When Anushka Sharma hilariously picked up a reporter’s ‘Mumma’ call mid-interview

When Anushka Sharma hilariously picked up a reporter’s ‘Mumma’ call mid-interview

• Anushka Sharma took a journalist's mom's call during an interview
• Her playful gesture made the press event go viral in 2017
• She starred in and co-produced Phillauri, released March 24, 2017

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Bollywood star Anushka Sharma gave fans one of the most charming throwback interview moments back in March 2017, during promotions for her film Phillauri. While attending a media interaction with co-star Diljit Dosanjh, an unexpected phone call turned a routine press event into a delightful, viral moment.

As the group interview was underway in Mumbai, a journalist’s phone — placed among the microphones and recording devices — began ringing. The screen flashed with an incoming call labelled “Mumma.” Instead of ignoring it, Anushka spotted the buzzing phone and, in a spontaneous and playful move, reached out and picked it up. “Mumma ka phone aa raha hai!” she exclaimed, delighting everyone in the room.

Rather than dismissing the call or letting it go to voicemail, she cheerfully answered the phone and greeted the caller with “Hello aunty!” before explaining that the journalist was currently in an interview and would return the call later. In her easy-going style, Anushka introduced herself: “Main Anushka… Anushka Sharma bol rahi hoon,” adding a personal, humorous touch that had the entire press gathering laughing.

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Anushka didn’t stop there. She even asked the reporter’s name — Kritika — so she could reassure the mother specifically, later telling the room that the caller had instructed her to “phone wapas kar dena” (return the phone). This light-hearted gesture made the moment instantly relatable and memorable.

At the time, Phillauri was gearing up for release on March 24, 2017, with Anushka both starring and co-producing the film under her banner Clean Slate Films. The movie featured a fantasy-comedy storyline with Anushka playing the role of a friendly ghost alongside Diljit Dosanjh and Suraj Sharma.

Also read: Anushka Sharma hails Rani Mukerji’s work and grace, congratulates her on Mardaani 3

As of early 2026, Anushka Sharma isn’t actively working in new films or major acting projects, but she is still in the public eye and involved with entertainment and life outside films.