Ramesh Talwar and Jaya Bachchan collaborated in Yash Chopra’s Silsilay (1981), where the former served as the latter’s assistant. Years later, the actor and the director reconnected for a different medium. Maa Retire Hoti Hai and Dr. Mukta are two separate plays that Ramesh persuaded her to tour abroad with him on. The actor had first been concerned that she would “flop” in her debut. However, the filmmaker was able to reassure her that they would have several days of rehearsing and that they would play it in front of a small private audience before going on tour.
Alongside Jaya in Dr. Mukta was Ramesh, who has directed movies like Doosara Aadmi (1977), Baseraa (1981), and Sahibaan (1993). The director disclosed that her American followers once travelled 300 miles to see her play live. Jaya was hesitant to sign autographs for the fans in most locations, but she eventually did so.
The filmmaker in a recent conversation with ETimes mentioned, “The emotion with which Jaya ji used to do that role, used to have me worried that something might happen to her. She is a natural actor, so, I used to tell her, ‘Don’t take the role personally. Remember that you’re only doing a play.’ She would take it well. But the only thing she wouldn’t do was that she didn’t sign autographs. People would come from everywhere to take an autograph. I would request her kindly. One of Jaya ji’s fans traveled 300 miles to come to see our play. Jaya ji told me, “Don’t tell me all of this. Talk about the play.” But eventually, she gave her and others an autograph.”
He also remembered how Jaya’s team had assisted him in setting up a meeting with her for the play prior to her joining. “I requested one of Jaya Ji’s staff members to get me a meeting with her. She called me for a meeting. I told her that she would have to rehearse for 40 days for the play. She told me that she had never done a play. “I shouldn’t flop in the play”, she had averred. I assured her that we will rehearse for 40 days and stage the play in Mumbai before we go abroad. When the play was ready, I hosted one rehearsal in Bhaidas Hall, Vile Parle. Amitabh Bachchan along with her well-wishers, friends and family had come to see the play,” he further added.
The actor will be next seen in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani along with Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.
