‘Barfi!’ is one of Bollywood’s most iconic films, breaking norms by casting mainstream stars in unconventional roles. Ranbir Kapoor played a deaf-mute man, while Priyanka Chopra portrayed an autistic girl named Jhilmil. However, not many know that director Anurag Basu initially rejected Priyanka for the role when he first met her.
During a conversation with Lehren Retro, Priyanka’s mother Madhu Chopra, revealed that Anurag Basu was unconvinced about casting Priyanka Chopra as Jhilmil. When he visited her home to narrate the script, Priyanka was at an event and arrived later, still dressed in a glamorous outfit. Seeing her, Basu immediately said, “You are not my Barfi!” He couldn’t picture her in the role of an autistic girl.
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Not one to give up easily, Priyanka requested a week to prove herself. She worked on the character, transformed her mannerisms and when Priyanka Chopra reappeared before Anurag Basu as Jhilmil, he was stunned! Her dedication convinced him, and she was cast in the film. The rest, as they say, is history.
‘Barfi!’ became a massive success, earning ₹175 crore worldwide and gaining a cult following for its heartwarming story, performances, and soulful soundtrack. The film was India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards and won several awards, including multiple Filmfare nominations.
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