‘Even at 94, she was sexy’
R Balki remembers Zohra Sehgal from the Cheeni Kum days.
(As told to Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 12, 2014)

The reason I signed Zohraji for Cheeni Kum was because I wanted someone who looked like Amitji's (Amitabh Bachchan) mother. She was the only person Amitji stood up for. What a woman, so full of joie de vivre!

On the first day of shooting, I was summoned to her side. When I entered the room she pointed to a chair next to her and ordered, "Let's have a chat." I had hardly begun with the pleasantries when she stopped me, saying, "Take a drink, man! How can we chat without a drink?"

Every day I spent with her on the sets was unforgettable! After every dialogue she would look at me reproachfully and say, "Bas? Arrey you need to spice this up a bit, masala dalo." She was the happiest person in the world and her performances reflected her joy.

After finishing her portions, she left for Delhi but not before promising me that she would return to dub her lines. I was surprised she'd want to make the effort but she was adamant. And she did return. Her energy was inexhaustible even though she was 94... A sexy 94. I wanted her to fall in love with me!