Mumbai: Actor Jackie Chan once recalled an intriguing and lesser-known incident from his early career when he was accidentally struck by martial arts legend Bruce Lee during a film shoot.
An old video that recently resurfaced online showed Chan sharing his experience of working with Lee, revealing how an intense fight sequence left him genuinely hurt but unexpectedly helped him earn more money as a stunt performer.
Speaking about the incident, Chan said that Lee often became completely immersed in his performance once the cameras started rolling. During one such sequence, Chan was waiting behind the camera for his cue in a long, uninterrupted take - a common practice in those days before modern editing techniques. As the action unfolded, Lee accidentally struck him with full force.
Chan described the moment vividly, saying he "saw stars" after the impact and immediately fell to the ground, remaining still despite being in pain. Concerned, Lee quickly rushed over once the director called cut, apologising repeatedly for the accidental blow.
Chan, however, took the situation in stride and even turned it to his advantage. He jokingly told Lee that it hurt - noting that stunt performers often received extra pay when injured on set. According to Chan, the production team required additional stunt work the same day, and he was asked to stay back, ultimately earning $250 - a considerable sum at the time.
Reflecting on the moment, Chan suggested with humour that Lee may have even done it deliberately to help him earn more, though he presented the idea in a light-hearted manner.
Widely regarded as one of cinema's most versatile action stars, Jackie Chan built a global reputation for blending martial arts with comedy and high-risk stunts. Beginning his career in Hong Kong cinema, he rose to international fame through his unique style, often performing his own dangerous stunts - a commitment that has resulted in numerous injuries over the decades.
His dynamic screen presence, impeccable comic timing, and innovative choreography have cemented his legacy as one of the most recognisable and influential figures in global film history.

