Harshaali Malhotra recalls battling illness and intense conditions while shooting Akhanda 2: There were restless, sleepless nights...

Harshaali Malhotra recalls shooting for Akhanda 2

• Harshaali Malhotra filmed Akhanda 2 while battling illness and exhaustion
• She shot emotional scenes in the Godavari river during monsoon rains
• Malhotra credits cast and crew's support for helping her through the tough shoot

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Harshaali Malhotra, who first won hearts as a child actor in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, has shared a deeply personal account of what went on behind the scenes while filming the Telugu action film Akhanda 2: Thaandavam.

Now 17, the actor revealed that the shoot tested her physically and emotionally, pushing her far beyond her comfort zone.

In a reflective Instagram post accompanied by a behind-the-scenes video, Harshaali Malhotra looked back on a phase that was as exhausting as it was meaningful.

“Was just sitting and remembering these days, thought I’d share this little BTS video. Shooting these scenes was intense, but the experience itself was beautiful because of the people around,” she wrote, setting the tone for her honest recollection.

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A post shared by Harshaali Malhotra (@harshaalimalhotra_03)

The young actor revealed that she was unwell through much of the shoot, battling a viral infection, severe cold and cough, and a high fever that went up to 103 degrees. Despite her condition, she continued filming demanding scenes.

“I was down with a viral 103° fever, cold and cough and still, I never felt alone on set. There were restless, sleepless nights, and days that felt physically draining, but from checking on me between takes to quietly making sure I was okay, the care really stayed with me,” she shared.

What made the experience even more challenging was the setting. Several emotionally intense scenes were filmed over five to six days inside the Godavari river during the monsoon season. Heavy rain, strong currents and water rising up to her thighs became part of her daily routine on set.

Describing those moments, Harshaali Malhotra wrote, “These scenes were shot over 5–6 days, mostly inside the Godavari river during monsoon, with rain pouring and water up to my thighs. Emotionally heavy scenes, tired days, puffy swollen eyes, but constant support behind the camera.”

Despite the exhaustion and illness, she emphasised that the compassion shown by the cast and crew made all the difference. “What I’ll remember most isn’t just the scenes, but how looked-after and supported I felt throughout. Grateful for this experience and everyone who made it happen (sic),” she concluded.

Also Read: Bajrangi Bhaijaan star Harshaali Malhotra to make film comeback with Nandamuri Balakrishna's Akhanda 2 on December 5

Directed by Boyapati Sreenu, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha Menon and Aadhi Pinisetty.

Released on 12 December 2025, the sequel received mixed reviews, but for Harshaali Malhotra, the film clearly represents a defining chapter marked by resilience, teamwork and quiet strength.