Pooja Ruparel Feels ‘Immense Love’ Being Called Chutki from DDLJ Even After 30 Years
Mumbai, October 17, 2025 (TheTrendingPeople.com): Actress Pooja Ruparel, fondly remembered as Chutki from the iconic 1995 film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), recently opened up about the enduring love she receives from fans for her childhood role.
In an exclusive conversation, Pooja said that being called Chutki never bothers her. Instead, she feels “immense love” for the affection and admiration fans continue to show.
"Not at all! In fact, I feel immense love when people call me that. The warmth in their eyes and smiles means so much to me. Even after thirty years, if one expression or one scene from my performance still lives in people’s hearts, that’s a huge blessing," she shared.
Chutki: A Character Close to Her Heart
Pooja revealed that she doesn’t see being associated with Chutki as typecasting but as a sign of pure love from her audience.
"And everyone knows I’m a good actress—picture abhi baaki hai doston!" she quipped, emphasizing her confidence in her craft beyond the iconic childhood role.
Reflecting on her performance, Pooja said, "I think sometimes the best work happens when you don’t overthink. Chutki’s character is a lot like me." She added that in real life, she tends to speak her mind freely, which often led to what she calls “Chutki moments” on set.
"I still feel my performance was quite natural," she added, underlining the authenticity that fans continue to appreciate decades later.
Memorable Experiences with Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan
Pooja also spoke about her experience working with director Aditya Chopra, describing him as “simple and clear-minded.” She recalled that if something could have been improved in her performance, Adi would have told her.
"Since he didn’t, it means he genuinely liked what I did—it matched what he wanted in that scene," she explained.
Sharing fond memories of working with Shah Rukh Khan, Pooja called the experience “amazing.” She fondly recalled a playful moment during an outdoor shoot when her mother had brought theplas for her, and Shah Rukh tried eating them with a banana, leaving her amused.
"I was just a nine-year-old kid then, and it all felt so much fun," she said, reflecting on the joy and innocence of her early acting days.
Legacy of Chutki in Indian Cinema
Even after three decades, Pooja Ruparel’s portrayal of Chutki continues to resonate with audiences across generations. The role remains a benchmark for memorable child performances in Bollywood and highlights the enduring impact of DDLJ on Indian pop culture.
Fans often revisit the film to relive the moments of Chutki’s innocence and charm, and Pooja’s candid reflections show her gratitude for the love and recognition she continues to receive.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Pooja Ruparel’s nostalgic reflections on her role as Chutki remind us of the timeless charm of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Her gratitude toward fans and her candid anecdotes from the set reveal a grounded and heartfelt personality, proving that even decades later, a memorable performance can leave a lasting impact on audiences.