Ram Gopal Varma apologises to Shiva child actor for putting her at risk during filming: ’36 years after subjecting you to a traumatic experience…’

Ahead of the re-release on November 14, the director recalled one thing  from the film that he still regrets to this day.

Hey @symbolicsushi please accept my sincere apologies after 36 years for subjecting you to such a traumatic experience which I dint realise at that time ..The directorial greed in me took over in being blinded to subjecting a little girl like you to such risky shots ..I apologise… https://t.co/NWzrRzl9Ib

— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) November 12, 2025

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Ram Gopal Varma shared the image of a child artist Sushma who played a major role in the film. He wrote, “This is the grown up girl Sushma from the iconic cycle chase scene in SHIVA where she is sitting scared on the bar with @Iamnagarjuna cycling in tension  .. @symbolicsushi is now doing research in AI and Cognitive Science in the USA.” This was seen as a nice gesture from the filmmaker, giving due credits to an actor, after almost 31 years of the film’s release when the film is being celebrated again. 

Sushma also responded to his tweet with gratitude for remembering her after all these years, “Thank you, sir! Honored to be remembered as part of Shiva’s legacy. That experience as a child was unforgettable, and I’m grateful to have contributed to such an iconic film. Wishing you @RGVzoomin and @iamnagarjuna continued success with the Shiva 4K release.” However, retweeting his earlier tweet, Ram Gopal Varma confessed to a guilt associated with the casting of the little girl in a grueling chase scene in the film at such a young age, that is now considered an iconic part of the film.

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Ram Gopal Varma noted, “Hey @symbolicsushi please accept my sincere apologies after 36 years for subjecting you to such a traumatic experience which I dint realize at that time ..The directorial greed in me took over in being blinded to subjecting a little girl like you to such risky shots ..I apologize once again.” This was a totally unexpected move from the director known for his light hearted interactions on social media. There are a couple of scenes in the film, where Nagarjuna and the child actor have to be put in danger. An extended chase scene on a bicycle, culminates with both of them crashing onto a car and then being chased around by goons who are out to kill them in these scenes. 

Sushma responded to Ram Gopal Varma positively sharing the popular fight scene the director is referring to and added, “Being part of Shiva is a cherished memory. That cycle chase adventure influenced me and prepared me for later intellectual endeavors and adventures. I felt safe and excited to be part of something magical. Shiva remains a souvenir.” 

The remastered version of Shiva will be having a limited theatrical window celebrating its 35th anniversary of release.