Julie 2 based on real actress kicked out of South films for affair with superstar

The big secret that the makers of Julie 2 are trying to hide is out. The film and its actress-protagonist’s story is based on the life of a well-known glamorous actress of the 1990s and 2000s. The actress, whose name we are withholding to avoid legal trouble for the film, started her career with a Hindi film featuring one of the Khan superstars. But it was her booming career in Tamil and Telugu cinema that propelled her to stardom.

However, her affair with a married Tamil-Telugu superstar drove her out of the South Indian film industry, with fans of the actor threatening her with dire consequences if she broke his married life. The actress was forced to leave the industry and went on to become a big name in Bhojpuri films. All of these incidents from the actress’ life are faithfully replicated in Julie 2. Says Raai Laxmi, “I am not denying the similarities between my character and the actress you’ve mentioned. But I don’t know if they’re deliberate or just a coincidence.”

However, Pahlaj Nihalani, who is one of the producers of Julie 2 clears the air. “It’s definitely based on the actress you’ve named. In fact, one of the main actors who is part of our cast was also involved with that actress. We are not naming her, as we don’t want our film to be stopped. But once the film opens next Friday, it will be obvious as to which real-life actress Raai Laxmi is playing.”

So, does Nihalani anticipate any legal trouble? “It’s possible that the actress may recognise herself and come forward. However, we have made sure that she is not mentioned anywhere in any of the press meets,” he says.