It was exciting to work with Shabana: Juhi

Both actors play teachers in upcoming film ‘Chalk n Duster’

MUMBAI: Chalk n Duster actor Juhi Chawla said it was exciting to work with her talented co-star Shabana Azmi in the film and that she tried to learn something from the latter’s style of working during the shooting.

“It was exciting for me. I worked with her for the first time and of course she’s a very accomplished actor. I had heard about how she goes on a set and familiarises herself with the surroundings to utilise the place well and in line with her character. Even I thought I’ll secretly try to learn something from her on the sets,” said Juhi at the trailer launch of the film.

“When the script had come to us, it seemed that the role was always meant for Shabanaji. In fact, you can’t imagine anyone else in that role because she seems to fit in so beautifully,” Juhi added.



Both the actors play teachers who face a tricky situation when the school management, led by Divya Dutta, tries to turn the school into a business and compromise on teaching standards. How both of them battle this plan forms the crux of the story. “The film has been written passionately. If it’s coming across that the film is only about teachers, then that’s not true,” Juhi shared.

“It’s a very interesting story. And incidentally, it’s a story about your teachers at school and their lives. I’m excited about the film and it has been one of my most memorable experiences,” she stated. “It’s got all the elements you look for in an entertaining and engaging film. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and the climax leaves you on a happy high.”

Directed by Jayant Gilatar, the film also stars Girish Karnad, Richa Chadha, Zarina Wahab, Aarya Babbar, Jackie Shroff and Samir Soni among others. It is slated to release on January 15. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th, 2015.

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