Karan Johar on making Jaya Bachchan's character look nasty: Casting her against type was a conscious choice

Celebrating his illustrious 25-year journey in the film industry, Karan Johar marked a significant milestone with the release of "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani." The film not only marked his directorial comeback after a seven-year hiatus but also established itself as a triumphant success, now holding the distinction of being the highest-grossing Bollywood romantic comedy on the global box office stage. With Ranveer Singh's endearing portrayal of Rocky and Alia Bhatt's empowered depiction of Rani, the film has resonated deeply with audiences.

A crucial aspect contributing to the film's allure is its remarkable ensemble cast, with talents like Shabana Azmi, Dharmendra, and others weaving their brilliance into the narrative. Amidst this stellar lineup, the character of Dhanlakshmi, portrayed by the veteran actress Jaya Bachchan, captured the audience's attention with its stark departure from her usual roles.

In a recent conversation with a leading portal, Karan Johar shed light on his motivation behind casting Jaya Bachchan in a seemingly antagonistic role. When queried about his decision to cast her in a role that could be perceived as "nasty," the filmmaker revealed his intention to break away from convention and give Jaya Bachchan a chance to explore an uncharted territory onscreen. He expressed that casting her against type was a conscious choice to offer her a role that diverged from her past positive portrayals, both on and off the screen.

Jaya Bachchan, an iconic figure in Indian cinema, has often personified the epitome of maternal warmth and grace in her previous roles. However, in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,' she embraced the role of Ranveer Singh's grandmother, Dhanlakshmi, the stern matriarch of the family. Her character was resolute in her opposition to Rocky's romance with Alia Bhatt's character, Rani, and she clung tightly to traditional norms and values.

Released on July 28, 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' continues to flourish in its fourth week, triumphing over competition from other major releases. Despite facing challenges from films like 'Gadar 2' and 'OMG 2,' the movie stands its ground, a testament to the captivating tale Karan Johar has woven.