Actress Tanishaa Mukerji boldly stepped into the limelight with ‘Sssshhh…’ in 2003, but it was her 2005 lead role in ‘Neal N Nikki’ that garnered significant attention—not all of which was comfortable for her family. Tanishaa recently shared personal insights into her experience filming the romantic comedy, particularly regarding her elder sister, renowned actor Kajol’s, reaction to the film.
During an intimate conversation with interviewer Siddharth Kannan, Tanishaa disclosed that Kajol has remained steadfast in her decision to abstain from watching ‘Neal N Nikki’. The film, noted for its numerous kissing scenes, has not found its way onto her sister’s screen out of a sense of conservatism that Tanishaa acknowledges still holds sway in certain Indian social circles. Reflecting on societal norms, Tanishaa even advises youngsters among her friends to postpone viewing the movie until they reach a more mature age.
Conveying an air of reflection, Tanishaa admitted that, given the chance to reapproach the film today, her creative choices would differ. Her awareness of the media’s influential power on younger audiences has grown since her earlier days on set, emphasizing a conscientious effort to engage more deeply with her characters.
A comforting element of her experience on ‘Neal N Nikki’ was her off-screen relationship with Uday Chopra, her costar in the film. Tanishaa revealed that during filming, their blossoming romance eased the process of shooting more intimate scenes. Their initial meeting is a page from Bollywood history—having first crossed paths on the set of the blockbuster ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, which starred Kajol opposite Shah Rukh Khan and was directed by Uday’s brother, Aditya Chopra.
Despite the subsequent end to their two-year-long romantic involvement, Tanishaa affirmed that she and Uday maintained a friendly rapport following the breakup.
Yet, as fate would have it, ‘Neal N Nikki’—backed by the prominent Yash Raj Films and helmed by director Arjun Sablok—suffered a swift fall from grace, opening to critical negativity and financial disappointment. The story, which described a young woman’s convoluted attempt to reconcile and then sever ties with her ex-lover, failed to resonate with its intended audience and did little to propel Tanishaa’s cinematic journey forward.
The film’s lackluster performance at the box office served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability inherent in the world of cinema. Despite its promising setup and notable industry backing, ‘Neal N Nikki’ could not secure a favorable reception. This reality perhaps prompted Tanishaa’s recent musings over the role and its portrayal, reflecting the ever-evolving sensibilities of actors sensitive to the broader implications of their craft.
In a Bollywood landscape where the portrayal of on-screen romance can incite wide-ranging reactions, the absence of Kajol from the audience of ‘Neal N Nikki’ underscores the varying degrees of acceptance and discomfort with cinematic expression that continue to shape audience viewership in India. Tanishaa’s professional journey, though intertwined with the legacy of her sister’s prolific career, charts its own course—a narrative of personal growth, changing perspectives, and the enduring quest for meaning in modern storytelling.
