Excerpts:
How did your profession path change after KHNH?
Kal Ho Naa Ho was God’s reward to me. It simply fell on my lap with out attempting. These days, careers are manipulated and I do not imply this negatively. There may be an company that you just appoint and there are 5-6 people who find themselves behind you while you stroll right into a room. There are social media and PR groups and all these paraphernalia need to be there so that you can turn out to be a star. In these days, there was nothing like that. In these days, there have been only a few individuals and issues occurred very organically. After I did Kal Ho Naa Ho, Satish Kaushik cherished me in that half a lot that he gave me Milenge Milenge. It was so simple as that. The following 15 years after Kal Ho Na Ho had been my prime years whereby I did plenty of TV reveals, movies, appearances, occasions and adverts. It was a turning level in my profession however it was all very natural. There was no one taking care of my work. I used to be my supervisor.
How does it really feel to be part of such a trendsetter movie?
One of the best praise that I received not too long ago from one of many veteran actors of our trade is that if we make an inventory of 20 such supporting artists, whose names will go down within the historical past of Indian cinema, my title could be on that listing in addition to the likes of Kaliya and Samba from Sholay. That was such an enormous praise and I’ll always remember it. I knew it was an enormous movie however I by no means knew what the destiny of the movie could be. Supporting artists are at all times forgotten however at the moment when individuals speak concerning the movie, they discuss Aman, Naina and Sweetu.
What was the equation like on the units?
Very fun-loving and heat. Though I had accomplished plenty of tv reveals, it was my first movie and I used to be the youngest member of the group. The whole supporting forged was stuffed with legends and stalwarts similar to Dara Singh, Reema Lagoo, Lillet Dubey, Ketki Davey and Satish Shah. I used to be the one one who was very uncooked in that entire lot. So, I received plenty of love and heat. Jaya ji was like a mom. With Saif, it was enjoyable and jokes and with Preeti, there was plenty of friendship. I keep in mind her approaching the units of Bigg Boss season 6 the place I used to be collaborating and he or she advised Salman that she needed me to win.
How do you look again at this journey and your character now that the movie has accomplished over twenty years?
I look again at my expertise with immense gratitude and fondness. It was actually a memorable and engaging journey. Each time I pray, I thank God for giving me this chance, because it opened many doorways in my profession. After Kal Ho Naa Ho, I went on to work in so many great movies, and the last decade that adopted was probably the most fulfilling phases of my life. Even at the moment, I really feel extremely fortunate to be as related as Sweetu. Individuals nonetheless look as much as me as Sweetu, and I’m past grateful for that. It’s been a joyful journey, and truthfully, phrases can’t absolutely describe the happiness I really feel about being a part of such an exquisite venture. Trying again after 21 years, I notice that I can see plenty of Sweetu in me now. After I performed the character, I used to be not fairly like her, however at the moment, I’m extra fun-loving, constructive, and cozy in my pores and skin—very like Sweetu was. She cherished her meals, cherished her individuals, and most significantly, cherished herself, and I see those self same qualities in myself now. I feel Sweetu, if she had been in at the moment’s world, would stay the identical—harmless but assured, completely happy in her personal house, and free from the judgment of “log kya kahenge.” She was probably the most lovable characters, and I consider each lady at the moment ought to embody that very same pleasure, positivity, and self-love.
What was your fondest reminiscence of the movie?
Filming my introduction scene with Preity on the bustling practice station, the place Shah Rukh’s character makes his grand entrance. This one-take scene was intense, with individuals shifting throughout us, Shahrukh getting into, and the power being each chaotic and thrilling. Nikhil, our director, had given me clear directions to provide Shah Rukh a selected look, which felt difficult as a result of I didn’t know him effectively on the time, however I went for it and it labored completely. One other unforgettable second was delivering the road, “Doosri shaadi karungi”—I did a number of variations and looking out again now, it’s ironic how that line resonates in my life at the moment, nearly like a foreshadowing. I additionally vividly keep in mind Aman’s emotional dying scene; the whole forged was current, and the ambiance was so actual that none of us wanted glycerine to cry. Working with SRK was a privilege; he has a peaceful, magnetic aura that drew me in, and I noticed how he managed each scenario with such grace. Being on that set was each heartwarming and hilarious, with Saif’s infinite pranks and the energetic power of the whole forged and crew.
There’s a scene the place your scarf will get tangled in SRK’s jacket buttons, which occurred unintentionally. Inform us about it…
I received chilly ft. I used to be scared. The scene was happening and you’ll’t say reduce except the director says reduce. He untangled it and I used to be so scared about what was going to occur. However sure it was lovely. If that scene was staged, I’d have accomplished it myself. However your scarf will get entangled in Shah Rukh’s jacket with out it being scripted…On one aspect there’s Shah Rukh and on the opposite aspect there’s Preeti and we’ve to complete the scene on time. I used to be like – Oh my God! Now what do I do? And so well, he dealt with the entire thing and the scene simply continued.
How was the expertise of sharing the display screen with SRK?
Sharing the display screen with Shahrukh Khan was an unforgettable expertise. Each time I met him, I had chilly ft due to the aura he carried. There’s an simple power about him that fills the whole house, making everybody round him really feel impressed and in awe. Regardless of being the star and the hero of the movie, he dealt with each scenario with such calm and style. I discovered myself intently observing him, fascinated by how he approached every scene and interacted with everybody, from the crew to the forged. He managed each second effortlessly, by no means letting his fame overshadow his down-to-earth nature. SRK is not only an unimaginable actor, but additionally a genuinely heat and humble particular person. All through filming, we shared a number of moments, and each left me with a deeper admiration for him. Working with him was not solely a privilege but additionally a fantastic studying expertise I’ll at all times treasure.
