15th August 2023,Mumbai: For Minissha Lamba, the film “Bachna Ae Haseeno” holds a cherished place in her heart, marking a significant turning point in her career. As the movie reaches its 15-year milestone, the actor fondly looks back on her experiences while shooting for the film and the chemistry she shared with co-star RanbirKapoor.
An Instant Connection with the Project
Reflecting on the journey, Lamba reveals how she swiftly embraced the opportunity to be a part of Siddharth Anand’sdirectorial venture. While she eagerly joined the project upon receiving the offer, she admits that she was only privy to her character’s script. She shares, “I was unaware of the other characters’ storylines. I broadly knew what the story was, but I only received my script. So, the details, individual scenes, songs, and everything else, I saw for the first time on screen when in the show kept for the cast and crew. The story was unfolding just like the audience for me.”
Chemistry That Transcended Shyness
Lamba reminisces about the on-screen chemistry she shared with Ranbir Kapoor. Despite Kapoor’s shyness and reserved demeanor off-camera, the duo’s chemistry seamlessly flowed when the cameras started rolling. She notes, “The moment the camera turned on, there was a different kind of ease and chemistry. In fact, we required minimal takes, and our shots would be done in maximum third take.”
A Globetrotting Cinematic Journey
“Bachna Ae Haseeno,” featuring Deepika Padukone, BipashaBasu, and Minissha Lamba, takes the audience on a cinematic journey spanning Switzerland, Mumbai, and Sydney. Lamba’scharacter, Mahi, experiences a romantic escapade in Switzerland before the story unfolds further in Amritsar. Among the many cherished memories, the Switzerland portions hold a special place in Lamba’s heart.
Capturing the Essence of Youthful Adventures
The scenes portraying Mahi as a carefree young girl on a foreign vacation were particularly enjoyable for Lamba. She reminisces about the joy of portraying moments that mirror those found in movie magic. From thrilling roller coaster rides on glaciers to playful chocolate thefts for scenes, the experiences were truly unforgettable.
Portraying the Transition of a Character
Lamba faced the challenge of portraying Mahi’s transformation from a lively young girl to a married woman and a mother of two in the latter half of the film. She admits that depicting the latter part, where there was a lack of emotional connection in the marriage, was particularly demanding. Lamba explains, “More than the young Mahi, the other part of being in a marriage where there was no heart and affection, was difficult to play because I had nothing to draw on. Yet, there had to be a distinct difference between the girl she was and the woman she became.”
An Evolution Beyond the Silver Screen
Beyond her cinematic journey, Lamba reflects on her recent foray into the world of digital entertainment. She made her OTT debut with the short film “Badtameez Dil” earlier in the year. This marked a new chapter in her career, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as an actor.
As “Bachna Ae Haseeno” completes 15 years since its release, Minissha Lamba’s reminiscences offer a heartfelt glimpse into the making of the film, the camaraderie among the cast, and the challenges she gracefully overcame as an actor. The movie’s timeless charm continues to resonate with audiences, and Lamba’s journey stands as a testament to the magic of storytelling and the enduring impact of cinema.
-by Kashvi Gala