'DDLJ's Chutki remembers SRK-Kajol's off-screen bond: 'Fire and water'
What's the story
Pooja Ruparel, who played Chutki in the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), recently spoke about her experience on the sets of this 1995 classic. The actor, who was just 12 when she shot for the movie, fondly recalled several memories from the film's set. In an interview with SCREEN, she also shared insights into her co-stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's off-screen camaraderie.
Co-stars
On SRK-Kajol's off-screen camaraderie
Ruparel described Khan and Kajol as "fire and water." She said, "Kajol is a feminist class wrapped into a person. I always thought I wanted her confidence." "As a teenager seeing two co-actors, who are with different people... just having such strong on-screen chemistry... There was buzz on set about her just falling in love, and they were such great co-actors who could stimulate the most perfect romance, and after the cut, they were friends again."
Set experience
On working with Aditya Chopra
Ruparel also shared her experience of working with director Aditya Chopra. She said, "People there functioned 10 years ahead of most people in the industry; the precision, planning, and foresight were brilliant." "It was like living in a film school. Aditya Chopra was uncompromising, crystal clear; you couldn't feel like it was his first film."
Set memories
Her best day on the sets of 'DDLJ'
Ruparel fondly remembered her "best day on the sets" of DDLJ when they were shooting for the climax in Panvel. She said, "At night there would be a campfire; we would play this board game called Articulate." "It felt like being on a vacation with family. Uday (Chopra) was running around on set; Adi was tensed as usual; and the rest of us were partying."
Set experience
On Kajol being Yash Chopra's pampered princess
Ruparel described Kajol as the "pampered princess" on the set of DDLJ. She recalled how Yash Chopra fulfilled even small wishes, like ordering tubs of Baskin-Robbins ice cream when Kajol expressed her desire to have it. "Talk about treating your people with pride and love," she said. "I just thought I would never be on a shoot like this ever again, and I was right."