Juhi Babbar Hopes to Inspire Directors with Her Comedic Role in ‘The Great Shamsuddin Family’

Mumbai, Juhi Babbar embraced a light-hearted role in "The Great Shamsuddin Family" and expresses hope that directors will notice her comedic talent and cast her in unique, funny roles.

The actress, primarily known for her theatre work, feels that her stage performances create a strong impression, while this new film, featuring an ensemble cast of women from various generations, allows her to break free from that intense image.

"I've such a funny bone in me. But when you think of theatre, it often comes off as serious," Juhi shared in a recent interview.

She has received encouraging feedback about her humor in the film, with notable figures like filmmaker Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi and actor Naseeruddin Shah praising her performance.

"Despite the lack of promotional hoardings, the film is thriving through word of mouth. The appreciation from industry peers is great, but what truly matters is that audiences are enjoying the movie. I've even had people compliment me in everyday situations, which feels rewarding," she added.

Juhi, who has been in the industry for 20 years, believes she is still establishing her identity as an actress. She hopes directors will be inspired to offer her diverse roles beyond her current repertoire.

In "The Great Shamsuddin Family," she plays Humaira, the older sister to Bani and Iram, portrayed by Shreya Dhanwanthary. Juhi resonated with the character as she is the eldest in her own family.

Having made her film debut in 2003 with "Kash Aap Hamare Hote," Juhi has focused mainly on theatre due to a lack of compelling offers in films. "I'm selective with my roles. I seek work that is worthwhile and meaningful, balancing my family commitments with my career. It’s not easy finding roles that resonate with me," she explained.

Juhi expressed gratitude to directors like Rizvi and Hansal Mehta for the opportunities in films like "The Great Shamsuddin Family" and "Faraaz," where she played impactful roles despite limited screen time.

The film's appeal spans various demographics, indicating that audiences relate to its portrayal of real-life issues. Juhi noted, "People appreciate the film for its authenticity and the way it tackles serious themes, both overtly and subtly."

Her husband, Anup Soni, also makes a cameo in the film, a decision made by the producers that Juhi supported, emphasizing the importance of his own professional standing.

Juhi’s journey in acting began at age 21 in theatre, and she credits her recent plays with reigniting industry interest in her work. She hopes to continue to shine in roles that showcase her talent.