Juhi Chawla is a changed person now. Her life earlier revolved around movies, her family and kids. Now, it’s widened to accommodate concerns of the well-being of human beings, as well as being associated with NGOs.
“I feel, earlier, life would be hectic, but it was hectic in a different way. Now, it’s become much more so, as I’m involved in many other social awareness causes. I feel like I have to do something for the service of mankind — for the whole world. My concerns have multiplied and changed now. Wellness of one and all, and spreading awareness for this cause ranks on the top of my priority list.”
Teary eyed, Juhi reveals that the turning point in her life came from a tragic incident that shook her world. “My mind was only searching for answers with regards to what is life. How can I bring about wellness for one and all?” she says. “I started doing yoga and listening to speeches of learned people. I became fond of listening to Shivanand Baba Satguruji. With this learning I’ve become a better person. Maybe God wanted me to change.”
Even with so much going in her life, Juhi still hasn’t lost the zeal for working in movies. And by a quirk of fate, the actress is back to doing a Kannada movie, after having started her career in the industry. “Doing a cameo in this Kannada film, life seems to have come a full circle,” she laughs. “It’s a delightful children’s film titled Ten on Ten.”
Juhi had also dabbled in another movie called Chalk n Duster, and was disappointed the movie didn’t do too well. However, the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award made up for it. “I was disappointed when our small budget movie didn’t do well despite being declared tax free in many states. I did not rally for the awards, and getting it was a matter of rejoicing for me. With this award, I once again cleaned the shelf of awards at home and placed it properly.”
But Juhi is used to awards now, having bagged the Filmfare best actress and fresh face of the year with her debut Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1989. “I remember shooting in Chandivali, Mumbai for Qayamat, and the first day went very well. I had already done a Kannada movie, and I was like an experienced actor,” she reminisces. “Especially in front of the camera, all my takes were okayed at the very first instant. While Aamir Khan was new to the cameras, he had worked as an assistant director. He couldn’t get his take okayed, so I was very happy and proud about my training. Our shoot in Ooty was like a picnic for us, and everyone from the hairdresser to make-up dada were experienced. When we would shoot our scenes, they would sit around and talk ‘Yeh naye ladka ladki kya kar rahe hain pata nahi. Is film ka kya hoga?’ (What are these newcomers doing? What will happen with this film?) But the movie received a bumper opening at the box office and the film became successful.”
Another thing keeping Juhi busy these days is her IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders, which she co-owns with Shah Rukh Khan. “We all know that our team successfully reached the semi finals. In IPL, I always want to win,” she laughs. “Generally, in life, I take it (failures or losses) within my stride. Earlier, when my film would flop, I would sit down and cry for days. I wouldn’t go out of my house till I had recuperated with the failure of the film. Undeniably, I’m a mature lady now with some failures. I’ve indeed learned something from it.”
And she’s glad the team gives her a chance to stay in touch with SRK. “He’s very busy with films. Since I’m not working much, we don’t meet too often. We definitely meet twice a year in connection to KKR,” she says. “We’ve carried our friendship from films to the sports ground. And with KKR, we’ve maintained our work relationship. It feels nice as we’re there together working on common grounds and it feels great as we still remain in touch.”
Juhi also shares a mature relationship with her kids. “Do I look like I have control over them?” she laughs. “Now that they’ve grown bigger, they don’t listen to me much now. But I do give them some space. You can’t just be after them.”
Do they harbour acting dreams like mommy? “I don’t think so,” she asserts. “I feel they’re very shy. They don’t watch Hindi films, not do they have any interest in dancing. They’ve hardly watched any of my films! But recently, my son watched Chalk n Duster and told me he liked my work. I was quite surprised!”
