Director Rajiv Rai reveals how Naseeruddin Shah raised concerns about his age gap with teenage co-star Sonam Khan while filming the 1989 movie Tridev.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah was mindful of the age difference between himself and Sonam Khan while shooting the 1989 action thriller Tridev. The film’s director, Rajiv Rai, has now recalled how the actor brought up the subject during their discussions on set. At the time, Naseeruddin was 38, while Sonam was still a teenager. The director’s revelation has brought renewed attention to the Naseeruddin Shah and Sonam Khan age gap in the popular Bollywood film.
Naseeruddin Shah Told Rajiv Rai About His Daughter
In a recent conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Rajiv Rai was asked whether Naseeruddin Shah had any concerns about playing Sonam Khan’s romantic partner despite their age difference.
The filmmaker explained that Naseeruddin himself raised the issue while discussing the script. According to Rajiv, the actor mentioned that he had a daughter from his first marriage who was older than Sonam and wanted to know whether this would be a concern for the director.
Rajiv recalled that he did not consider the age difference an obstacle to the casting. He explained that the film was a work of cinema rather than a realistic documentary and believed the two actors looked convincing together on screen.
The director also described Naseeruddin as an honest person who felt it was important to bring up the matter before proceeding with the role.
The Conversation Happened During Tridev’s Shoot
Rajiv Rai revealed that the subject came up while the team was working on Tridev, particularly in connection with the film’s sensual song, Tirchi Topiwale.
The director said Naseeruddin wanted to make him aware of the age difference rather than leave the matter unaddressed. Rajiv interpreted the conversation as a sign of the actor’s straightforward nature and professional integrity.
The Naseeruddin Shah and Sonam Khan age gap became a topic of discussion because of the contrast between the actor’s age and the young actress’s age at the time of filming. However, according to Rajiv, Naseeruddin did not demand a change in casting; he simply wanted to communicate his concern.
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Sonam Khan Was Excited to Work With Naseeruddin Shah
Rajiv Rai also recalled speaking directly with Sonam Khan after Naseeruddin raised the issue. He wanted to make sure she was comfortable playing the romantic role opposite the veteran actor.
According to the filmmaker, Sonam responded enthusiastically. She reportedly said that she was eager to work with Naseeruddin because she considered him one of the finest actors in the country. She also made it clear that she did not want her casting to be changed.
Rajiv’s recollection suggests that Sonam was enthusiastic about the opportunity and confident about working alongside the acclaimed performer.
The Naseeruddin Shah and Sonam Khan age gap did not lead to a change in the film’s casting, and both actors remained part of the project.
Tridev Became a Popular Bollywood Action Thriller
Released in 1989, Tridev was directed by Rajiv Rai and produced by Gulshan Rai. The action thriller featured an ensemble cast that included Naseeruddin Shah, Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, Sonam, Sangeeta Bijlani, Anupam Kher and Amrish Puri.
The film combined action, drama, romance and memorable music, establishing itself as a notable title in late-1980s Hindi cinema. Its songs, including Tirchi Topiwale, remain associated with the movie.
The latest account from Rajiv Rai offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the casting discussions and the professional considerations that arose while making the film.
Naseeruddin Shah Continues to Work Across Film and Streaming Projects
Naseeruddin Shah has continued to appear in films and digital productions throughout his career. His work spans several genres, and he remains known for taking on a wide range of characters.
The actor has also been associated with recent projects, including Main Vaapas Aaunga and the 2026 series Made in India: A Titan Story, in which he portrayed industrialist JRD Tata. His upcoming projects include Maharagni: Queen of Queens and the Tamil film OM Chapter 1: Udhiram – The Blood Wood.
Rajiv Rai’s latest recollection has once again brought Tridev into the spotlight. The Naseeruddin Shah and Sonam Khan age gap story highlights how the veteran actor addressed a personal and professional concern directly before continuing with the film.
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