Juhi Chawla was fourth choice!
For the role of Om Puri's wife in a Hollywood film.
Juhi, who is so excited about her role in Lasse Hailstrom’s comedy 100 Foot Journey has only two scenes in the film.
Says a source from the project, “The film revolves around the characters played by Om Puri and Helen Mirren. Juhi, who plays Om’s wife, has exactly two scenes. When the wife’s role came up, Om suggested three names: Sarika, Mita Vashisht and Lilette Dubey. But then someone suggested Chawla’s name. It was felt the role was too brief for an actress of her stature. But she surprised the team by readily and immediately accepting the role.”
Wonder if Juhi would do two scenes in a Bollywood film! When asked about Juhi playing his wife in 100 Foot Journey, Om says, “She had a two-day role for which she flew down to France. I enjoyed working with her. Earlier we’ve done one film together, the late Raj Kanwar’s Kartvaya where she was the leading lady and I had a small role.” How the tables have turned!