After ‘Andaaz’ scare, Lara Dutta learned swimming at 30

Actress Lara Dutta has shared a frightening memory from early in her career, revealing she almost drowned while shooting a scene in the sea.

The incident happened during the filming of Andaaz, where she starred opposite Akshay Kumar. At that time, Lara did not know how to swim and was caught in strong waves along with her co-star.

Recalling the moment in an interview, she said she went underwater while wearing heavy leather clothing and could not stay afloat. Akshay Kumar managed to pull her back to safety. She later suffered hypothermic shock, forcing the shoot to stop as she was rushed to hospital.

Years later, when Akshay suggested her name for the underwater film Blue, Lara was hesitant due to her past experience. However, he encouraged her to learn swimming.

Initially unsure, she eventually took the advice seriously, learned to swim and even trained in diving. Over time, she overcame her fear of water and gained confidence.

Directed by Anthony D‍‍`Souza and also starring Sanjay Dutt and Zayed Khan, the film was released in 2009. Though it did not perform strongly at the box office, Lara said it helped her face and conquer her fear.

She was last seen in the film Ishq-e-Nadaan.