Anubhav hails Madhuri, Juhi for professionalism

"Gulaab Gang" will see Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, once rivals, sharing the screen space for the first time. Producer Anubhav Sinha says during initial casting, they never thought about bringing the two together.

Starting her career in 1984 with "Abodh", Madhuri is two years senior to Juhi, who made her debut with 1986 movie "Sultanat".

"It's very fortunate to work with Madhuri and Juhi. Initially, the casting was not done keeping in mind that we have to bring these two actresses together on-screen. In fact, both of them suited for both the characters in the film," Sinha said at the film's wrap-up party Tuesday.

The film is being directed by Soumik Sen and is inspired by Uttar Pradesh-based Sampat Pal's Gulabi Gang that works for women's rights in the region.

"Soumik and we all liked them a lot and then it was decided to do the film with them. We approached them, they liked it and that's how the film was made," said Sinha.

He praised the professionalism of the two actresses, who were competitors back in the late 1980s and 1990s.

"The shooting of the film actually has finished three days before it was scheduled. It had gone very smoothly and both the ladies have been extremely gracious, nice and patient. They are wonderful actresses and stars," said Sinha, whose last directorial venture was Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Ra.One".

While Madhuri is playing the lead, Juhi will be seen portraying the antagonist in the film which is loosely inspired by Uttar Pradesh-based social activist Sampat Pal and her Gulabi Gang, which works towards liberation of women in the state.