Jawan: Sanjeeta Bhattacharya Reveals She Almost Didn't Audition For SRK Film, Says 'Didn't Know Who Was...'

Singer-turned-actress Sanjeeta Bhattacharya recently appeared on screen as the hacker Helena in Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan. However, she recently revealed she was almost not a part of the film as she nearly missed the audition call. She said she was not in Mumbai when the casting was taking place and was very close to missing the chance to be a part of Atlee’s blockbuster directorial venture.

Talking to The Indian Express, Sanjeeta shared that she was in Kolkata when she got a call from Mukesh Chhabra’s office to test for a film. She said that she was hesitant about the audition and then forgot about it. However, destiny had other plans and Sanjeeta ended up in Mumbai soon after for a music gig and decided to give the audition a shot. “You never know what life awaits you,” she said.

Sanjeeta said, “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).”

Sanjeeta also spoke about the kind advice that Deepika Padukone had for her. She said, “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.”

Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan witnessed the highest opening for a Bollywood movie when it was released on September 7. The film is soon expected to cross Rs. 350 crore at the domestic box office.