EXCLUSIVE: Jaya Bhattacharya Reveals She Was REJECTED For Shefali Shah’s Delhi Crime; Says, “Mere Jo Photos Hai In Saree…”

Jaya Bhattacharya, known for her role as Vimla Bhardwaj in Delhi Crime, recently opened up about her unexpected journey into the series. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, the actress revealed that she was initially rejected after her online photos created a misleading impression. However, casting director Mukesh Chhabra insisted the team meet her, a decision that ultimately changed her life. Jaya also shared how she continued shooting even as she dealt with her mother’s passing, balancing personal grief with professional commitment. Scroll down to read what she said and watch the full interview.

Jaya Bhattacharya Recalls Being Rejected By Delhi Crime Makers

When asked if she auditioned for Shefali Shah’s Delhi Crime, Jaya Bhattacharya, who played Vimla Bhardwaj, said, “Sabse pehle toh main bahut shukraguzaar hoon ki meri zindagi mein Delhi Crime aaya. Yes, audition hua tha… aur mujhe reject kar diya gaya tha. Reject kar diya gaya tha because jo bhi internet pe mere photographs waghara the—sab kuch woh mausi, saree mein, juda baandh ke wale looks the. Toh hamari pehli series ke director, Rishi Mehta ji, unko main samajh nahi aayi.”

She continued, “Obvious hai, unko kaise pata ki main thodi tomboy hoon sort of, you know? But phir Rishi Mehta ji ne khudh mujhe bataya ki I had rejected you, but Mukesh Chhabra ji jo casting kar rahe the, unhone bola ki, ‘Ek baar isse mil toh lo. Agar samajh mein na aaye toh koi baat nahi, lekin milo toh sahi.’ And I am utterly grateful to Mukesh Chhabra ji for taking that stand, actually. Main hoon DC mein, and I’m so happy about it.”

Jaya Recalls Losing Her Mother During Delhi Crime Shooting

During the same conversation, the actress recalled her mother passing away during the shooting of the series. She shared, “DC ke dauraan, main us waqt mummy ko hospital se nikaal ke ghar laayi thi. And that was a refreshing change for me in the sense ki mujhe yahan se bahar nikal kar saans lene ki mohlat mili thi. Jitna bhi main hotel mein reh rahi thi shooting ke dauran, jaise hi chhutti milti thi, mere ek rakhi brother hain Delhi mein, hum unke bahut close hai, main seedha ghar bhaag jaati thi.”

The actress added, “Bhai aur bhabhi mujhe completely pamper karte the. Toh main wahan jaake saans lene lagi, along with working. Aur jo mera dard tha, jo mere chehre pe clearly dikhta tha woh real tha. Us dauran hi ek din main apni location 6:15 pe reach hui, jo call time tha. 6:13 pe mujhe driver ka call aata hai, ‘Mummy gayi.'”

Jaya On Returning To Shoot After Performing Mother’s Last Rites

She concluded, “Plan A, Plan B turant motion mein aa gaye. Main seedha apne director Rishi Mehta ji ke paas gayi aur bola, ‘Sir, my mother has expired.’ ‘Oh my God… so what do you want to do?’ Kyunki us din mere paanch scenes lage hue the, and we were shooting in a real police station. Maine kaha, ‘Sir, it’s okay.”

Jaya Added, “Agar koi aisa scene hai jismein aap mujhe nikaal sakte ho, toh nikaal dijiye. Nahi toh we will work.’ He asked, ‘What time do you have to leave?’ Maine kaha, ‘5 o’clock. I have to catch a flight so I can reach Mumbai and do the final rites.’ He left me at 5 o’clock. Main Mumbai land huyi and went straight to the shamshaan ghat, and I did the rites. And I came back to shoot.”

Delhi Crime Season 3 released on 13th November 2025, where Jaya Bhattacharya reprised her role as Vimla Bhardwaj.

Watch The Full Interview

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Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.