SRK didn't tell me Bobby was replaced
Juhi talks about her changing equation with Shah Rukh and rivalry with Madhuri
Vickey.Lalwani @timesgroup.com
We caught up with Juhi Chawla on the sets of Gulab Gang and the actress was looking leaner than her usual self. "I have been under the weather for the past three days," she said looking anything but. Apart from the new and improved look, what was conspicuous was the absence of her omnipresent secretary Sanjay KS. And this got us curious...
Seems, we are seeing a new Juhi. What happened to Sanjay KS, your secretary of over two decades?
Things have changed and I have decided to let go of the old ways of doing things. Now, I have an agency, which looks into my endorsements and films. Importantly, I am not competing with anybody. Filmmakers know my acting capabilities and I am just a phone call away.
After so many years, you and Madhuri are finally working together. How did it happen?
When you are flying too high, many a times, you let your ego take the decisions. In my case, I ended up making Karisma Kapoor a star in the process (laughs). I was the first choice for Raja Hindustani. Also, she went on to do Dil To Pagal Hai, which was offered to me first. Coming to Gulab Gang, I was bowled over when I learnt that they wanted me to play a negative role. Madhuri is the hero and I am the villain. We tried to modify few lines for the role, which wasn't written with me in mind, but realised the changes would take away the punch. So we went ahead with it in its original form.
What is the equation between you two on the sets?
Now, it is nice (smiles).
QSQT is turning 25 this year. Are you attending the reunion organised by Aamir to celebrate the occasion on April 29?
I am looking forward to it. It would be great fun to meet the cast and crew. I have met Aamir and Imran at functions, but we haven't ever sat down and chatted.
Over to SRK. It seems your friendship with him isn't the same as before'
(Shakes her head) Why would I fall out with anybody? I still treat everyone the same. But yes I don't reach out to people as often as I used to'be it with Shah Rukh or any one else. Today, nobody has time for friendships.
Buzz is, the friction between SRK and you started when he replaced your brother Bobby with Venky Mysore as the CEO of Red Chillies, without informing you. Your comments.
I don't know if I was informed before or after Venky assumed office, but it was Venky who called me and told me about the development.
SRK didn't inform you ?
No.
Did you feel bad?
Yes. But not because SRK didn't inform me. In fact, I told Venky 'please go ahead and take up your new assignment'. But suddenly I started feeling bad because it struck me that the job, which my brother did so efficiently for the longest time, will now be done by someone else.
How is Bobby now? Heard you shifted him to Jaslok?
Yes, he is in Jaslok now. As for the first part of your question' (suddenly she looks up and tries hard to control her emotions).
Now that your kids have grown up a little, would we see you doing more films?
Jhanvi is 12. Arjun is just 10. I am still spending a lot of time with them. I love to teach them Hindi and Mathematics--the two subjects I am very comfortable with. Jhanvi wants to be a writer. Arjun is an all rounder who is yet to make up his mind about his future. But they aren't idolising any actor. They don't even watch my films.
Why haven't you worked with Salman till date?
(Laughs) Sometimes Salman will be nice but sometimes I can't fathom what is going on in his head.
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