Bipasha Basu recalls how everyone warned her against doing Jism; says, “My manager thought I had gone crazy” : Bollywood News

Bipasha Basu is revisiting one of the boldest and most defining roles of her career — her 2003 film Jism. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, the actress shared how her decision to take up the film was met with strong opposition from everyone around her, including her own manager.

Bipasha Basu recalls how everyone warned her against doing Jism; says, “My manager thought I had gone crazy”

“Jism was the time when I was at the peak, and everyone told me you cannot do adult content film. You are like the typical Hindi heroine who is established in people's hearts now. And I said, I just like the story so much. I said I'll go ahead and do it. Everybody stopped me from doing it. My manager thought I had gone crazy,” Bipasha recalled.

The film, which co-starred John Abraham and featured a sultry narrative, went on to become a critical and commercial success. It not only pushed the envelope in terms of content but also redefined Bipasha's image in the industry—from a conventional Bollywood heroine to a risk-taker who wasn’t afraid of breaking stereotypes.

Looking back, Bipasha believes Jism didn’t just change her career trajectory but also sparked a style revolution among women at the time. “It worked for me and then things changed. Women suddenly were tonging their hair. They wore a bronze look. There was no stereotypical (thing) that the woman can't play the negative character. It all changed after that. So, it's been path-breaking for me. That has been one very important film,” she said.

Directed by Amit Saxena and produced by Pooja Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt, Jism marked a new chapter in Bollywood’s portrayal of sensuality and female characters, with Bipasha taking on a bold and complex role that few actresses at the time were willing to explore. Her performance in Jism received widespread acclaim, and the film is still remembered today for its bold storytelling, music, and aesthetic visuals. More importantly, it opened up space for female actors to explore darker, more layered roles without being confined to traditional portrayals.

Speaking of her current work commitments, Bipasha Basu has been exploring multiple avenues along with motherhood. The actress is yet to announce about her comeback projects.

Also Read: Bipasha Basu captures family bliss in Goa with husband Karan Singh Grover and daughter Devi; watch