Parmeet Sethi, known for his role as Kuljeet in the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), recently shared insights into the making of the film, which celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 20, 2025. In a recent interview, Sethi fondly recalled the warm and familial atmosphere on the sets, largely thanks to the late Yash Chopra and his wife, Pamela.
Sethi reminisced about how Yash Chopra and Pamela would bring homemade delicacies to the sets, creating a positive and uplifting environment for the entire unit. "Yash ji was the father figure on the set. He and Pamela ji used to come with homemade pasta, mutton, and lasagna," Sethi shared, emphasizing how their generosity uplifted the whole unit. He contrasted this with the present-day film sets, which he feels are more compartmentalized. "Not like today, 50 managers and 50 vans. These walls have been created now," he lamented.
Sethi also spoke about Yash Chopra's approach to filmmaking, particularly his non-interference during the direction of DDLJ, which was helmed by his son, Aditya Chopra. "Yash ji didn't interfere even for a second, not even a single word when Adi was directing," Sethi noted. He highlighted how Aditya had a clear vision for the film, which he executed precisely. Sethi recalls, "The way he narrated the film to me shot by shot, he shot it exactly the same way, no difference at all. It was all Adi, the film was clear in his head". However, Yash Chopra, as a producer, ensured that everything ran smoothly and like clockwork.
Reflecting on his experiences working with the cast and crew, Sethi remembered the grand lunches during the shoot. "When it was lunchtime, Pam ji (Pamela Chopra), his wife, and Yash ji would be there hosting a party for us," he said. "Their food would come from home, sometimes lasagna, sometimes chicken biryani, sometimes something else. There used to be a spread. The normal unit food was there, but special food used to come from home, and they used to have a mini party every lunchtime. And the whole mood used to change. I still remember how much we used to enjoy during that lunch break".
Despite playing a character closest to negative in the film, Sethi says he is still recognized as Kuljeet. "Wherever I go, be it Delhi, UP, Punjab, London, Canada... They all know me as Kuljeet," Sethi mentioned. "My real name hardly anybody knows. And that is something which sometimes feels good, sometimes feels bad. You should know my real name by now. I have also spent 30 years in the industry. But yeah, it is an honour". Sethi also directed the 2010 film Badmaash Company for Yash Raj Films.
