Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar Sonil Dedhia in Mumbai
Legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra passed away less than a month before his last directorial release, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, out on November 13.
At a press conference to promote the film at Mumbai's Yash Raj studios, its lead cast -- Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma -- fondly remembered the late filmmaker.
"I am very sad he is not with us anymore," Shah Rukh said. "It has been a huge jolt, extremely shocking. But I can't feel his loss. There is a strange feeling that he has not gone. He is still here. I have worked with him for 20 years and I am sure we will continue to watch his films for another 500 years."
SRK: My relation with Yashji was beyond our films
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar
The 46-year-old superstar claimed Chopra was like a father figure to him.
"Yashji and I would talk about life," he said. "I had a relationship with him which was beyond our films. We never sat down and discussed the films."
A special grand premiere is being planned on November 12, in accordance with Chopra's wishes. Rather than mourning his death, SRK claimed they will celebrate his life.
"Yashji wanted us to celebrate his work. Whenever his films would release, he would want people to be happy while watching them. So we will celebrate the experience of working on Jab Tak Hai Jaan," SRK said.
Katrina: Yashji had told me the shoot would be like a party in Switzerland
Photographs: Sahil Salvi
A portion of a song was to be shot in Switzerland but due to Chopra's sudden demise, the shooting has been scrapped.
"Just a minute and a half of the song was left," Shah Rukh said. "He (Yash Chopra) wanted to do it in Switzerland. We don't have the heart to shoot that part now. It will become impure if we shoot it."
Katrina, who was a part of the song, sounded disappointed. "Manish (Malhotra, fashion designer) had given me an option of 12 saris for the song, and we had made our choice. Yashji had told me the shoot would be like a party in Switzerland."
SRK: I feel fortunate to have lived in his time
Photographs: Sahil Salvi
Shah Rukh recalled Chopra's 80th birthday celebrations, held barely a month ago at the same venue.
Chopra and SRK had had a nostalgic conversation, where Chopra spoke extensively about his life and work.
"It was his son Aditya Chopra's idea and we had to convince Yashji to do it. It was wonderful that we did. He had so many things to share. He usually did not do interviews; he was a very quiet person. I feel fortunate to have lived in his time," SRK said.Anushka: Working with Yash Chopra makes your resume complete'
Photographs: Sahil Salvi
Katrina works with Chopra for the first time in Jab Tak Hai Jaan.
"I wanted to work with Yashji since the time I watched Veer-Zaara at its premiere. I told my friend sitting next to me that I just wanted to be a part of his films. When he offered Jab Tak Hai Jaan to me, it was like a dream come true," Katrina said.
Anushka has worked in YRF films before like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Band Baaja Baraat and Ladies vs Ricky Bahl. But this is her first film, which was directed by Chopra himself.
"To get an opportunity to work with Yash Chopra is perfect. It makes your resume complete. He was so passionate about his work. He had such a loving nature," Anushka said.
Jab Tak Hai Jaan will release on November 13.
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