21 Years of Janasheen

Excerpts from my interview with Subhash K Jha

Janasheen: Just a few hours after being crowned Miss Universe Runner-Up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I received a phone call in my hotel room. I’ll never forget the voice on the other end of the line—it was Feroz Khan. He said, “Congratulations, Celina, on the Miss Universe win. I would like to introduce you to films.” He was the first person to call and congratulate me all the way from India. The warmth and conviction in his voice instantly made me feel like I had found a lifelong friend.

At the time, my father was serving as DG NCC for Karnataka and Goa and was posted in Bangalore. It was there that I signed Janasheen. Feroz Khan spared no effort in ensuring my debut was grand and unforgettable, and I will always be deeply grateful for his belief in me and the love I received from him and his family. Janasheen marked many firsts for me—it was my introduction to dance, acting, and the magic of the camera. It was on that set that I fell in love with the lens that would transform me into a storyteller.

Even today, people still call me by my character’s name, Jessica Pereira. I once attended a show in the United States where an entire class of young violinists came backstage to meet me. They genuinely believed I was a professional violinist! The chemistry between Fardeen and me also struck a chord with audiences, leading to more collaborations like Shaadi.com and No Entry.

Over the years, Janasheen has achieved cult status, remaining hugely popular in regions like Eastern Europe and the Middle East, where it continues to entertain in dubbed versions. Some films transcend time, and I feel blessed to have started my cinematic journey with one of those timeless stories.

As I reflect on this journey, I feel immense gratitude—for Feroz Khan, for the fans who have showered me with love, and for the chance to bring characters like Jessica Pereira to life. Janasheen wasn’t just a debut; it was the beginning of a love affair with cinema, one that continues to inspire and enrich my life every single day.