Jhataleka Malhotra made her debut in Bollywood with the film, ‘Tuesdays and Fridays’ produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and T-Series. The modern-day rom-com featured Jhataleka opposite Poonam Dhillon and Ashok Thakeria’s son, Anmol Thakeria. Jhatalekha spoke exclusively to The Daily Guardian where she shared her excitement to be a part of Sanjay Leela Bhansali Films and the concept of her debut movie.
Q. How excited were you to work for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s production? How did you bag the role?
It took me some time to come to realisation first about getting cast in the film. Sanjay Leela Bhansali sir has always been my dream director to work with and when I got to know that I am debuting with his production house, I was elated. I did a workshop with Mukesh Chabbra, he suggested my name for the movie. It was a generic meeting with the SLB Production people where I got to know that I was going to meet Sanjay sir, it was unexpected. The meeting went well and then I received a call after a month when I was at a wedding and the rest was something I never imagined.
Q. What do you think about the concept of ‘Tuesdays and Fridays’ in real life? Is the character relatable?
I relate to Pia in real life as well. Talking about the concept of the movie, dating on ‘Tuesdays and Fridays’, I would not want that in real life. I would want to be loved on all days.
Q. Pandemic has been a boon/ curse for many, how has it treated you? Any new learnings and how is it to be back on track?
For me, the last year( pandemic) has been a challenging growth. It has helped me to grow as a person. The maximum damage that people have faced is mentally during the lockdown. I feel everyone might have felt some sort of anxiety during this time. This lockdown has taught me to give time to make myself happy and spend time with my family and myself. I got a chance to discover certain aspects about myself which I did not know existed within me.
Q. Any upcoming projects?
I am giving auditions and in talks for some projects.