Chintuji wanted all of us complete our reading together'

During our recent meeting, Juhi Chawla revealed Chintuji’s (Rishi Kapoor’s) secret, as the veteran actor was keen that the entire cast sits together and reads the entire script at one go.

Juhi and Rishi Kapoor have done a few films together, and the actress has noticed a change in the actor. “In the earlier days, we all would be busy doing at least two or three films together, so all of us would be on our toes. Chintuji would come on the sets wearing makeup, finish his scenes and would disappear. He would go to other sets,” she says, adding, “I cannot reveal much about this intriguing tale of this untitled film. Producers meri jaan le lenge (producers will kill me). Well, this time, I found Chintuji a totally changed person. It happened before going onto the sets. So unfortunately, we could not go onto the sets as Chintuji ki kuch tabiyat kharab ho gayi (as he fell sick). He later decided to ask all the cast to assemble. He wanted all of us to sit together and complete our reading together before embarking onto the sets. He also told us that he had recently learnt of this process from Amitabh Bachchan. ‘Amitabh Bachchan made everyone sit together and do the complete reading of the script in our last film,’,” she says.

Juhi further adds, “He also gave an ultimatum, saying ‘Look, I have some urgent appointment and I will be leaving in just one hour’s time. So, see that we finish reading soon’.”

“Surprisingly, after all had left, and it was almost 10 pm, I was shocked to note that Chintuji was still sitting and working on it. Unlike earlier times, when he would finish his scenes and leave on time. I was expecting him to leave, so that I could also leave. Finally, at 10:30, I decided to leave. Chintuji was still there,” says Juhi. “We are all waiting for him. We are sure he will join us soon and we shall go on the floors with this untitled film of ours. I am working with Chintuji after a long time, and am longing to do so again,” she concludes.