A post shared by Jhalli (aka Aaliyah Qureishi) (@jhalliverse)
Excerpts:
What was your first reaction to being shortlisted for Jawan?
Thank you! Yes, I feel very lucky to have bagged this project. I had actually just received the news that I was rejected from another audition that I had really worked hard on. I remember feeling a bit bad, but keeping my head up and thinking whatever has to come to me, will come to me. And then the casting director for Jawan called me (only a week after my audition) and said “aapka ho gaya hai.” At first I really didn’t believe it! I kept asking him “are you sure? Ek aur audition nahin hai?” And he had to finally tell me “aap film me cast ho gaye! Congratulations.” But the timing of that was quite magical.
Tell us about your very first scene with Shah Rukh Khan?
My first scene with SRK sir was quite surreal. I had to keep pinching myself between takes to believe I was actually getting to act with him. But during the actual scene I tried to tune out all the noise and just focus on my character. At the end of the day, when the camera is rolling we’re all actors here to do our job and I didn’t want to let nerves get in the way of my performance. It also definitely helped that he was very kind and welcoming towards me in general, so it was easy to remain calm.
How was your tuning with the rest of the girls from the girl squad? And how would you all unwind with SRK when you guys were not shooting?
We are all very close, and I feel lucky to have such strong, witty and empathetic women in my life. It was actually quite amazing how well the six of us got along, we’ve become like a little family. Even when we had some time to relax between scenes, we would always be in each others vanity vans; joking around or watching funny YouTube videos. When we were in the vans it would just be the six of us, but when we were sitting on set it would generally be with SRK sir. He would answer our questions and tell us funny and interesting stories from his movies.
Working with an institution like SRK, what did you learn about your craft and life in general?
I learned so much from him! I learned about discipline and hard work; he has worked so hard
to get 3 movies out this year and it’s inspiring. I learned so much about acting, movement and dialogue delivery from just watching him in scenes. He really wants to bring the director’s vision alive and that’s something I aspire to take with me in all my future projects. I also learned the value of humility and kindness from how he treats everyone around him with respect. He once told me never to judge something unless you’ve tried it yourself, which I think is great advice. He also told me that if you believe in something 100% it will come true, but there has to be not a shadow of doubt in your mind.
How did you prepare for this film and what kind of challenges did you face? What helped you to overcome them and how was Atlee as a director?
It was definitely an interesting challenge to be put on such a big set and have to find my bearings – but I love a good challenge! There was a lot of action I had to do in this role, so I had to be trained in fighting, stunts and gun training. It was quite challenging and I had to face a lot of my fears (like jumping from great heights with a harness on) but part of the fun of being in an action movie is pushing past your limits. Atlee sir is a visionary and it was so amazing to see how the shots turned out. He has a unique sense of style and it permeates all his work. I can’t wait for you all to see it!
What’s your favourite memory from the sets?
I’ll always remember getting to sing for SRK! We used to eat dinner in Atlee sir’s tent every night during the first schedule. SRK found out I was a musician and brought two guitars, a
mic, a mic stand and speakers to set the next night so we all could jam. I played him some of
my own original music and covers. Then, when we were shooting in Chennai, Bramhastra released. We all really wanted to see it but we were in the middle of a hectic shoot schedule. So SRK booked out a whole theatre in Chennai for all of us to go watch the film together. It was an amazing experience to watch SRK in Bramhastra while sitting with him and cheering for him in the theater! It felt like our own little premiere. It’s something I’ll always remember. Another memory I have from set is that I used to carry badaams in all my costume pockets, because sometimes we’re on set for many hours without leaving and I get hungry. Every few hours I would take this little ziplock bag of badaams and eat a few. Once SRK sir was standing right next to me so I offered him some of my old pocket badaams and was thrilled when he accepted. Since then whenever I had badaams I’d always offer him some. Never thought I would be sharing badaams with SRK!
Let’s talk about the first song that was released recently Zinda Bandaa. How was that song shot and did SRK give you any tips on how to dance? How was that whole experience.
Zinda Banda was a five day shoot in Chennai and it was a larger than life experience. To dance with a thousand background dancers, and SRK, was a massive and epic spectacle. The energy on those days was insane. We were dancing for 8-12 hours a day and yet the energy and excitement of the crowd kept us going. SRK taught me how to do his signature step! It was really iconic.
Who amongst you all were Shah Rukh Khan’s favourite? Would you guys compete with each other to impress him?
Hahaha, no we would not compete. Us girls are so close ourselves and all enjoyed spending time together and with SRK sir, sitting by the monitors, eating makhanas and sharing stories. If he ever had a favorite he never let us know. He was kind to everyone.
After Jawan, what kind of actors and directors would you like to work with?
I’m already working on an OTT show. I can’t reveal much but that was a really fun experience and it will also be out soon. Some other directors I would love to work with are Zoya Akhtar and Raju Hirani. From the massiest films to the most slice-of-life shows – I truly believe that the right projects will find me, and I just need to keep an open mind. I never thought I would be in an action film with Shah Rukh Khan 3 years ago but life has some crazy surprises in store.
Comments
0 comment