt), John (Abraham)... I have done their first movies with them.
To be part of another actor making his debut is exciting as well. I think Leander will have a great transition from being a sports personality to an actor."