Veteran actress Farida Jalal, recently seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, has opened up about her feelings of being ‘deeply hurt’ due to the actions of celebrated filmmakers Yash Chopra and Karan Johar. Speaking candidly, she revealed that despite assurances and past collaborations, she was overlooked for subsequent roles after their successful films together—Dil To Pagal Hai and Student of the Year, respectively.
Farida Jalal, fondly remembered for her role as Kajol’s mother in the iconic 1995 blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, shared a heartfelt narrative about her professional experiences. The film, marking the directorial debut of Yash Chopra’s son Aditya Chopra, was a monumental success, paving the way for another collaboration with the Chopra family.
Recalling her interactions with Yash Chopra in 1997, during the production of Dil To Pagal Hai, Jalal spoke about a promise made to her by the veteran filmmaker. “After Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, I got a call from Yash Ji for Dil To Pagal Hai. Before that, I thought they had no role for me after DDLJ; otherwise, why wouldn’t I be repeated? So, one day, Yash Ji called me and said, ‘I have a role for you, but Adi (Aditya Chopra) feels you won’t do it. I told him I will speak to Farida Ji.'”
She further explained how Yash Chopra tried to assure her of continued association by citing the example of Anupam Kher, a regular face in Yash Raj Films. “He told me, ‘Don’t say no ever to me or Adi.’ He empathetically said, ‘yeh silsila chalta rahe (May this series continue)’. I loved that line. I was so happy when he said that. After that, I was waiting for this ‘silsila’ to continue. But what happened? I was ready to continue the relationship. But if you cast somebody else instead of me, it hurts,” Jalal expressed.
Moving on to her interactions with Karan Johar, the veteran actress recollected a specific incident when Johar personally offered her the role of a grandmother in Student of the Year. “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 not to 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.'”
Despite Johar’s gesture, Farida Jalal expressed her dismay that after Student of the Year, Dharma Productions did not consider her for any more roles. “His production house makes so many films, but I’m not offered any. It’s disheartening.”
Addressing the broader issues within the industry, Farida Jalal emphasized the pain of being forgotten by people she helped and supported in their early days. “I am deeply hurt that people do shift loyalties but to an extent that you don’t remember me ever. It hurts. 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.”
Jalal’s candid revelations open up an important conversation about the relationships and dynamics within Bollywood, shedding light on the emotional impact that professional neglect can have on seasoned actors. Her heartfelt words strike a chord, as she speaks not just for herself but for many others in the industry who might have felt similarly overlooked and unappreciated.
It’s a reminder of the transient nature of fame and the importance of loyalty and gratitude in sustaining long-term relationships. As the industry evolves, testimonials like Farida Jalal’s serve as a poignant call to action for more inclusive and respectful professional practices, ensuring that the contributions of veteran actors are neither forgotten nor underestimated.
