
Even the most ardent of Juhi Chawla fans couldn’t predict that her return to the silver screen would cut such s sharp contrast from the Juhi they knew. She plays the oppressive town politician, Sumrita Devi, in Gulaab Gang.
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Come on, Juhi Chawla … My reaction was the same as Aamir Khan’s in Asaz Apna Apna when the prospect of a KK-Karan interview came up. For someone who has grown old watching Juhi Chawla, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Shall I start with Dar, ask him about the super hit movie Dar, maybe something about QSQT, about Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar, some questions about 3 Walls and/or his upcoming Hali. Get quotes about wood film. With so much on my mind, I decided to let my mind wander and my heart ask whatever it wanted … and it all took shape when the Bollywood star started answering the questions. Quotes:
Step: How is Gulab Gang’s Juhi Chawla different from Sultanat?
Juhi Chawla: The answer to your question is… I had not acted at all before Sultanat and likewise I had not played a villain before Gulab Gang. I was quite nervous on both occasions but managed to do it in the end. My role in Gulab Gang is completely different from my other roles as here I am playing a manipulative politician, which is definitely a different direction for someone who has never done anything wrong on screen. not done
Instep: How did you get convinced for your first negative role?
Juhi Chawla: It took a month to convince these people! It took one and a half months for director Somak Sen to convince me to play an antagonist. When he approached me, I was completely surprised by his proposal as Son of Sardar (2012) was my last film. When I watched the dialogues, all I could say was Baap Ray because he was not what people associate with Juhi Chawla. I have always done the right thing on screen – be it Dar or Bol Radha Bol – and the last thing I expected was this role. I repeatedly asked the director how people will accept. Will they be able to accept me in a negative role was my question.
The director went back and came back after 2 to 3 weeks with an updated script, which I didn’t like because it wasn’t the first one. So I decided to go with the original script and took the role as a challenge, and once I stepped into the role, the fun started!
Instep: Is it based on someone we know?
Juhi Chawla: Naturally, I looked up to female politicians for influence but I found the director’s slow and relaxed manner very interesting. I added sarcasm to her tone and grounded her character. If you like the dialogue delivery then credit me but if you don’t then blame the director. [Laughs.]
Instep: Juhi Chawla and Madhuri Dixit – Am I Dreaming? What changed the dynamics?
Juhi Chawla: Madhuri and I started our careers together and we peaked at the same time – with He and Me and He, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, both released in 1988. Where both of us could be accommodated. It had nothing to do with animosity between the actors because we are all consummate professionals. We may not be at the beginning of our career but I am happy that I finally got to work with Madhuri in a film. I am sure the fans who were waiting for it are also happy.
Instep: People don’t believe me when I tell them you’re in your 40s … you started your career more than 25 years ago. So here’s the big question: Why don’t you age?
Juhi Chawla: [Laughs] Well don’t play math with me … don’t play smart with me, I’m as old as my fans want me to be. If they think I’m in my 30s, I’m in my 30s to them. If they don’t believe I’m in my 40s, that’s fine with me.
Instep: On a serious note, you don’t look your age (46 years), especially for an actress who has been running for 27 years?
Juhi Chawla: Thank God just … I am grateful for God’s kindness.
Step: From Qayamat to Qayamat, Bol Radha Bol, Dar, Deewana Mastana, Yes Boss, Jhankar Beats, 3 Dewareen, My Brother Nikhil… What are your favorite Juhi Chawla characters?
Juhi Chawla: I am thankful to my directors who considered me as the first choice for roles in such wonderful films. Every film has its own identity and while I am happy with my films for commercial cinema, the success of non-commercial films like 3 Dewareen, Jhankar Beats and My Brother Nikhil gave me an opportunity to do offbeat films as well. My personal favorites are Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, Phai Bhi Dil Hai Indian and the new comer Gulab Gang.
Instep: You have recently been launched as the brand ambassador of Banaspati Ghee in Pakistan. How did this happen?
Juhi Chawla: They contacted me. I accepted the offer. That’s what happened. I had a great time with the crew in Bangkok and was amazed to experience making commercials in Pakistan. It was more or less like a movie setup, well organized, and the unit treated me very well. You guys have taken the director of the show… The director was very fond of retakes but I have no complaints. The best part was meeting Pakistani artists and models and it was my fortune to interact with them in such a lovely environment.
Instep: You have acted with almost every actor, be it Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah or the ruling Khans… who is your personal favourite?
Juhi Chawla: This is a very difficult question because you cannot compare Amit ji or Naseer ji with Aamir and Shah Rukh, with whom I started my career. I love all the actors I have worked with and will continue to work with and learn from in the future.
Instep: Who has been your inspiration throughout your career?
Juhi Chawla: When I started my career, I wasn’t sure if I would last that long or not. I attended classes after becoming an actress but in my early days was very much inspired by Sridevi as she was sweet and bubbly, close to my personality. I also became a fan of Padmini Kolhapure who did a wonderful performance in Prem Rog, where she laughed and cried at the same time. When I saw that movie, I thought that if I become an actress one day, I will try to be like her. I was also a fan of Mumtaz who was hugely popular in the 70s. I tried to be like them while creating my own identity.
Instep: A few years ago, you sang during an award ceremony and wowed the audience. Can we expect more from singer Juhi Chawla?
Juhi Chawla: Now the villain will be banned, maybe I will become a singer! [Laughs.] I have become a villain now, who knows I can become a singer too. I always had a passion for singing but never took it seriously and I’m glad people liked it. Bhutnath’s song was a one-time thing but you never know if someone offers me a song, I might say yes.
Instep: You once said that if I don’t get films in India, I can always go to Pakistan… why not you?
Juhi Chawla: Did I really say that? (Laughs) I visited Karachi a couple of times when my Mausi (Aunt) was alive and enjoyed the city very much. Last time I went, I was busy with a wedding and my hosts would have been very upset if the media had been informed. I come to Karachi quietly to meet my relatives.
Instep: Your uncle Satish Anand is one of Pakistan’s leading film producers… Ever thought of working with him?
Juhi Chawla: I don’t handle film production anymore because I have a lot to do, but yes the idea is not bad. Never thought twice but I am sure that one day filmmakers from both countries will work together and make quality films. I am lucky in the sense that only the right thing happens at the right time, so you cannot eliminate India-Pakistan cooperation in the future.
Instep: What else are Juhi Chawla fans waiting for from their favorite superstar?
Juhi Chawla: I owe it to my fans for believing in me for so long. I still get scripts to look at so there will be films where I do my usual straight-laced roles and some where I experiment. I still have a lot to offer as far as I’m concerned. Fans should look forward to my arrival in Hollywood as I am a part of Steven Spielberg’s production – The 100 Foot Journey – which is slated to release later this year.
Omair Alvi works for Geo TV and can be contacted at omair78@gmail.com.