Veteran actress Farida Jalal recently shared her disappointment with esteemed filmmakers Yash Chopra and Karan Johar, alleging that both made her promises they failed to keep. Despite a personal call from Yash Chopra that led her to accept a minor role in ‘Dil To Pagal Hai,’ she said Yash Raj Films did not offer her further opportunities. This was particularly painful after her well-received role in ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,’ where she was informed that Aditya Chopra didn’t want her for ‘Dil To Pagal Hai,’ even though he wasn’t the director of that film.
In an interview with India Today, Farida revealed that Karan Johar was aware of the situation and reached out to her for a small part in ‘Student of the Year.’ Although she agreed, the promise did not materialize, leaving her feeling hurt and overlooked. “I’m very hurt, I’ll say it loud and clear. They were beginners, and we were there to hold their hands. At a certain point, an actor also needs to be held,” she expressed, emphasizing the need for mutual support in the industry.
Reflecting on her experience with Yash Chopra, veteran actress Farida Jalal recounted a poignant conversation. “He called me out of the blue, and said, ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai mein role hai, Adi bolta hai we mustn’t talk to Farida ji, but I put my foot down and said only Farida will do this role’.” Yash Chopra even pointed to Anupam Kher as an example of an actor who embraces roles of all sizes, irrespective of screen time.
Farida described how deeply Yash Chopra’s words resonated with her when he expressed a desire to maintain their professional relationship. “He said that he would like our professional relationship to go on, and that stuck with me. He said, ‘You must do this film, and you should always say yes when Adi or I call you. I want this relationship to continue’. I loved that line… I was so happy when he said he wants our relationship to never end. I did one scene in that film, I went all the way,” she reminisced, underscoring the profound impact of his heartfelt promise.
Farida Jalal also expressed her disappointment in the industry’s broken promises. “YRF didn’t honor their commitment,” she said. “What happened? I was ready to continue the relationship. But if you cast somebody else instead of me, it hurts. I didn’t think twice when he made the very big jumla about relationships…” Farida mentioned that both Yash Chopra and Karan Johar sent her video messages when she appeared on Farooq Shaikh’s talk show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, and she reciprocated with boxes of chocolates. Unfortunately, this did not reignite their professional partnership.
Farida also shared a story about feeling let down by Karan Johar. “One fine day, I’m in my car, and I get a call from Karan. He said he wants me to do the dadi’s role, and I said, ‘Of course I’ll do it, Karan’. He said, ‘I told them in the office to not call you, I’ll call you myself’. Why did he say that? Because he knew, he knew that we’ve wronged her in many ways. I said, ‘You understand, don’t you Karan? This is what I needed. One phone call’.
Acknowledging that “shifting loyalties” are part of show business, Farida did not shy away from expressing her pain. “I’m hurt, I’m hurt. It’s a deep wound, it’ll always hurt,” she admitted. Most recently, Farida was seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut streaming series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.
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