Excerpts:
How did your profession path change after KHNH?
Kal Ho Naa Ho was God’s gift to me. It just fell on my lap without trying. Nowadays, careers are manipulated and I do not mean this negatively. There may be an agency that you simply appoint and there are 5-6 people who find themselves behind you once you walk right into a room. There are social media and PR teams and all these paraphernalia should be there so that you can turn out to be a star. In those days, there was nothing like that. In those days, there have been only a few people and things happened very organically. After I did Kal Ho Naa Ho, Satish Kaushik loved me in that part a lot that he gave me Milenge Milenge. It was so simple as that. The subsequent 15 years after Kal Ho Na Ho were my prime years wherein I did a variety of TV shows, movies, appearances, events and ads. It was a turning point in my profession however it was all very organic. There was no one taking care of my work. I used to be my manager.
How does it feel to be an element of such a trendsetter film?
The very best compliment that I got recently from considered one of the veteran actors of our industry is that if we make an inventory of 20 such supporting artists, whose names will go down within the history of Indian cinema, my name can be on that list besides the likes of Kaliya and Samba from Sholay. That was such an enormous compliment and I’ll always remember it. I knew it was an enormous film but I never knew what the fate of the film can be. Supporting artists are all the time forgotten but today when people talk concerning the film, they discuss Aman, Naina and Sweetu.
What was the equation like on the sets?
Very fun-loving and warm. Although I had done a variety of television shows, it was my first film and I used to be the youngest member of the group. All the supporting solid was filled with legends and stalwarts equivalent to Dara Singh, Reema Lagoo, Lillet Dubey, Ketki Davey and Satish Shah. I used to be the just one who was very raw in that whole lot. So, I got a variety of love and heat. Jaya ji was like a mother. With Saif, it was fun and jokes and with Preeti, there was a variety of friendship. I remember her coming on the sets of Bigg Boss season 6 where I used to be participating and he or she told Salman that she wanted me to win.
How do you look back at this journey and your character now that the film has accomplished over 20 years?
I look back at my experience with immense gratitude and fondness. It was truly a memorable and engaging journey. Each time I pray, I thank God for giving me this chance, because it opened many doors in my profession. After Kal Ho Naa Ho, I went on to work in so many wonderful movies, and the last decade that followed was one of the vital fulfilling phases of my life. Even today, I feel incredibly lucky to be as relevant as Sweetu. People still look as much as me as Sweetu, and I’m beyond grateful for that. It’s been a joyful ride, and truthfully, words can’t fully describe the happiness I feel about being a part of such a fantastic project. Looking back after 21 years, I realize that I can see a variety of Sweetu in me now. After I played the character, I used to be not quite like her, but today, I’m more fun-loving, positive, and cozy in my skin—very similar to Sweetu was. She loved her food, loved her people, and most significantly, loved herself, and I see those self same qualities in myself now. I feel Sweetu, if she were in today’s world, would remain the identical—innocent yet confident, completely satisfied in her own space, and free from the judgment of “log kya kahenge.” She was one of the vital lovable characters, and I consider every girl today should embody that very same joy, positivity, and self-love.
What was your fondest memory of the film?
Filming my introduction scene with Preity on the bustling train station, where Shah Rukh’s character makes his grand entrance. This one-take scene was intense, with people moving throughout us, Shahrukh entering, and the energy being each chaotic and thrilling. Nikhil, our director, had given me clear instructions to present Shah Rukh a selected look, which felt difficult because I didn’t know him well on the time, but I went for it and it worked perfectly. One other unforgettable moment was delivering the road, “Doosri shaadi karungi”—I did several variations and searching back now, it’s ironic how that line resonates in my life today, almost like a foreshadowing. I also vividly remember Aman’s emotional death scene; all the solid was present, and the atmosphere was so real that none of us needed glycerine to cry. Working with SRK was a privilege; he has a relaxed, magnetic aura that drew me in, and I observed how he managed every situation with such grace. Being on that set was each heartwarming and hilarious, with Saif’s limitless pranks and the full of life energy of all the solid and crew.
There may be a scene where your scarf gets tangled in SRK’s jacket buttons, which happened by chance. Tell us about it…
I got cold feet. I used to be scared. The scene was occurring and you may’t say cut unless the director says cut. He untangled it and I used to be so scared about what was going to occur. But yes it was beautiful. If that scene was staged, I might have done it myself. But your scarf gets entangled in Shah Rukh’s jacket without it being scripted…On one side there may be Shah Rukh and on the opposite side there may be Preeti and we now have to complete the scene on time. I used to be like – Oh my God! Now what do I do? And so smartly, he handled the entire thing and the scene just continued.
How was the experience of sharing the screen with SRK?
Sharing the screen with Shahrukh Khan was an unforgettable experience. Each time I met him, I had cold feet due to aura he carried. There’s an undeniable energy about him that fills all the space, making everyone around him feel inspired and in awe. Despite being the star and the hero of the film, he handled every situation with such calm and charm. I discovered myself closely observing him, fascinated by how he approached each scene and interacted with everyone, from the crew to the solid. He managed every moment effortlessly, never letting his fame overshadow his down-to-earth nature. SRK is just not just an incredible actor, but in addition a genuinely warm and humble person. Throughout filming, we shared several moments, and every one left me with a deeper admiration for him. Working with him was not only a privilege but in addition an amazing learning experience I’ll all the time treasure.
