Jayati Bhatia reflects on Rekha’s heartfelt compliment: “She gave me a hug and pecked my cheek”

Jayati Bhatia, who played Phatto in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, is revelling in the acclaim for her performance and the enriching on-set experience. She compares her time working under Bhansali's direction to her early theatre days, filled with significant learning and joy. “I’ve learned so much just by being on that set. I remember when I did theatre, I used to get butterflies and I’d be overwhelmed before going up on the stage, and I exactly felt the same rollercoaster ride while being in front of the camera during Heeramandi’s shoot,” Bhatia recalled during a chat with Hindustan Times.

In the same interview, she shared one of the most memorable moments for Bhatia during the premiere was receiving praise from the legendary actress Rekha. Bhatia, who had never seen Rekha up close before, was starstruck. “During the premiere, Rekha ji was talking to Sanjeeda and I was standing in the corner, completely starstruck since I had never seen her from such a close distance before that. Rekha ji then saw me, stopped her conversation midway and came up to me and said, ‘Lo, hum toh aapke fan ho gaye’. And then she gave me a hug and pecked my cheek,” she recalled, brimming with emotion. “She also complimented me for getting an opportunity to work on my character the way I wanted. It was such a beautiful compliment to receive that I’ll forever be grateful for it.”

Despite acclaim for her role, Jayati Bhatia is aware of the backlash her co-star Sharmin Segal faces for portraying Alamzeb. She considers the criticism unwarranted and praises Segal's authenticity. “People are unnecessarily trolling Sharmin by digging up old interviews from Heeramandi's promotion. She doesn’t sugar-coat her words or try to impress others. She has a pure heart and nothing against anyone,” Bhatia defends.

With over two decades in television, films, and OTT platforms, Jayati Bhatia highlights the need for adaptability in the entertainment industry. She balances work across all mediums, never prioritizing one over the other, stating, “No platform is small for me. I was shooting for Sasural Simar Ka 2 while working on web shows Heeramandi, Girls Hostel, and Dahaad. If the actor is willing, they will make things work by hook or by crook.” Bhatia attributes typecasting to a lack of mindfulness among industry professionals who judge capabilities based on previous roles, and she finds motivation in overcoming these stereotypes and showcasing her versatility.

Also Read: Farida Jalal on Heeramandi co-star Sharmin Segal: “Maybe that’s her capacity”