Remember Priyanka Chopra’s unforgettable role as Jhilmil in the film ‘Barfi!’? It seems Priyanka still holds that character very close to her heart. Just this past Saturday, she took to social media to share some truly heartfelt memories about portraying Jhilmil, sparking a wave of nostalgia for fans.
‘Barfi!’, a film directed by Anurag Basu, hit the screens in 2012. Priyanka played a young woman with autism, a role that stood out in her acting career. It was a unique challenge, and clearly, it left a lasting mark on her.
Stepping into Jhilmil’s Shoes
Priyanka shared how much effort went into becoming Jhilmil. She recalled a conversation from January 2009. She was in New York, filming ‘Anjaana Anjaani’ with Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir mentioned his next project, ‘Barfi!’, which Anurag Basu was making. Priyanka already admired Anurag Basu’s work as a director.
Later, Anurag Basu offered her the part of Jhilmil. Priyanka was thrilled! But here’s where it gets interesting. She met him at her Mumbai home right after an event. She was dressed up, looking glamorous. Anurag Basu took one look and confessed he couldn’t see her as Jhilmil. Ouch! But Priyanka understood.
So, they got to work. They did a five-day workshop. They even researched children on the autism spectrum, watching videos to understand the nuances. Then, Anurag Basu gave her an unexpected task. He asked her to swear at him in Hindi! Priyanka admitted she felt embarrassed, but she gave it a try.
It was a turning point. Pushing past her comfort zone helped her truly connect with Jhilmil. That’s how this special character truly came to life.
A Film Close to the Heart
Priyanka shared another touching detail: many of Jhilmil’s scenes were improvised. Anurag Basu would simply give an idea, and they would create the scene on the spot. This free-flowing process made the work even more organic.
But ‘Barfi!’ holds an even deeper, personal meaning for her. She revealed that the set of ‘Barfi!’ was the last place her father visited her. That memory makes ‘Barfi!’ one of her most precious films.
She also praised the team behind the magic. Ravi Varman’s camera work was stunning. Ileana D’Cruz made her character, Shruti, truly memorable. And Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka noted, shined like a true star in the film. Of course, she highlighted Anurag Basu’s incredible talent for telling stories.
The film took over two years to shoot. When it finally came out, audiences gave it so much love. Priyanka said her connection with Jhilmil has remained strong ever since. Sharing these cherished memories on Saturday felt just right.
What’s Next for Priyanka?
Priyanka Chopra is always busy. She recently appeared in the Hollywood movie ‘Heads of State.’ Fans can also look forward to seeing her opposite Mahesh Babu in the upcoming Rajamouli film, currently known as ‘SSMB26.’