Another beauty makes her film debut
Jhataleka Malhotra talks about her dream debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s production, Tuesdays & Fridays
The beauty queen, model and actor was the first runner-up Femina Miss India 2014. Jhataleka Malhotra then went on to represent India at the acclaimed Miss International 2014 pageant held in Japan, where she bagged the Miss Internet Beauty Award and her national costume went on to win the third runnerup spot.
Now, Jhataleka is all set to make her grand debut in Bollywood with nothing less than a Sanjay Leela Bhansali production. The modern day rom-com, is expected to release in cinemas on 19th February 2021.
Excerpts from an interview
QWould you call yourself an outsider? And what’s your take about this field of glitz and glamour?
I was born in Mumbai to parents who have nothing to do with the film industry. My mother, who was born and raised in Mumbai, was a teacher, while my father, who is originally from Himachal Pradesh but lived in Punjab, served as the captain in the Merchant Navy. They now run a business together. So in that sense, I’m a complete outsider and don’t know anybody despite my surname.
I am happy to debut with Tuesdays & Fridays although it took me four years to land this meeting with Sanjay sir. During
those four years, I met several people, yet nothing happened. But hadn’t I believed in and worked on myself, I wouldn’t have landed this role. When I did, I was given equal opportunity like everyone else and was treated alike through the process right from the time I met Sanjay sir.
I believe it’s possible for everyone today to excel, especially with the kind of content shown on OTT platforms.
Q
Given your background in the beauty pageants, did you expect an open-arm reception in Bollywood?
Through my pageants, I have groomed myself and have learnt a lot. It gave me the confidence to move forward in this journey. Even so, that didn’t give me a thrust into the film industry.
When I went into acting I was always treated as a new girl. It was not easy to get an audition meeting.
Q
Your debut film revolves around a couple meeting only on Tuesdays and Fridays. Do you think you can share your love with your loved ones only on specific days?
Well! I’m very old school. I want all days of the week for myself, especially with the one I love. I can’t share with him. If he is mine, he is only mine! (Chuckles)
That said, the film’s story is definitely very different. But no two relationships can be compared and depends on two people in the relationship — if they are open for a quirky, out-of-the-box relationship, they should go ahead. It’s naturally about being on the same page and as long as you are happy being in it so.
Q
What is your take on relationships today, with people believing in moving on quickly to another intimate relationship?
I think it is so merely because tolerance is missing in today’s relationships. I remember when I was growing up my mother used to tell me, ‘Any relationship needs to be watered and nourished daily. It’s all about how much effort you put in to taking care of it.’
I know many who feel that if a relationship is not working, they need to drop it and run! No one seems to be putting in the efforts to grow a relationship.
‘I was born in Mumbai to parents who have nothing to do with the film industry. My mother, was a teacher, while my father, served as the captain in the Merchant Navy.’
Jisshu Sengupta is slowly but surely becoming a name to reckon with in Tollywood. Moreover, his impressive show in films, such as Aswathama and Bheeshma is now proving to be vital for his forthcoming films.
We hear that the Mardaani 2 star will play the main antagonist in Chiranjeevi’s forthcoming film, Acharya. Apparently, the film’s director Koratala Siva cast Jisshu for the part after watching his performance in Aswathama.
Director Koratala Siva, who believes that a tough baddie can only elevate a film’s narrative, generally has strong antagonists in his films. Getting a seasoned performer like Jisshu could only raise the intensity and the action sequences in the film.
According to a source, “When Jisshu started shooting, the director felt he stands vindicated for casting him in the role of a villain. Being a true performer, Jisshu excelled in his role, impressing even Chiranjeevi.”
Meanwhile,
Jisshu will
be seen as Shoban Babu in the forthcoming Jayalalitha biopic, Thalaivi, starring Kangana Ranaut.
Mountains have a way of staying with me, and Mussoorie in Dehradun District of Uttarakhand State holds a special place in my heart. It did from the moment the aroma of steaming noodles and momos wafted through the air from tiny restaurants that literally hung on the edge of the world. This was one of my first memories of this beautiful escape.
The next was when I chanced upon the signboard “You are at 1,880m” as we entered Mussoorie — instantly feeling tiny against the majesty of the mountains surrounding us. From this point onwards, the ‘queen of the hills’ was everything we could have ever wanted for a family getaway, and beyond.
EXPERIENCE
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or sunsets, Mussoorie captivates in its absolute completeness. Needless to say, photography enthusiasts will love it just as history buffs will.
We consciously skipped touristfavourites such as Kempty Falls and instead fell in love with the secluded charm of Jharipani and Mossy Falls, where we spent hours without realising how time passed. For history enthusiasts, Sir George Everest’s House is another place where time stands still. The Welsh geographer was supposedly so taken by Mussoorie, that he stayed on in the hill station for three whole decades.
Those looking for a good yet easy trek, there are many in the hill station, but we picked the lesser known Benog Tibba trail, located in the middle of a quail sanctuary. It was so isolated that our only companions were the birds flying overhead.
The best thing to experience after an idyllic trek is a beautiful sunset. Cloud’s End, the geographical boundary of Mussoorie, is where we found our favourite one.
For those seeking day trips, Mussoorie makes a great base for that too. A scenic 26-km drive brought us to Dhanaulti, perched at 2,286 m, where we indulged in spirituality at the Surkhanda Devi Temple and in nature at the town’s ecopark, which was surrounded by tall oak, deodar and other rhododendron trees.
WHAT TO EAT
We were spoilt for choice when it came to food in Mussoorie. For breakfast, we headed to Mall Road’s Lovely Omelette Centre for the best-ever roadside omelettes. As a family of pizza lovers, the pies at Little Llama Cafe left us craving for more. The cafe even had great regional delicacies on their wide-range menu. However, we found the best thukpa and momos at Momos Tibetan Kitchen. Then there is Cafe By The Way, a paradise for coffee lovers, while a trip to Landour Bakehouse is worth the jaunt for cake lovers. Our favourite there was the carrot cake.
Take the cable car ride up to Gun Hill Point, but only to try the famous chai at the tea stall next to the cable cart entry. One sip in, and we felt like we were on the top of the world. Another unmissable hit is Emily’s, a cute eatery located in a mountainside manor house. In the homely dining room, as you eat the food made with lots of love, you’re sure to be transported to another era. We indulged in waffles, ratatouille, khao-suey, loaded baked potatoes, spinach ravioli, gourmet
burgers and palak patta.
ENJOY
even
‘pahadi-style’
lasooni
Mussoorie never runs out of things to enjoy. Go shopping and splurge on souvenirs such as ethnic jewellery, antiques, handicrafts and dusty books at Landour Bazaar’s vintage shops.
Alternatively, go fishing in the Aglar River—but remember you’d definitely need a permit for that. We didn’t, so we visited haunted mines instead.
Avid readers wouldn’t be able to leave without exploring Cambridge Book Depot, a favourite spot of local hero and author, Ruskin Bond. He is known to visit the store on Saturdays. If you’re lucky, you may stumble upon him and even get a book signed! We unfortunately missed him.