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Ram Gopal Varma Apologizes to 'Shiva' Child Actor 36 Years After Risky Stunt

His acknowledgment of 'directorial greed' for endangering Sushma, now a U.S.-based AI and cognitive science researcher, has renewed attention to child safety on film sets.

Overview

  • Posting on X on November 12, Varma reintroduced Sushma from the film’s bicycle chase and issued a public apology for exposing her to risky shots.
  • Sushma, identified in reports as Sushma Anand Akoju, thanked him for remembering her and called her time on the film a cherished memory.
  • She said she felt safe and excited during the shoot and wished Varma and star Nagarjuna well for the 4K release.
  • The apology arrives as Shiva, Varma’s 1989 debut and a cult classic, returns to theaters in a remastered 4K version on November 14.
  • Coverage notes the sequence in question shows Nagarjuna cycling with his on-screen niece during a dangerous pursuit, and links the exchange to wider discussions on child-safety standards in filmmaking.