New Delhi

Actor Juhi Babbar recently opened up about some key roles she almost played in Bollywood. She revealed that she was initially offered the lead role of Puro in the 2003 drama Pinjar, based on Amrita Pritam’s novel, but was eventually replaced by Urmila Matondkar.

The film, directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, explored the struggles of Hindus and Muslims during the Partition. Juhi explained that although the director offered her the role of Laajo, she turned it down, feeling her heart was set on Puro.

Juhi also shared that she was slated to star opposite Abhishek Bachchan in the 2002 film Shararat, but the role ultimately went to Hrishitaa Bhatt. Despite these setbacks, she maintains a warm relationship with Dwivedi, who later praised her performance in The Great Shamsuddin Family.

The actor has been making waves recently with her role in The Great Shamsuddin Family and her play Ek Lamha Zindagi. Juhi continues to balance both film and theatre, following in the footsteps of her mother, theatre veteran Nadira Babbar, and her father, Raj Babbar, who notably produced a film for her, an uncommon move in Bollywood.

Juhi reflected on her early career, including theatre work with her mother in plays like Yahudi Ki Ladki and Begum Jaan, and her film debut in Kash Aap Hamare Hote opposite Sonu Nigam. She also spoke about her brief stint on social media, which began around the time she shot for Dostana 2, to connect with audiences and showcase her work.

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In her latest film, Juhi portrays Humaira, the eldest sister in a family navigating domestic chaos, a role she describes as a natural fit given her own experience as the eldest sibling. With a career spanning theatre and film, Juhi Babbar continues to impress audiences with her nuanced performances and dedication to the craft.