India, Nov. 15 -- W ith the 4K re-release of his 1989 cult film Shiva, director Ram Gopal Varma has issued an unexpected apology, to the former child actor who appeared in one of the film's most iconic stunt sequences. Earlier this week, Varma introduced his followers to Sushma Anand Akoju, who played Nagarjuna's niece in the memorable cycle chase scene. He wrote, "This is the grown-up girl Sushma. sitting scared on the bar with @Iamnagarjuna cycling in tension. @symbolicsushi is now doing research in AI and Cognitive Science in the USA." Sushma responded warmly, saying, "Honoured to be remembered as part of Shiva's legacy. That experience as a child was unforgettable." She also wished Varma and Nagarjuna success for the film's 4K release. But the exchange prompted a moment of reflection for the filmmaker, who then issued a public apology. "Please accept my sincere apologies after 36 years for subjecting you to such a traumatic experience. The directorial greed in me took over," Varma wrote, acknowledging the risks involved in shooting the scene with a young child. The apology has sparked conversations about safety protocols for minors on film sets, especially in today's industry where stricter norms are in place. HTC...