Nayanthara recently shared why she chose to be part of ‘Jawan’, the 2023 Bollywood blockbuster that marked her Hindi film debut. Directed by Atlee and starring Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role, the movie went on to achieve historic success, grossing Rs 1148.32 crore worldwide and Rs 643.87 crore net in India.
Talking to ‘The Hollywood Reporter India’, Nayanthara said that her decision was taken under the influence of her admiration for Shah Rukh Khan and the long professional partnership with Atlee. “I did ‘Jawan’ only because I love Shah Rukh sir,” she admitted, crediting the Bollywood superstar for encouraging her to take the leap into Hindi cinema. She added that Khan called her to personally assuage her fears of making a film debut with so little experience in the film industry. “He made sure I felt at ease and I have immense love and respect for him,” she stated.
Nayanthara also had wonderful words about director Atlee, who she refers to as her ‘little brother’. She has collaborated with Atlee on several projects and views their professional equation as one of mutual trust and reliability. “When he needs me or feels I’m the right choice for a film, I’ll always be there,” she said, emphasising her loyalty to Atlee and Shah Rukh Khan as key motivators behind her decision.
‘Jawan’ is the turning point of Nayanthara’s career both in terms of commercial value and also as a portal to enter Hindi cinema.