Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 10: Actress Kalki Koechlin recently shared a clever strategy employed by director Ayan Mukerji that helped build camaraderie among the lead cast during the filming of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.
Kalki, who played Aditi in the 2013 hit, revealed that Ayan arranged a road trip from Delhi to Manali, ensuring the actors traveled together by car instead of flying. This move, she believes, played a key role in fostering the strong bond seen between the film’s stars.
“We didn’t know each other well before the film, and we didn’t have much time to bond. So, Ayan decided to organize a road trip from Delhi to Manali. He didn’t let us fly, and arranged for two cars. Ranbir, Deepika, Aditya, and I traveled in one car, while Ayan and others were in another,” Kalki recalled.
The actress explained how the road trip helped them bond: “We stopped at Dhabas, ate together, used bathrooms in small villages, and shared stories about our lives. It was a very different experience compared to flying in business class. Those 8 hours in the car made a huge difference. Ayan’s move was really smart.”
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, directed by Ayan Mukerji, was a major success in 2013, becoming the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. The film’s lead cast—Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin, and Aditya Roy Kapur—shared an on-screen chemistry that reflected their strong off-screen friendship. Kalki also recalled the playful pranks she and Deepika often pulled on Ranbir and Aditya during filming.
“One memory I have is when we were shooting in the snow at Gulmarg in Kashmir. Deepika and I would put snow down Ranbir’s and Aditya’s t-shirts, and when they tried to do the same to us, we’d warn them, ‘Baal Kharab ho jaayega!’ (Your hair will get ruined!),” Kalki laughed. “But they got back at us during the Haldi Ceremony in Udaipur. They were supposed to put a dot of Haldi on me but ended up dumping it all over me. It was hilarious!”
The movie was re-released in theaters on January 3, 2025, and Kalki shared her excitement at seeing audiences relive the experience. “It feels great to watch everyone dancing in the theater. They know all the songs and lines and almost reenact the scenes. It’s amazing to see how the movie resonates with a new generation, showing its timeless appeal.”
Looking ahead, Kalki will make her Tamil debut in Nesippaya, where she plays the role of a lawyer. Directed by Vishnuvardhan, the film features music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.