Anjali Anand says Jaya Bachchan was in tears during Gayatri’s showdown scene in Rocky Aur Rani: ‘As I was crying…’

When asked what kind of goals she is setting up for herself next, Anjali said that working with the team has left her inspired. “I was shooting with Alia Bhatt and I realised we are almost the same age, and she’s achieved so much in her life. I am just starting out. So maybe I am 10 years late but in the next few years, I want to achieve a lot. Working with her, Ranveer Singh and even Karan sir taught me so much. They are so passionate about their work and do so much. I too want to lead a life like that and do more work, more films and make my mother more happy.”

 

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Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, which is touted to be the most progressive film of the year, touches on important subjects like women empowerment, body shaming, breaking stereotypes and patriarchy. A monologue by Ranveer Singh has been highly appreciated by the audience where he accepts that he is conditioned to be a certain way but is ready to accept his flaws and make  amends. He mentions how calling his overweight sister Golu seemed like a loving gesture till he realised it was wrong. Referring to the same scene, Anjali Anand shared how she ‘absolutely hates it’ when people call her ‘Golu’, ‘Cutie’ or ‘Motu’.

“If you call someone ugly they would be offended, right? Then why should I not take offence? People feel it’s sweet but it’s double standards. If we have a name, call us by our name. I am so happy that the film addressed these topics, which may seem small but needs immediate correction,” she shared.

Talking about her big dramatic showdown scene in the film, the actor said that she wasn’t even realising who she was performing with. “I didn’t know what was happening. JB (Jaya Bachchan) was standing right opposite to me and I had to say these big dialogues. And then I saw her standing there almost in tears even though her character had to be angry. After the cut, I asked her and she said that because I was crying, she teared up (laughs). She was so sweet and chill and told me that the camera was not on her, so it didn’t matter. She was like a buddy to me and would feed all kinds of delicious food to me and Ranveer every Sunday.”

Given the film gave her a chance to work with two different generations of actors, we wondered what kind of learnings did she go back home with. “I really observed a lot throughout my time on the set. From the younger actors Alia and Ranveer, I think their dedication. We all have 24 hours in a day but the amount of things they do it’s like they have double the time. As for the seniors, Dharam ji (Dharmendra) told me how they used to have a lot of fun earlier. With no phones and vanity vans, they would sit under the same shade or have bonfires at night. I got to understand what camaraderie with a team is all about.”

 

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Not many would know Anjali Anand is the daughter of late actor Dinesh Anand and choreographer Purnima Anand. Recently, the actor had joined the cast and director Karan Johar at the success meet of the film. Calling it an ‘out of body experience’, Anjali shared how she was overwhelmed to be seated between Dharmendra and Karan. “I thought they made a mistake. I am the most junior one in the team, I thought I would be sitting somewhere in the corner. I kept asking Karan sir if the label was right and did he want to switch. He was like no, sit there. I think it’s all so amazing and I hope my journey goes up and up from hereon.”

On a final note, she also discussed her Khatron Ke Khiladi 13 journey. The Kulffi Kumar Bajewala actor got evicted on Sunday from the Rohit Shetty-hosted show. Calling it a happy journey, she shared that while she wanted to stay longer in the game, she didn’t want to play dirty. “For the elimination task, I decided to go against Shiv (Thakare) even though I knew my chances would be bleak. But both of us did not perform our earlier tasks and hence deserved to be in the elimination stunt. However, it was also a lucky day for a few contestants as they were given a chance to not perform. I think you lose some, you win some. I am just so happy with all the love coming my way for the show and now of course the film. I am content,” Anjali concluded.