Celina Vikram Jaitly’s return to India and back to the film industry has not been without its challenges. After returning to India in October 2025, following the end of her 15-year marriage, she was overwhelmed by the way her life had taken a dramatic turn. She tells us, “Initially, I didn’t even have a place to stay. I was in shock and had almost stopped stepping out.”

It was her friend, actress Preity Zinta, who encouraged her to step out of that difficult phase and begin rebuilding her life. “It was my darling sister Preity, who helped me step out of that darkness and encouraged me to get out, start working again and begin rebuilding my life. I will always be grateful to her for that. She has literally been the wind beneath my wings,” she adds.

After nearly 15 years away from mainstream cinema, Celina is set to return to the big screen with filmmaker Anil Sharma’s period drama Arjun Naga. The actress says the opportunity came at a significant juncture in her life.

“At the beginning of September, I attended an event as a guest of honour alongside Sunny (Deol) sir. Videos of us sitting together went viral. I had worked with him in my second film Khel back in 2003. Anil Sharma sir saw one of those videos and from what I understand, called Sunny sir to ask whether it was me in that picture with him. When he realized that I was back in India, he asked the casting director to get in touch with me,” she explains, adding, “Interestingly, this opportunity came on the very day I officially changed my name to Celina Vikram Jaitly, carrying forward my father, late Colonel Vikram Kumar Jaitly’s name and legacy as a war hero. Working with Anilji feels like a blessing from both my late parents, as it feels like they are watching over me.”

Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s oil boom in the 1960s and 1970s, the ensemble includes Arjun Rampal, Randeep Hooda, Utkarsh Sharma, and Zarina Wahab among others. “Anil ji wanted me opposite Arjun Rampal, whom I admire so much,” she concludes.