Vikram Bhatt’s *Raaz*, starring Dino Morea and Bipasha Basu, set a new standard for horror films and its music remains memorable, with scenes and dialogues frequently featured in social media memes.
The on-screen chemistry between Dino and Bipasha was widely discussed, and their real-life romance was evident in their performances. They first met on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend during their modeling careers, but their romance ended during the filming of *Raaz*.
In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Vikram Bhatt discussed how their breakup affected the atmosphere on the set of *Raaz*. He recalled a specific incident during the filming of the wedding song “Main Agar Saamne,” where the couple’s off-screen argument affected their performance. Vikram remembered, “They were fighting during the shoot, and Bipasha was crying while Dino appeared unhappy. It was crucial to keep the mood light for the song, so I suggested they pause their arguments for the shoot and we even had lunch together.”
Vikram admitted that he avoided delving into his actors’ personal lives but acknowledged that their relationship deteriorated soon after *Raaz*. He recounted trying to maintain a professional environment despite the personal issues between the actors.
Many may not know that Bipasha Basu wasn’t the original choice for the role of Sanjana Dhanraj; Lisa Ray was initially cast. Vikram explained, “Lisa Ray was supposed to play Bipasha’s part, but she left due to personal reasons. Dino Morea was suggested by producer Mukesh Bhatt. At the time, I was editing *Kasoor* and Dino came to see me.”
He continued, “Dino had previously appeared in *Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi* with Rinke Khanna, but it wasn’t successful. Lisa Ray’s departure led us to consider Bipasha. Dino, who was then dating Bipasha, recommended her for the role. I checked with my colleague Robin Bhatt, who vouched for her, and after narrating the script to Bipasha, she agreed to join the film.”
