Juhi Chawla, one of the most beloved actresses of the 90s, is known for her sparkling performances in Bollywood films. However, there was a time when her career could have taken a very different path—one that might have seen her become a household name on Indian television before she became a big-screen sensation. It all began when she was offered the iconic role of Draupadi in BR Chopra’s legendary TV show, Mahabharata.
The Offer That Could Have Changed It All
In the mid-1980s, when Juhi Chawla was just starting out in the film industry, she was approached by BR Chopra, the visionary director behind Mahabharata. The show was destined to become one of the most popular and revered adaptations of the ancient Indian epic. Juhi had recently worked in her debut film Sultanat (1986), where she had a small role, but it was enough to catch the attention of BR Chopra.
During an interview, Juhi revealed that she had given a screen test for the role of Draupadi, one of the most pivotal characters in the epic. To her delight, she was selected for the role. BR Chopra, known for his keen eye for talent, saw potential in Juhi and was ready to cast her in what would become a historic TV series. This was a significant opportunity for Juhi, as playing Draupadi could have established her as a prominent figure on Indian television.
BR Chopra’s Wise Advice
However, fate had other plans for Juhi. Around the same time, she was offered a role in the film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), which would go on to become a massive hit and launch her into Bollywood stardom alongside Aamir Khan. When Juhi informed BR Chopra about this film offer, he gave her a piece of advice that would shape her future.
According to Juhi, BR Chopra advised her to focus on the film rather than the TV show. He told her, “Don’t do this [the show]. Let it be TV. If your film is being made, then work there.” BR Chopra recognized the potential of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and understood that a successful film career could offer Juhi far more opportunities than television at that time. His advice was not just practical but also showed his understanding of the broader entertainment landscape.
Juhi Chawla’s Decision and Its Impact
Juhi, who was relatively new to the industry and unsure about which path to take, decided to follow BR Chopra’s advice. She left the role of Draupadi, a decision that ultimately led to Roopa Ganguly being cast in the iconic role. Roopa’s portrayal of Draupadi became legendary, and she remains one of the most memorable characters in Indian television history.
As for Juhi Chawla, her decision to focus on Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak paid off immensely. The film was a blockbuster, and Juhi became a household name overnight. She went on to star in numerous successful films throughout the 90s and became one of Bollywood’s leading actresses.
BR Chopra’s Role in Guiding Juhi’s Career
Juhi has always expressed gratitude towards BR Chopra for guiding her during those early days of her career. In her own words, she acknowledged that she didn’t fully understand the right choice at the time. It was BR Chopra who helped her see the potential in her film career and encouraged her to pursue it. His advice was instrumental in setting Juhi on the path to stardom in Bollywood.
While Juhi Chawla missed out on playing Draupadi, she gained much more—a successful film career that made her one of the most beloved actresses in Indian cinema. BR Chopra’s Mahabharata went on to become a classic, and Juhi’s decision to focus on films allowed her to carve out her own unique legacy in the world of entertainment.
