Pooja Ruparel, fondly remembered as Chutki from ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, cherishes the enduring love from fans. She reflects on her natural portrayal of the character and shares a delightful anecdote about Shah Rukh Khan’s playful antics on set, highlighting his supportive nature and the fun-filled atmosphere during the film’s making.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge fame Pooja Ruparel aka Chutki, recently opened up about being typecast, working with Shah Rukh Khan and more.
Fond memories of Chutki’s character
In conversation with IANS, Pooja said, “I feel immense love when people call me Chutki. The warmth in their eyes and smiles means so much to me. Even after thirty years, if one expression or one scene from my performance still lives in people’s hearts, that’s a huge blessing. And everyone knows I’m a good actress—picture abhi baaki hai doston!”
Elaborating further, she added, “I think sometimes the best work happens when you don’t overthink. Chutki’s character is a lot like me. In real life too, I’m someone who can’t hold back—if I see something, I speak up immediately, and then a ‘Chutki moment’ happens! I still feel my performance was quite natural.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s playful side on set
Sharing her experience of working with superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the film, Ruparel shared, “He was so sweet and supportive. My mom had brought theplas during one of our outdoor shoots, and Shah Rukh would often come to our room to eat them. Once, he even put a banana inside a thepla and ate it! I was so amused—I remember saying, ‘Who eats thepla with banana?’ I was just a nine-year-old kid then, and it all felt so much fun.” “Aditya Chopra is such a simple and clear-minded director. I am sure if something could have been better, he would have told me. Since he didn’t, it means he genuinely liked what I did—it matched what he wanted in that scene,” she said about working with the ace director.
