Manjari Phandis New Role
Manjari Phadnis, the second lead in Jaane Tu admits she was not Aamir Khans first choice, Manjari told the press that Aamir did not want to cast me. she was the only one among the entire cast who was not approved by Aamir, her saviour turned out to be Phandis' Abbas Tyrewala was adamant on casting Manjari. Four hundred girls turned up for the audition for the role of Meghna and Abbas decided his choice was Phandi, she fitted it the best, so he pursuaded Aamir to cast the 24-year-old-actress who's previous credit was Rok Sako To Rok Lo in 2004. Jaane Tu has provided a number of firsts, Aamir's nephew Imran debut's as an actor, it is also Abbas' first director role. Aamir has had all the responsibility as Abbas was busy shooting for Taare Zameen Par at the same time. Phandnis tells how she was overwhelmed when he took the time to appreciated her work after seeing the film. Manjari said it was a lifetime opportunity for a newcomer like her to work with Aamir Khan productions. People like her, who do not come from a film background, have to struggle a lot for a good banner and a right film. It was all down to Aamir that she got the opportunity.
Manjari's career has been in the doldrums following her debut film Rok Sako To Rok Lo which sunk without trace at the box office, she only managed two films in four years, one in the south and one Hindi movie - Mumbai Salsa, none of which prospered after release.
Now things are looking up for Manjari as she is now getting a lot of offers after Jaane Tu... .
Manjari's next release will be a comedy film I am 24, which co-stars, Rajat Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey and Neha Dhupia.