Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Jawan’ saw Riddhi Dogra play his mother-like character in the film. She was called Kaveri Amma and Riddhi still finds it ridiculous to be SRK’s mom and be called ‘Kaveri Amma’. ‘Jawan’ directed by Atlee also starred Nayanthara while Deepika Padukone had an extended cameo in the film.In a recent interview, Riddhi has spoken about being a mother figure to SRK’s character in the film. She told Screen, “SRK is eternally young and I am like a mother to him, that’s ridiculous, that’s the stuff nightmares are made of. I was directly called to meet Atlee on the sets of Jawan. I was very happy, but I didn’t know where I was going and what was happening. After reaching there, I realized that they were shooting Jawan, the whole set was ready. Atlee explained the role to me, and I was like, ‘No, what makes you think I am this person?’”She added, “There is a younger part in the movie, and I am not his mother. I think they just didn’t want to call Deepika the mother, so I became Kaveri Amma, but Deepika was the mother. I was the guardian. For me, it was like, what the hell. I was also in a funky headspace at that time. I thought it’s just one life, and I shouldn’t let go of this opportunity. I was getting to be on a set with Atlee, so I thought I should just do it.”Talking about being on the set with Shah Rukh, Deepika and working with them, Riddhi said, “For me, it was more like being on the set and seeing how Shah Rukh works. I didn’t realize that I would be there acting with him. It was painful. I need to do a project with him in this lifetime to erase this memory. I need that redemption. Deepika is fantastic; she is very empathetic, and I took that from her. Just looking at her, you could tell that she is very present and grateful for what she has through her demeanor. If you work in an environment like that, it is gratifying for everyone.”She was also nervous to play the role. The actress said, “I was very nervous to play Kaveri Amma, very scared. Throughout the shoot, my anxiety was hitting the roof. I was having a panic attack every day because I just couldn’t understand how it was going to make sense. It was not like a project that would come and go; it was a massive film. I never questioned my decision, but I had a lot of nerves.”One thing Ridhi Dogra regrets is that she didn’t get to meet Shah Rukh Khan properly. She says, “Having SRK around added to the nervousness. I don’t think I have spoken to him. I am not proud of it. I went to his house. He had a little party after the release, and it is ridiculous how I couldn’t go up to him. Now, when I look back, I had friends over there, people who knew him, I should have just told someone to take me to him. I met his wife, mother-in-law, and his kids, but him…I need a reset.”
