First films are always special. For Randeep Hooda, Monsoon Wedding — his debut — came through a traditional audition, but the story behind it is anything but typical. In a conversation with Mid-Day’s Sit With Hitlist, Hooda recalled how he landed Mira Nair’s 2001 film Monsoon Wedding, which marked his entry into cinema.

Randeep on his big accident

When asked how he landed the film, Randeep shared that it all began with him meeting with a major accident and breaking several bones. “I had a pretty bad accident. I broke my elbow, my scalp, my thumb, and a few more parts. I had already done my photo shoot and was all set to come to Bombay and struggle — and then the accident happened,” he recalled, adding that he was living with his family in Delhi during the recovery period.

Not wanting to be a burden on his parents, Randeep decided to continue working, even during recovery. He took up a catalogue shoot because he needed the money. “I hid my broken hand, put on some makeup, and did the shoot,” he said.