Jawan actor Sanjeeta Bhattacharya almost missed auditioning for Shah Rukh Khan’s film, reveals Deepika Padukone’s invaluable advice

Introduction

If it wasn’t written in her destiny, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya would have been sitting in the theatre cheering for Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan, only as an audience. The actor had almost missed the chance to be a part of the blockbuster, as she wasn’t in town when she received the audition call. And now, when she looks back, Sanjeeta is overwhelmed with the love she and the entire team are receiving for Jawan.

Bagging the Role

Speaking to indianexpress.com, Sanjeeta shared that she was in Kolkata for a gig when she got a call from Mukesh Chhabra’s office to test for a film. She shared that she wasn’t quite sure and said if she came to Mumbai, she would test, and forgot all about it. As luck would have it, she got a chance to perform in Mumbai, and the musician decided to go for the audition. “It was my first film project and I didn’t even know who was in it, or even making it. In hindsight, it was a relief as I didn’t put any pressure on me and I wasn’t even nervous. After that, I kind of forgot about it and after a few days, I got a call, saying I was finalised as Helena. When I asked for more details, they said it was SRK’s film with Atlee. That day I realised what it means when they say ‘pairon ke tale zameen khisakjana (the ground slipped beneath me in shock),” she shared with a loud laugh.

Lesson Learned

The musician-turned-actor added that this incident gave her a lesson that one shouldn’t let go of opportunities that come your way. “You never know what life awaits you,” she smiled to add.

‘Found sisters for life’

The young actor could not stop talking about how she and the other ‘girls’ bonded like sisters. “I am not even exaggerating but we are friends for life. We come from different backgrounds and are also quite different personalities. Priyamani has done extensive work in the south, Sanya of course comes with a Bollywood background and Girija is an acclaimed Marathi actor. Lehar has been a child actor, and Aliyah and I, are musicians turned actors. However, given we were all feeling the same thing, we connected deeply. We would share laughs, and have each other when we were low. If a scene was tough, there was advice and cheering. We were there like a family. It’s so rare to see a group of girls be together but we were a thick team.”

‘Deepika Padukone is so stunning and tall’

While the cast did get a chance to shoot with Nayanthara, they missed on working with Deepika Padukone. However, the Piku actor met them all at the premiere and also had an important piece of advice. “Firstly, let me tell you, how stunned I was to see her. She is so beautiful and so tall. I told her it was my first film. Deepika was so kind, she told me ‘It’s your moment, take it all in, process and enjoy. But also remember to detach yourself and move on to your next’. That was such great advice, for everyone to follow. I think I have learned through this film that people who are conventional success and have changed so many lives, are so humble and kind. I think I will keep this in my mind as I move ahead in my career,” the musician-turned-actor concluded.

Box Office Success

Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee’s blockbuster film is set to cross Rs 350 crore in India and Rs 700 crore worldwide in the biggest extended opening week in the history of Hindi cinema.