In 1980, a Hindi horror film titled Gehrayee sent shivers down the spines of audiences, not just for its eerie storyline but for the unsettling real-life events that followed its production. Directed by Aruna Raje, the film starred Padmini Kolhapure and Amrish Puri and delved into the dark world of black magic. What makes Gehrayee stand out, even 45 years later, is the chilling warning issued by tantrics to the director, cautioning her against making the film, and the disturbing incidents that plagued those involved afterward.
The Genesis of Gehrayee: A Personal Connection to the Occult
Aruna Raje, a filmmaker who has won six National Awards, revealed in an interview with Bollywood Crypt that the inspiration for Gehrayee stemmed from her personal experiences. Growing up in Bengaluru, Raje recalled how her mother frequently found peculiar objects in their garden—small lemons marked with turmeric or vermillion, often associated with black magic rituals. These findings were not uncommon, as her father, a freedom fighter turned politician, was a target of such practices due to his political involvement. Intrigued by these occurrences, Raje decided to explore the theme of black magic in her film.
The script for Gehrayee was a collaborative effort, with renowned playwright Vijay Tendulkar among the three writers involved. Their research was extensive, involving interviews with individuals who shared bizarre and chilling stories about the occult. One such story inspired Padmini Kolhapure's character in the film. Raje recounted meeting a man possessed by the spirit of a Muslim girl from Lucknow. Astonishingly, when possessed, he would recite Urdu poetry and shayari, despite being Christian and having no prior knowledge of the language. These real-life accounts shaped the film's narrative, adding an authentic layer of horror.
Tantrics' Dire Warning: "Don't Make This Film"
During the research phase, Raje consulted tantrics and practitioners of black magic to ensure the film's authenticity. However, their warnings were unanimous and ominous: delving into the world of black magic was dangerous, and making a film about it could invite catastrophic consequences. "They told us not to make the film, warning that all sorts of things would happen," Raje recalled. Dismissing the warnings as mere superstition, she pressed forward, believing they were simply crafting a fictional story for the screen.
The Haunting Aftermath
The decision to proceed with Gehrayee came at a heavy cost. After the film's release, audiences reported unsettling experiences. Some complained of spoiled food, while others described eerie incidents that left them shaken. They began contacting Raje and her team, desperately seeking the contact details of tantrics to address the disturbances they attributed to watching the film.
For Raje herself, the aftermath was even more devastating. A few years after the film's release, her personal life unraveled. She went through a painful divorce, and tragedy struck when her nine-year-old daughter succumbed to cancer. These events left Raje questioning whether the tantrics' warnings held truth. While she initially brushed off their cautions, the string of misfortunes that followed left an indelible mark on her life.
Gehrayee's Legacy
Gehrayee remains a cult classic in Hindi cinema, remembered not only for its gripping portrayal of black magic but also for the eerie real-life events tied to its creation. The film's exploration of the supernatural, rooted in real stories and experiences, struck a chord with audiences, but its legacy is tinged with the ominous warnings and tragedies that followed. Aruna Raje's determination to tell this story, despite the tantrics' advice, underscores the risks of venturing into the unknown—both onscreen and off.
As the film continues to intrigue and unsettle viewers, it serves as a haunting reminder of the thin veil between fiction and reality, especially when dabbling in the occult. For those involved in Gehrayee, the warnings of the tantrics were not mere superstition but a chilling prophecy that left a lasting impact.
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