I had to slap Rishi Kapoor. Eight times.Padmini

I think I did several scenes in my career that took a toll on me. However, the one that I shall never forget is from Raj Kapoor's Prem Rog (1982). I had to slap Rishi Kapoor, when he declares his love for me in front of everybody. It was weird since I was more or less a newcomer and Rishi was a star.

We started rehearsing for the scene. I would pretend to slap him and when my palm touched his cheek, he would turn his face away. We did it twice, but Rajji was not satisfied. He asked Rishi not to preempt the impact and turn his face away and told me that I coludn't just 'pretend' to slap.

I was taken aback. How could I slap Rishi Kapoor? On the other hand, how could I even dare to argue with Rajji? Even Rishi did not try to argue with his father.

When Rajji said 'action', I swung my arm and my palm made contact with Rishi's cheek. Rajji was still not satisfied. He said, "Not lightly, Padmini. Go all out."

Considering I couldn't argue with Rajji, I went all out. And guess what...Rajji took as many as eight retakes of that scene.

By the time we were done, Rishi had turned red in the face. He rubbed his palms and said, "Iska badla main zaroor loonga." Of course, he was joking (laughs).

He did not have to wait too long for his revenge. We were cast opposite each other in Ravi Tandon's Rahi Badal Gaye (1985). In the film, there was a scene where Rishi had to slap me. Luckily for me, that scene was okayed in just one take (laughs). But jokes apart, Rishi didn't slap me hard.

Prem Rog had many scenes, which were not so easy for me. But the hard work paid off. I was flooded with awards for the best performance of the year (female). Rajji told me, "You will remember me for the rest of your lief. You don't know what Prem Rog will do for you." What more can I say?