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Veteran actor Mandakini has opened up about shooting the iconic waterfall sequence in Raj Kapoor’s Ram Teri Ganga Maili, saying she never found the scene vulgar or uncomfortable.
The actor also recalled that she was only 16 when she began shooting for the film, which went on to become Raj Kapoor’s final directorial venture.
In an interview with ANI, Mandakini addressed the long-standing discussion around the white saree waterfall sequence, featured in the song Tujhe Bulayen Yeh Meri Bahen, as well as the controversial breastfeeding scene in the film. She explained that both sequences were presented within the story to highlight innocence and purity, rather than for the sensationalised reasons they were often perceived for.
Talking about the waterfall scene, Mandakini said Raj Kapoor had personally explained the sequence to her. She recalled that the filmmaker’s gentle and affectionate approach made her feel completely at ease while shooting.
“Unka tarika aesa tha ki aap unse koi sawaal hi nahi karte the… itna pyaar se, itna gentle, jaise aapka family member aapse karwa raha ho,” she said. She added that she did not feel there was “any vulgarity” in the sequence and that there was “no disgusting feeling” while filming it.
Mandakini further explained that the film’s larger theme revolved around the purity of her character, Ganga. According to her, the story showed how people tried to make Ganga “impure”, but ultimately failed.
“The whole movie was that there is no purity. They wanted to make her (Ganga) impure. But they didn’t succeed,” she said.
Ram Teri Ganga Maili was released in 1985 and featured Mandakini opposite Rajiv Kapoor. The film became particularly known for its music, emotional storyline and several scenes that sparked discussions over the years. Mandakini’s latest comments offer her perspective on the making and intent behind some of the film’s most debated sequences.
