Some movies do not simply contribute to an actor’s body of work; they leave behind pages of memory, learning, and even a little sorrow. For Ileana D’Cruz, Barfi (2012) is one such movie. It brought her fame in Bollywood, exposed her to more audiences, and is one of her standout performances. But recently, Ileana has come out about how her experience with Barfi nearly came to a dramatic halt halfway through shooting, all due to one tough day on location.
In an open interview with NDTV, Ileana explained how she almost walked away from the project following a discordant run-in with director Anurag Basu. Her account is one of the thin lines between creativity, egos, and emotions on a film set, and how, at times, a second chance can spell all the difference.
Walking into a Storm
Ileana remembered showing up on set one day, bright and bubbly. “I just walked in super happy in the morning on set, and I was like, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’” she said. But Basu, famously mercurial and unpredictable in his working style, was in a foul mood. Something had set him off, and instead of brushing it aside, he lashed out at Ileana.
For an actor new to Bollywood and eager to make her mark, it was an emotional blow. “I got really offended,” she admitted. The exchange wounded her so badly that she started doubting her role in the movie itself.
“I’ll Leave the Film”
This was followed by a moment of uncensored candor. Rather than keeping her emotions in check, Ileana faced Basu squarely:
“Dada, listen, if you feel I am not suitable for this job and if you are not satisfied with the work I have done, I’ll quit.” I’m not going to sue you. I will leave. I love the story so much, and it won’t make me happy to be in a film like this if you don’t think I’m right for the part.”
With that, she walked away in tears and called the producer, insisting she was done. It was no dramatic tantrum, just a young actor overwhelmed and unwilling to stay in an environment where she felt unwanted.
A Gentle Nudge to Stay
But destiny, and perhaps friendship, had other plans. Ileana remembered calling Siddharth Roy Kapur (producer and Vidya Balan’s husband at the time). Kapur, who was closely involved in the project, immediately tried to calm her down. He told her to hold on and get dressed for her scenes and promised he was on his way.
Taking his advice, Ileana went back, got her makeup done, and tried to hold herself together. What happened next surprised her.
The Apology That Mattered
Anurag Basu, known affectionately as “Dada,” walked back in. He was the only one, Ileana said, who ever called her by the nickname “Ilu.” Approaching her gently, he told her not to take his outburst personally. He explained that she had simply walked in at a bad time, when his frustration was directed elsewhere.
That small gesture, acknowledging the hurt and softening the roughness, was enough. Both laughed it off, embraced each other, and proceeded on their journey. And ultimately, Ileana gave a mature performance of yin and yang, balancing Priyanka Chopra’s powerhouse turn as Jhilmil with Ranbir Kapoor’s natural ease as the lovable Barfi.
Why This Story Resonates
Behind every gorgeous movie, there are thousands of moments of disorder, ego conflicts, and artistic tension. For viewers, Barfi is a tender love story set in the hills of Darjeeling and Kolkata. For Ileana, it is also the story of how she nearly quit, only to return and discover resilience in herself.
Her anecdote also reminds us that artists are human. They bring joy, vulnerability, and self-doubt to their craft. The harsh word has the ability to shake even the finest performer. Then an apology or do-over can resuscitate trust and allow art to thrive.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
A decade later, Ileana recalls Barfi fondly, not resentfully. It remains a special film in her eyes, one that launched her career and provided her with evergreen memories. And though that single day tried to drive her out, it became an integral part of the tale she tells today with pride.
Nowadays, Ileana keeps venturing into fresh avatars. Her latest outing, Do Aur Do Pyaar (2024), found her sharing screen space with Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, and Sendhil Ramamurthy in a fresh romantic comedy. Apparently, her search to try new things and discover herself again as an actress is well and truly on.
To the public, Ileana’s blunt confession is not just a show business wisecrack. It’s a story of fighting back, a story of perseverance in the creative scene, and a reminder that even in the world of movies, where all looks perfect on the screen, the human heart is susceptible to injury.