Is it just a wonderful coincidence that Anushka Sharma made her debut 9 years back on 12 December? Was the Anushka-Virat wedding planned with a numerological criteria to be held a day before the anniversary of her first release Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi? We’ll never know, but what we do know is that Anushka’s first film opposite Shah Rukh Khan, directed by Aditya Chopra celebrates it’s 9th anniversary today since the film released on 12 December 2008.
Anushka Sharma the Bollywood “Struggler”
Before Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi happened, Anushka was just another ordinary “struggler” in Mumbai. The wannabe actor had signed up for an acting class and was just waiting for a big break.
Watch glimpses of Anushka at her acting school:
Anushka’s Big Break
Only a few close friends and family know how Anushka was signed up for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and how she reacted once she realised that she would be working with none other than Shah Rukh Khan.
So here goes:
After few modelling assignments Anushka got a call for a film audition. Surprised and disinterested, Anushka was forced by her modelling agency to go for the audition. She was asked to play Kajol from DDLJ for the audition.
The next time she was called in, Aditya Chopra met her and gave Anushka the news which changed her life forever. She was the lead in his next film titled Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi! But the shocker was yet to come, Aditya then broke the news that she would star opposite Shah Rukh Khan.
A numb Anushka walked out of the Yash Raj Films office, started her blue Swift and drove away. After a short drive she parked her car beside the road as it finally hit her that her life will never be the same again. Anushka then called her mom and tears rolled down her eyes as she gave her mother the wonderful news.
Anushka was chosen after a nation-wide talent hunt for the lead actress by Yash Raj Films. She was kept away from the media till the film’s release.
Yash Chopra on Anushka Sharma
Here’s what the late Yash Chopra had to say about the newcomer who was finally chosen for Aditya Chopra’s film:
“We were looking first for someone who could truly embody the spirit of small town Punjab. We know we have found her in Anushka. While she has no previous acting experience, we have seen that unique spark in her that makes us confident that she will be a standout even opposite Shah Rukh.”Yash Chopra
It is now well known that Karan Johar was not in favour of Anushka Sharma. The filmmaker tried to discourage Aditya Chopra from signing her up for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi because KJo felt Anushka didn’t have a future in Bollywood.
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi was released across 30 countries on 12 December 2008 on over 1,200 screens, including approximately 300 prints for the overseas market, the widest ever release for an Indian film at that time. It went on to become one of the biggest money spinners of 2008 and a star was launched!
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