Throwing light on some amusing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Bollywood actress Juhi Chawla recently gave fans a glimpse into the off-camera camaraderie during the making of the film ‘Ishq’. The 1997 romantic action comedy, directed by Indra Kumar, featured a star-studded cast including Juhi Chawla herself, alongside Kajol, Ajay Devgn, and Aamir Khan.
It was during an appearance on the dance reality show ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ that Juhi Chawla shared her experience from the sets of ‘Ishq’. The show, which deals with celebrities and their dance prowess, became a platform where Juhi indulged in candid nostalgia about the film. She vividly described how, despite Ajay Devgn and Aamir Khan’s seemingly innocuous expressions, they were relentless pranksters.
According to Chawla, there was a particularly unforgettable moment involving a new assistant director who was assigned the task of giving the clapboard signal for each take. Whenever he would approach to perform his duties, Aamir and Ajay would mischievously poke him, causing the clapboard to shake. This resulted in the unwitting assistant director frequently facing reprimands from Indra Kumar, the film’s director. Sadly, he remained unaware that the mischief was orchestrated by the film’s main stars.
Juhi amusingly noted that the pranks didn’t end there. The two actors would sometimes go as far as to erase the markings that were designated for a particular shot, leading to further confusion and an inevitable scolding for the assistant director. These tales of on-set frolics were emblematic of the humorous dynamics that sometimes occur during the high-pressure environment of film production.
The segment featuring Juhi Chawla was aptly named ‘Jashn Juhi Ka’, a celebration of her illustrious career in the Indian film industry. It was marked by performances from contestants to some of the actress’s iconic song numbers, heartening tributes to the golden era of the 90s.
In an interesting twist, the episode challenged participants in a ‘Grand Costume Party’. Judges Farah Khan, Arshad Warsi, and Malaika Arora sought to spice up the competition by having the contestants deliver their dance performances donning unique and elaborate costumes.
One of the stand-out performances came from Sreerama Chandra, touted for his dynamic vocal prowess and stage presence. He, along with choreographer Sonali Kar, reimagined the hit song ‘Neend Churayee Meri’ from ‘Ishq’, bringing it to life with a fresh veneer of enthusiasm and style. Their act won generous praise from Juhi, the original muse for the song.
Juhi couldn’t help but be reminiscent about the past, especially the trend set by superstar Sridevi, who famously danced in high heels. She appreciated the grace and effort it takes to dance in heels, making a connection with Sonali’s heel-wearing performance.
The verdict from judge Malaika Arora was equally positive, as she lauded the costuming and the performers’ dedication to dance. She highlighted the strength in their lifts and described the act as ‘fantastic’.
The revealing insights from Juhi Chawla’s discussion added a layer of depth to the nostalgia surrounding ‘Ishq’, a film that is still fondly remembered by fans for its blend of action, comedy, and romance. As a testament to the longevity of Bollywood’s golden periods, ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ continues to celebrate the industry’s stars and their timeless contributions, airing on Sony Entertainment Television.
This recollection from Juhi Chawla, aside from eliciting laughter and memories, reminds audiences of the joy and spontaneity that fills the world of filmmaking, often hidden away from the silver screen. While their on-screen performances are what the world sees, it’s the unseen on-set pranks and playfulness among co-stars that build the bonds and stories treasured for a lifetime.
