Like most ’90s kids, Parineeti Chopra grew up on a steady diet of Sooraj Barjatya films, including Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994) and Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999). That’s why coming on board Uunchai is a personal milestone for her.

“Working with Sooraj sir has been a dream for any actor, including me. He is the maestro of family entertainers. My parents were thrilled when I told them that Sooraj sir has cast me in Uunchai,” says the actor. The friendship saga boasts an eclectic cast that includes Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Nafisa Ali and Chopra.

The actor shot an extensive schedule of the drama in Nepal late last year. Having worked closely with the soft-spoken filmmaker, Chopra says, “Sooraj sir is an even better person than I had imagined. Simply by being himself, he is a masterclass in humility. I can’t believe that Sooraj sir, who has created milestones in Indian cinema, has chosen me to be a part of his cinematic vision.”

Emboldened by the critical acclaim that came her way for Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar (2021), the actor says she is now picking up fearless stories like Uunchai and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. “One needs to constantly collaborate with people who can push you to excel, and better your craft.”