Jhalli, known to her admirers as singer-actor Aaliyah Qureishi, has come a long way in her cinematic voyage. Making headlines recently for her role alongside the iconic Shah Rukh Khan in the film ‘Jawan’, Aaliyah’s initial reaction to the casting offer is now a humorous anecdote.
The “Prank” That Wasn’t
When first approached for the role, Aaliyah found it hard to believe. “I thought it was a jest,” she said, reminiscing about her casting process. She narrated to India Today, “In 2021, amidst a professional hiatus, I reached out to various casting agencies. That’s when Mukesh Chhabra’s agency mentioned an opportunity for a Red Chillies film helmed by South director, Atlee.”
She attended the audition, careful not to set high expectations. A scene penned by Atlee was her ticket. Days after the audition, Aaliyah was summoned for a meeting with Atlee and his spouse, Priya.
Their inquiry centered around her vibrant hair and any prior martial arts experience. “I’ve had a stint with boxing,” Aaliyah mentioned, adding she was open to hair alterations. The conversation veered towards music, to which she affirmed her passion as a musician.
Days after this rendezvous, the casting agency reached out with the big news – she was onboard for ‘Jawan’. But Aaliyah’s first reaction was disbelief. “A Shah Rukh Khan film? This must be a prank!” she mused.
Behind the Scenes & Gratitude
As Aaliyah adapted to the vibrant world of ‘Jawan’, she shared cherished behind-the-scenes moments. A note acknowledging her co-star, Shah Rukh Khan, was notably touching.
The film, ‘Jawan’, directed by Atlee and backed by SRK and Gauri Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, graced cinemas in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. With a stellar cast including Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, and Deepika Padukone, the movie has garnered applause from both fans and critics. For Aaliyah, this journey, from doubt to dazzling on screen, is a testament to her talent and determination.