The iconic Chak De! India climax match took 15 nights to shoot in Australia, actress Vidya Malvade has revealed. The actress, who played team captain Vidya Sharma, also recalled how the cast trained in hockey for an entire year before and during the shoot.
Directed by Shimit Amin and produced by Aditya Chopra, Chak De! India was released in 2007. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan as hockey coach Kabir Khan.
As the film completed 19 years, Vidya looked back at her experience and thanked fans for continuing to remember the movie and her character.
Vidya Malvade Reveals Chak De! India Climax Took 15 Nights to Shoot
Vidya Malvade revealed that the final hockey match in Chak De! India was filmed over 15 nights in Australia.
The actress recalled that the team spent six weeks in Australia while filming the dramatic climax.
She also revealed that the production involved 16 girls who played members of the hockey team.
According to Vidya, the team also worked with Australian and Korean players during the shoot.
The climax became one of the most memorable sequences in the film, but filming it required an extensive schedule.
Chak De! India Cast Trained in Hockey for One Year
The actresses trained in hockey for an entire year before and during the filming of Chak De! India.
Vidya recalled that the cast was taught different set plays as part of their preparation.
The actresses focused on learning the hockey sequences rather than worrying about where the cameras were positioned.
She explained that whenever the director called “cut”, the team would move on to the next set play.
Even on days when an actress was not required for filming, the cast continued practising on the field.
Vidya said the shoot itself lasted around six months, while their hockey preparation continued throughout that period.
What Did Vidya Malvade Say About Shooting Chak De! India?
Vidya said the cast had no idea that Chak De! India would eventually become such a memorable film.
Looking back, she said the girls were simply focused on playing their parts when filming began.
The cast reportedly did not expect audiences to remember their characters nearly two decades later.
Vidya said she feels particularly touched when fans continue to recognise her as Vidya Sharma.
She also expressed gratitude for the love the film has received over the years.
Vidya Malvade Lost 12,000 Photos From Chak De! India Shoot
Vidya Malvade revealed that she lost around 12,000 photographs from the Chak De! India shoot after her Apple laptop crashed.
The actress said she had collected thousands of photographs during the year she spent with the cast.
However, she no longer has any of those pictures because the laptop containing them crashed.
Despite losing the photographs, Vidya said she still has countless memories from the filming period.
She particularly remembered the six weeks spent in Australia and the 15 nights required to shoot the final match.
The 16 Chak De! India Girls Still Share a Close Bond
The 16 actresses who played members of the hockey team continue to stay connected through a WhatsApp group.
Vidya said the bond between the actresses remains strong even after 19 years.
The group continues to stay in touch and occasionally discusses getting together.
She also admitted that she misses her fellow cast members.
For Vidya, the experience created a friendship that continued long after filming ended.
Vidya Malvade Calls Herself Lucky to Play Vidya Sharma
Vidya Malvade said she feels fortunate to have played the captain of the hockey team in Chak De! India.
The actress looked back fondly on her role as Vidya Sharma.
She also expressed gratitude for being part of a film that continues to be remembered by audiences nearly two decades after its release.
For Vidya, the film remains an important part of her career and personal memories.
Shah Rukh Khan Played Coach Kabir Khan in Chak De! India
Shah Rukh Khan played hockey coach Kabir Khan in Chak De! India, which was directed by Shimit Amin and produced by Aditya Chopra.
Released in 2007, the film followed the journey of the Indian women’s hockey team under Kabir Khan’s coaching.
The movie went on to become one of the most remembered sports dramas in Hindi cinema.
Vidya Malvade played Vidya Sharma, the captain of the women’s hockey team.
Nearly two decades later, the film continues to remain a favourite among audiences.
FAQ
How many nights did the Chak De! India climax match take to shoot?
The Chak De! India climax match took 15 nights to shoot, according to Vidya Malvade. The final match was filmed in Australia.
Where was the Chak De! India final match shot?
The final hockey match was shot in Australia. Vidya revealed that the team spent six weeks there during the production.
How long did the Chak De! India cast train for hockey?
The actresses trained in hockey for one year before and during the filming of the movie.
Who played Vidya Sharma in Chak De! India?
Vidya Malvade played Vidya Sharma, the captain of the women’s hockey team in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer.
Who played the coach in Chak De! India?
Shah Rukh Khan played coach Kabir Khan in the 2007 sports drama directed by Shimit Amin.
