Amol Palekar recalls SLAPPING Smita Patil without consent during Bhumika; says, “She hugged me & we both cried”

Amol Palekar recently opened up about a deeply regrettable incident that occurred during the filming of the critically acclaimed film Bhumika (1977). In a candid moment at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025, he recounted how he slapped co-star Smita Patil during a scene without her prior consent, an act that continues to weigh heavily on his conscience.

Amol Palekar on slapping Smita Patil while filming Bhumika

During the filming of a crucial scene, director Shyam Benegal expressed dissatisfaction with the intensity of the performance and instructed Palekar to slap Smita without informing her. Palekar initially refused, feeling shocked and uncomfortable with the request. However, under pressure from the director, he ultimately complied during the take.

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“I was confused, scared, and it went against my nature,” Palekar recalled. As he executed the scene, he held Smita’s hand and slapped her hard. The reaction on her face was one of utter disbelief, anger, and humiliation. Despite this, both actors maintained professionalism until the director called for a cut.

Amol apologises to Smita

Immediately after the take, Palekar approached Smita to apologize. “I broke down and explained everything to her. She hugged me, and we both cried. I’ll never forget the look of disbelief and hurt on her face,” he shared, highlighting the emotional impact of the incident.

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Reflecting on the experience, Palekar acknowledged that he would never engage in such behaviour today. “If it were today, I wouldn’t have done it—not just because of theatre discipline, but because I fundamentally disagree with raising my voice or hand against a woman,” he stated.

About Bhumika

Bhumika starred Naseeruddin Shah and Amrish Puri. It was based on the autobiography Sangtye Aika by Marathi actress Hansa Wadkar. While the film is celebrated as a landmark in Indian cinema, for Amol Palekar, it serves as a poignant reminder of a decision that continues to haunt him decades later.

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