Singer, songwriter and actress Sanjeeta Bhattacharya made her grand debut in bollywood film Jawan which continues to sway the audiences with seamless and powerful performance from Shah Rukh Khan and his team of gun-wielding angels. Sanjeeta Bhattacharya played the role of Helena (techie) in the film. She has also penned and composed a Spanish song Mis Chicas for the movie.
In a candid conversation the versatile actress revealed her fascinating journey and sharing screen space with the legendary Shah Rukh Khan. Excerpts:
Q: As you made your debut in Jawan, how tough was the selection procedure? How did it happen?
A: It happened very organically, very spontaneously. When I got a call in July 2021 my debut OTT series had just released. It is called Feels Like Ishq. I had a music show in Kolkata and I got a call from casting director Mukesh Chhabra sir’s office and they didn’t tell me much about the story, or the lead actor. Incidentally next week I had another show in Mumbai. Since it happened that I was in the city so I went to their office for the audition. Very nonchalantly I gave the audition without knowing what am I signing up for. A week later I got another call from their office saying that you have been locked for the role of Helena and the lead actor is Shah Rukh Khan, and Production is Red Chillies. Obviously it was a surreal moment for me because how often do you get a call which could potentially change your life. I am very glad that this opportunity came my way.
Q: How was your experience working with Shah Rukh Khan?
A: It was outstanding. People say that he is witty, intelligent, funny, spontaneous and incredible craftsman. He is all of those things and most importantly he is humble person because when you are such a legend you can often forget that you are essentially an artist and you often put yourself on a pedestral but he does not at all. He is very easy to speak with. He makes you feel very welcome in the sets. He made us feel that we were all part of same boat and in fact he thanked us for being the part of his film.
Q: Would you like to share some interesting moment during the shoot?
A: When Shah Rukh sir was told that I am a musician, the next day he brought a guitar and a mike on the set for me to sing. I was touched thinking that how thoughtful it was of him to remember that. I sang a Spanish song for Shah Rukh sir and the entire team. That was like an ice breaking moment. Everyone appreciated it and Atlee sir said something which I will never forget. He said that goddess is in your voice. That was the beginning of the fact that I have a song in Jawan as well. The Spanish song that you hear is a song written and sung by me.
Q: Did you undergo any special training for the movie? How was your experience working with director Atlee sir?
A: My experience working with Atlee sir was extremely heartwarming because he is not very older than us. In his young shoulder he has carried such a massive film including iconic actors. He has done it so gracefully. He is a visionary and he knows exactly what the audience wants to see through his messages. One most unique thing about Atlee sir is that he is able to deliver a very important social message through each of his film with a very massy execution. His movies have everything from romance to drama, action and little laughter but at the same time his movies are not hollow. They deliver very important social message which I think our society desperately needs.
Q: How was your understanding with likes of actress Nayanthara and Sanya Malhotra?
A: Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani and the rest of us six girls we are actual best friends in real life. It is very rare to come across a group of people who really get along not just on screen but in real life. The best thing about them is that they are not only extremely talented but also very kind and funny. We share all our ups and down and our food with each other. We are very appreciative of each other. Sanya is an incredible actor and more importantly very funny person and a great dancer also. Nayanthara mam is quite a force to reckon with. She is an incredible actor. What strikes me most about her is that she is able to stand her ground which makes her such an icon in this predominantly male industry. The fact that she is a female superstar, she deserves all the adulation that goes with her name. I am glad I could share screen space with her.
Q: How did you celebrate the success of the film?
A: All of our cast and crew members got together and celebrated two nights in a row on the day of the release. We are so lucky that the film is doing so well beyond what anyone of us expected and the audience is taking it very well. We are very happy for each other.