Mahima Chaudhry Reflects on Debut with Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Pardes’

Mahima Chaudhry, a notable Indian actress, recently recalled her early days in Bollywood, reminiscing about her debut film ‘Pardes’ alongside superstar Shah Rukh Khan. In an interview with Radio Nasha Official, Chaudhry shared her experiences on the set and the anticipation that surrounded Khan’s arrival.

During the initial days of filming ‘Pardes’, directed by Subhash Ghai, Shah Rukh Khan’s presence was highly anticipated. “During the initial 15-20 days of ‘Pardes’, everyone kept saying he would arrive today or tomorrow, but he didn’t show up,” Chaudhry mentioned. She described the moment when Khan eventually appeared on set as transformative, noting how everyone gathered around him in hopes of engaging in conversation. “He is full of stories,” she added, suggesting the impact of Khan’s charismatic presence.

Besides being fascinated by Khan’s storytelling, Chaudhry also closely observed his acting methods, aiming to learn from his vast experience. “I would sit and watch his takes to see how he does the scenes, says his lines, performs the dance steps, etc., to watch and learn,” she further explained.

‘Pardes’, released in 1997, was a significant success, contributing to the rise of Mahima Chaudhry’s acting career. The film also featured Apurva Agnihotri and veteran actors such as Amrish Puri, Alok Nath, and Himani Shivpuri. The soundtrack, composed by the duo Nadeem–Shravan with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, was widely praised, adding to the movie’s popularity.

The movie follows a narrative where a family patriarch seeks an Indian bride for his non-resident Indian son, only to face complications when a deeper connection forms between the bride and his foster son. Mahima Chaudhry portrayed the role of Kusum Ganga, delivering a noteworthy performance that paved the way for her future roles.

Chaudhry’s journey into Bollywood stands testament to her talent and the fortunate opportunities she availed, as remarked in previous interactions where she credited her success to both skill and luck. Currently, Chaudhry is set to appear in ‘Emergency‘, a new film where she will portray the role of a cultural activist and writer. Her upcoming career projects also include ‘Signature‘, slated for release later this year.