Sudhir Mishra On Why Kareena Kapoor Must Have Been Paid More Than Rahul Bose In Chameli: ‘It Centred Around…’

Chameli was a remarkable turning point in Kareena Kapoor’s career, which also changed the perception around Bollywood’s storytelling. Even after two decades of the film’s release, Chameli is remembered not just for the story but also performances by the lead actors. Director Sudhir Mishra shared that Kareena was just outstanding in that film. He also lauded Kapoor’s instinct and professionalism. Mishra also mentioned that he followed her instinct to change the whole way of doing the film.

In an interview with Cyrus Broacha’s podcast, Sudhir Mishra said, “She’d (Kareena Kapoor) come from popular cinema. So, she hadn’t worked with a script before. And there was some genetic playing in her mind, with Raj Kapoor (late legendary filmmaker-actor, her grandfather), her father (actor Randhir Kapoor), and Babita (Kapoor, mother and actor). So, her instinct was amazing.”

The filmmaker continued, “One day, when I was shooting for her, she was so great I forgot to say cut. And she didn’t stop. Then she did something that I never told her. So, I realised her professionalism as an actor, as Raj Kapoor’s granddaughter, doesn’t allow her to stop till the director says cut. So then, she stays on. She improvised. So, I changed the whole way of doing the film. I kind of followed her. It’s just centred around this one person. And it worked.”

Also read: Always wanted to work with Nawazuddin, says Sudhir Mishra

Sudhir Mishra also said that Kareena Kapoor ‘must have been paid more than’ her male co-star, Rahul Bose, in Chameli. Mishra added, “That was up to Pritish (Nandy, producer). I wasn’t involved. Rangita Nandy (daughter) is the person that question should be asked to. But of course, she should’ve been paid more. That was her part.”

Also read: Did Kareena Kapoor Really Slap Bipasha Basu During Ajnabee Shoot? Truth Behind Kaali Billi Feud | Throwback Tales

About Chameli

As per the official premise, the story focuses on a rainy night, when an investment banker’s car breaks down in a red light area, he takes refuge with a prostitute who later becomes his friend. Chameli stars Kareena Kapoor, Rahul Bose, Rinke Khanna, Yashpal Sharma, Kabir Sadanand and Mahek Chahal in key roles. It was released in theatres in December 2003. The film is streaming on JioHotstar.