As the critically acclaimed film Barfi! celebrates its 13th anniversary, global star Priyanka Chopra took a nostalgic trip down memory lane. In a heartfelt social media post, the actress reminisced about the making of the film and the unique process that led her to embody Jhilmil Chatterjee, one of the most cherished characters of her career. The 2012 film, directed by Anurag Basu, remains a landmark for its sensitive storytelling and powerful performances.
Chopra shared that she first heard about the project from co-star Ranbir Kapoor while they were shooting for another film in New York. Thrilled at the prospect of working with a director she admired, she met Basu at her home in Mumbai. However, having just returned from an event “dressed to the nines,” her glamorous appearance made the director openly skeptical, admitting he couldn’t envision her as the simple, autistic Jhilmil. To bridge this gap, they mutually agreed to a five-day workshop to explore the character.
The Unconventional Drill That Birthed Jhilmil
During the intensive workshop, Priyanka Chopra delved deep into research, studying videos and meeting with children on the autism spectrum to understand the nuances of the role. She recalled one particularly memorable “Basu-style” drill that proved to be a turning point. The director asked her to hurl vile Hindi expletives directly at him, an exercise she initially found mortifying.
However, as she pushed through her embarrassment, the act became “hilarious and liberating,” successfully pulling her out of her comfort zone. It was this unconventional method that helped break down her inhibitions and allowed the character of Jhilmil to emerge organically. Chopra credits these unique drills for helping her fully connect with the role, stating that after the process, “Jhilmil was born.”
Improvised Magic and Treasured Memories
The creative freedom on set was a key element of the filmmaking process. Chopra revealed that most of the iconic scenes between her character and Ranbir’s Barfi! were improvised. Basu would provide a basic idea, and the actors would run with it, creating spontaneous and heartfelt moments. The film also holds a special place in her heart for personal reasons, as it was one of the last times her late father visited her on a film set.
Calling Barfi! one of her “most treasured films,” she praised the entire team, from cinematographer Ravi Varman’s poetic visuals to Ileana D’Cruz’s graceful performance and Ranbir Kapoor’s stellar acting. She noted that despite shooting over two years with several breaks, the audience’s love for the film and for Jhilmil went “beyond our dreams” and has remained with her ever since.
About Barfi!
Anurag Basu’s 2012 romantic comedy-drama, Barfi!, stars Ranbir Kapoor as a charming hearing and speech-impaired man from Darjeeling. The film chronicles his relationships with two women: Shruti Ghosh, played by Ileana D’Cruz, and Jhilmil Chatterjee, an autistic woman portrayed by Priyanka Chopra. The film was celebrated for its heartwarming narrative, exceptional performances, and Pritam’s memorable musical score, becoming both a critical and commercial success.
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