Excerpts:
How did your career path change after KHNH?
Kal Ho Naa Ho was God’s gift to me. It just fell on my lap without trying. Nowadays, careers are manipulated and I don’t mean this negatively. There is an agency that you appoint and there are 5-6 people who are behind you when you walk into a room. There are social media and PR teams and all these paraphernalia have to be there for you to become a star. In those days, there was nothing like that. In those days, there were very few people and things happened very organically. After I did Kal Ho Naa Ho, Satish Kaushik loved me in that part so much that he gave me Milenge Milenge. It was as simple as that. The next 15 years after Kal Ho Na Ho were my prime years wherein I did a lot of TV shows, films, appearances, events and ads. It was a turning point in my career but it was all very organic. There was nobody looking after my work. I was my manager.
How does it feel to be a part of such a trendsetter film?
The best compliment that I got recently from one of the veteran actors of our industry is that if we make a list of 20 such supporting artists, whose names will go down in the history of Indian cinema, my name would be on that list besides the likes of Kaliya and Samba from Sholay. That was such a huge compliment and I will never forget it. I knew it was a huge film but I never knew what the fate of the film would be. Supporting artists are always forgotten but today when people talk about the film, they talk about Aman, Naina and Sweetu.
What was the equation like on the sets?
Very fun-loving and warm. Although I had done a lot of television shows, it was my first film and I was the youngest member of the group. The entire supporting cast was full of legends and stalwarts such as Dara Singh, Reema Lagoo, Lillet Dubey, Ketki Davey and Satish Shah. I was the only one who was very raw in that whole lot. So, I got a lot of love and warmth. Jaya ji was like a mother. With Saif, it was fun and jokes and with Preeti, there was a lot of friendship. I remember her coming on the sets of Bigg Boss season 6 where I was participating and she told Salman that she wanted me to win.
How do you look back at this journey and your character now that the film has completed over two decades?
I look back at my experience with immense gratitude and fondness. It was truly a memorable and fascinating journey. Every time I pray, I thank God for giving me this opportunity, as it opened many doors in my career. After Kal Ho Naa Ho, I went on to work in so many wonderful films, and the decade that followed was one of the most fulfilling phases of my life. Even today, I feel incredibly lucky to be as relevant as Sweetu. People still look up to me as Sweetu, and I’m beyond grateful for that. It’s been a joyful ride, and honestly, words can’t fully describe the happiness I feel about being part of such a beautiful project. Looking back after 21 years, I realize that I can see a lot of Sweetu in me now. When I played the character, I was not quite like her, but today, I am more fun-loving, positive, and comfortable in my skin—much like Sweetu was. She loved her food, loved her people, and most importantly, loved herself, and I see those same qualities in myself now. I think Sweetu, if she were in today’s world, would remain the same—innocent yet confident, happy in her own space, and free from the judgment of “log kya kahenge.” She was one of the most lovable characters, and I believe every girl today should embody that same joy, positivity, and self-love.
What was your fondest memory of the film?
Filming my introduction scene with Preity at the bustling train station, where Shah Rukh’s character makes his grand entrance. This one-take scene was intense, with people moving all around us, Shahrukh entering, and the energy being both chaotic and thrilling. Nikhil, our director, had given me clear instructions to give Shah Rukh a particular look, which felt challenging because I didn’t know him well at the time, but I went for it and it worked perfectly. Another unforgettable moment was delivering the line, “Doosri shaadi karungi”—I did several variations and looking back now, it’s ironic how that line resonates in my life today, almost like a foreshadowing. I also vividly remember Aman’s emotional death scene; the entire cast was present, and the atmosphere was so real that none of us needed glycerine to cry. Working with SRK was a privilege; he has a calm, magnetic aura that drew me in, and I observed how he managed every situation with such grace. Being on that set was both heartwarming and hilarious, with Saif’s endless pranks and the lively energy of the entire cast and crew.
There is a scene where your scarf gets tangled in SRK’s jacket buttons, which happened accidentally. Tell us about it…
I got cold feet. I was scared. The scene was going on and you can’t say cut unless the director says cut. He untangled it and I was so scared about what was going to happen. But yes it was beautiful. If that scene was staged, I would have done it myself. But your scarf gets entangled in Shah Rukh’s jacket without it being scripted…On one side there is Shah Rukh and on the other side there is Preeti and we have to finish the scene on time. I was like – Oh my God! Now what do I do? And so smartly, he handled the whole thing and the scene just continued.
How was the experience of sharing the screen with SRK?
Sharing the screen with Shahrukh Khan was an unforgettable experience. Every time I met him, I had cold feet because of the aura he carried. There’s an undeniable energy about him that fills the entire space, making everyone around him feel inspired and in awe. Despite being the star and the hero of the film, he handled every situation with such calm and grace. I found myself closely observing him, fascinated by how he approached each scene and interacted with everyone, from the crew to the cast. He managed every moment effortlessly, never letting his fame overshadow his down-to-earth nature. SRK is not just an incredible actor, but also a genuinely warm and humble person. Throughout filming, we shared several moments, and each one left me with a deeper admiration for him. Working with him was not only a privilege but also a great learning experience I’ll always treasure.