Thu Sep 12 05:06:00 UTC 2024: ## Veteran Actress Farida Jalal Recalls Gulzar’s Advice and Her ‘Khushboo’ Experience
Veteran actress Farida Jalal, known for her versatility in Bollywood, recently reminisced about her experience working with renowned filmmaker Gulzar on the 1975 film ‘Khushboo.’ During an interview, she shared a humorous anecdote about Gulzar’s insistence on toning down her glamorous look for the role.
Farida Jalal recalled arriving on set with a stylish hairstyle, only to be called in by Gulzar, who advised her to change her look for the role. “He said, ‘If you look like this, what will I say to Hema ji?'” Jalal shared, explaining that Gulzar wanted her to portray a more simple and grounded character.
She initially felt frustrated but eventually agreed to wear a simple braid. “He said, ‘Yeh hui na baat. Kaam dikhana hai, yeh sab nahi dikhana aapko’ (Now that’s what I’m talking about. You need to showcase your talent, not your looks),” Jalal recalled Gulzar saying.
Farida Jalal revealed that Gulzar’s guidance helped her discover her true potential as an actor. She also shared an instance where Gulzar pushed her to deliver a powerful performance in a scene where her character’s husband dies. She received praise for her emotional portrayal, even from renowned actor Sanjeev Kumar.
Farida Jalal also remembered Gulzar’s advice before a song sequence in Goa, encouraging her to focus on natural performance rather than excessive glamour.
Farida Jalal’s recent appearances include Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi.’ Her anecdotes offer a glimpse into the creative process behind a classic film and the valuable lessons she learned from working with a master filmmaker.
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