Karan Johar REVEALS Shabana Azmi REFUSED doing makeup for funeral scene in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Karan Johar recently spoke about how veteran actress Shabana Azmi refused to wear makeup for a funeral scene in his film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

In conversation with South African actress Charlize Theron at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2023, Johar said that Azmi had told him, “I never want you to see any of my movies. Because even when they are dying, they have everything ready. Their hair is blow-dried, they have lipstick on, there is no compromise.”

Johar said that he had initially tried to persuade Azmi to wear some makeup for the scene, but she had refused. “I was like, ‘Well not too much of it. Because the lenses are sharp and I don’t want you to look a certain way.’ She said there is no reality. I said I am not going for it.”

Johar eventually relented and allowed Azmi to go makeup-free for the scene. He said that he was glad that he had done so, as it made the scene more realistic. “I think it’s important to show reality on screen,” he said. “And sometimes that means showing people without makeup, even in difficult situations.”

Johar’s comments have been praised by many for his honesty and transparency. Some have also pointed out the importance of showing realistic portrayals of women on screen, especially in Bollywood, which is often criticized for its unrealistic depictions of beauty.

Speaking of the film, it was released this year in July. It starred Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Koffee With Karan 8: Sunny Deol speaks on Dharmendra’s kissing scene in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani; says, “My dad can do whatever he likes and he gets away with it”