'I would like to learn Sanskrit'

Candid chat

Juhi Chawla needs no introduction. But here goes — she’s an actor, model, film producer, entrepreneur, social activist and one of the pioneers in the film industry.

Besides Hindi cinema, she has also worked in the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali film industries. She recently received an award for her film ‘Chalk n Duster’ at the Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Awards, adding another feather to her cap. In a chat with Anila Kurian, Juhi talks about her latest Sandalwood venture and how the industry has changed over the years.


You’re playing a role in Kannada film ‘Very Good 10/10’. Tell us about it.

I am just making a guest appearance. It is a children’s film where the adults disappear as they are fed up of the children. The movie shows how the children have a gala time and run the township.


Have you signed any other movies?

I am just listening to scripts now, in Bollywood and other industries. I will sign a film if it has a great story to tell.


Are you working on any other projects that are not film related?

Lots of them! I’m helping raise awareness on radiation; there’s one where I am creating awareness about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment and health. I’m also learning music and practising yoga.


How do you balance your work and personal life?
To be honest, sometimes I feel like I have taken on too many things. But I like everything I’m doing so it doesn’t feel like work. I just socialise less and prioritise other things.


According to you, what is lacking in the industry these days?

It’s great that we have become more advanced but I think the warmth is not there on the sets anymore. It’s very compartmentalised. And the content of the films is deteriorating as well. Very few of them are about real people and their emotions. There are no great dialogues. And the music — a lot of it is just beats and percussions, there’s no melody anymore.


An actor you feel has great potential.

Ranbir Kapoor.


A place on your bucket list.

China. I want to experience its cultural side.


A new language you want to learn...

I’ve become more aware of how rich our culture is so I would like to learn Sanskrit next. I think it’s the most perfect language in the world.


Are you coming to Bengaluru anytime soon?

If I get more movies, definitely!