Veteran actress Farida Jalal has expressed her disappointment with filmmakers Yash Chopra and Karan Johar for not casting her in their projects despite indicating otherwise. In a candid interview with India Today, Jalal revealed how she felt let down by both directors.

Farida Jalal, known for her memorable supporting role in the blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, was personally approached by Yash Chopra to play a small role in Dil To Pagal Hai. Chopra emphasized his desire to continue their professional relationship, but Jalal noted that neither he nor Yash Raj Films (YRF) worked with her afterward.

Recalling the incident, Jalal shared, "He called me out of the blue and said, ‘Dil To Pagal Hai mein role hai. Adi bolta hai we mustn’t talk to Farida ji, but I put my foot down and said only Farida will do this role’.” Chopra used Anupam Kher as an example, highlighting how Kher accepted various roles irrespective of their screen time. "He said that he would like our professional relationship to go on, and that stuck with me," Jalal added. "I was so happy when he said he wants our relationship to never end. I did one scene in that film, I went all the way."

However, Jalal expressed that YRF did not uphold their end of the agreement. "What happened? I was ready to continue the relationship. But if you cast somebody else instead of me, it hurts. I didn’t think twice when he made the very big jumla about relationships…" she said.

Karan Johar also figured in her grievances. Johar, aware of how she had been wronged, called Jalal to offer her a small role in Student of the Year. Despite her acceptance, the role never materialized. “I’m very hurt, I’ll say it loud and clear. They were beginners, and we were there to hold their hands. At a certain point, an actor also needs to be held,” Jalal expressed.

She recalled the emotional pain, stating, “I’m hurt, I’m hurt. It’s a deep wound, it’ll always hurt.” Jalal mentioned that both Chopra and Johar sent video messages when she appeared on Farooq Shaikh’s talk show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, to which she responded with a box of chocolates, but this did not lead to the revival of their professional relationship.

Acknowledging the realities of the industry, Jalal concluded, “Shifting loyalties is a part of the business, but I can’t hide the fact that I was deeply hurt by both Karan Johar and Yash Chopra, and I am happy to say it loud and clear.”

Farida Jalal was most recently seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut streaming series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.