Mumbai– Actress Pooja Ruparel expressed heartfelt appreciation for fans who still call her “Chutki” from the iconic 1995 film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Pooja was asked if being constantly associated with the character “Chutki” ever bothered her. She replied warmly, saying, “Not at all! In fact, I feel immense love when people call me that. 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.”
She clarified that she does not see it as being typecast but rather as a sign of genuine affection. “And everyone knows I’m a good actress—picture abhi baaki hai doston!” she said with a smile.
Reflecting on her role, Pooja noted that Chutki’s character closely mirrors her own personality. “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!”
She also shared fond memories of working with director Aditya Chopra, praising his simplicity and clarity. “Adi is such a simple and clear-minded director. I’m 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.
Pooja recalled her experience with co-star Shah Rukh Khan as delightful. “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,” she laughed.
Even decades later, the actress cherishes the love and recognition she receives for her role as Chutki, calling it a “huge blessing” that her performance continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
