Juhi is working with Anil Kapoor after 11 years

The actor says she enjoyed playing the loud but lovable character of a caterer in her latest film.

Actors Juhi Chawla and Anil Kapoor are coming together on the big screen after a gap of 11 years in ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’.

Directed by Shelly Chopra Dhar, the film is a new age story of love, relationships and the many dramas that one encounters in life. Juhi, who plays Chhatro, a caterer of a theatre company, says her character is witty and brings in a lot of life and colour to the story. In an interview with Metrolife, Juhi talks about her role and the making of the script.

The title of the film, ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’ is a popular song. Your thoughts on that...

The title evokes memories of the song. We were shooting for a movie in Switzerland when the song was released in the 1990s. We used to travel on a bus to the shooting location and this song used to be played over and over again. It was stuck in my head back then.

How is it to work with Anil Kapoor again?

Anil and I have worked together in countless films. But his bigger movies were with Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. Anil continues to be just as hard working, committed and punctual towards his craft. He was always particular about the shots and got involved in every aspect of making the film. I see the same commitment even to this day. Nothing has changed about him.

What’s it like to work with Sonam?

It was very exciting to work with Anil and Sonam together. I have seen her (Sonam) grow up. As a child she had come to the sets of ‘Deewana Mastana’, I have also seen Varun and Rohit Dhawan as children. Working with them today is a special feeling.

What impressed you about the script?

The story has a wonderful beginning, middle and an end. It is a well-crafted script that begins on a light note, springs surprises, portrays drama, sprinkles fun and then swiftly moves to subjects related to family, friendship and love. It has emotional moments as well. It’s a wholesome film. It is shot in a very sensitive and clever way. I didn’t have second thoughts about working in it.

What’s your character like?

My character is very warm yet funny. I play Chhatro, the caterer of a theatre company. I didn’t have to make too much effort to slip into the character. We didn’t add too much to the character nor did we underplay her because too much of either would be an overkill.

As the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, are you excited about the beginning of another season?

I try and go for as many matches in Kolkata as possible and don’t travel out as often as I used to. The excitement is still there. The moment I enter the stadium, the anxiety is unbearable.

What do your children have to say about your films?

They hardly watch my films but I was thrilled when my son told me that he liked my role in ‘Chalk and Duster’. That was a great compliment.