Exclusive - Jayati Bhatia aka Phatto on being a part of Heeramandi 2, says 'Abhi tak toh...'

Not many would know that she was the last one to be cast in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi. She joined the sets 15 days before the shoot began. Jayati also spoke about how she got so much love from veteran actress Rekha, who was at the premiere, and how she hugged her.

Jayati said she was pleasantly surprised when Rekha recognized her and praised her for her performance as Phatto. All this and more tidbits from the exclusive conversation.

Excerpts from the interview:

How was your experience working on Heeramandi?

Jayati Bhatia: It was wonderful. I was one of the last people to be cast in Heeramandi. They had been casting for two years, and finally, the role landed in my lap. I thought, "Oh my god, I have to play a character called Phatto." But then I didn't want to miss out on the chance to work with Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

How difficult was it to get the role of Heeramandi?

Jayati Bhatia: I didn't get much time; I was cast just 15 days before the shoot began. But as a good theater student and actor, I always do my homework whenever I approach a role. I ask the team, the writers, and do my own research. I created the character of Phatto as a woman who has not reconciled with her fate and who still fights and thinks she can get away with a little bit of freedom.

How was it working with Mr. Bhansali?

Jayati Bhatia: He is more than a director; he is a teacher. He is a perfectionist, and I have always strived for perfection in my work. I feel that perfection is death, and we are all striving towards it. My teachers, directors, and I have always been perfectionists.

What was the reaction of your friends and family to Heeramandi's release?

Jayati Bhatia: They were all very proud of me. I was a bit hesitant to attend the premiere, but then I realized that I should be proud to be a part of such a big project. When I went to the premiere and saw the first episode, I felt relieved. And then the audience, family, and friends showered me with love and appreciation.

How did you prepare for the emotional role with Saima and her boyfriend?

Jayati Bhatia: Yes, of course, my theater background helped me. I understood that Satto and Phatto are in a place where they are learning how to love, how to make love, and how etiquette is taught in Heeramandi. They are ageless, like Macbeth and Othello, and Phatto is a virgin. When she curses Sonakshi Sinha's character, saying she will remain a virgin, it's exciting for Phatto. She is very sensitive and poetic.

What was your interaction with Rekha like?

Jayati Bhatia: When I met Rekha, she was very warm and welcoming. She said she was a fan of my work, and I was overwhelmed with emotion. I told her it was a privilege to work with her, and she hugged me and kissed me. I didn't want to let her go.

How is working on OTT and television different?

Jayati: Working in OTT and television is different, like theater and TV. In theater, there is a live audience, and on TV, it's more dramatic. In OTT, you get a bound script, and it's easier to play your character. In TV, the story changes according to TRP, so you have to be more flexible.

How was it meeting Dipika and Shoaib?

Jayati: It was wonderful meeting them. Ruhaan's birthday coincides with my mother's birthday on June 21, which is special.

Were you stereotyped on television?

Jayati: Before Maataji, I played versatile roles, but after that, people thought I would only get similar roles. So, I did other shows like Naamkaran and Internet Wala Love to break the stereotype. At my age, I will get similar roles now, but I want to play powerful characters closer to my age.

Jayati is currently reading scripts and is also invited to the wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Rahdhika Merchant.