Chaitali Kohli Remembers Anil Kapoor’s Boots & 3 AM Abu Dhabi Call on Crew Set

Mumbai, March 2026 – Two years after its release, the 2024 hit film Crew continues to leave a lasting impression on audiences and cast members alike. Actress Chaitali Kohli, who was part of this entertaining ensemble drama starring Kareena Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Tabu, recently opened up about her fond memories and the valuable lessons she took away from the project.

When asked about her most memorable experiences on set, Chaitali recalled two incidents that still bring a smile to her face. The first happened on her very first day of shooting. “I had to wear boots, and they were very heavy, worn-out leather boots. I was unable to walk, and they were too big for me,” she shared. “I had to get used to them, walk around so that it didn’t seem like I was wearing them for the first time.”

Feeling uncomfortable, Chaitali approached the costume designer for help. What she learned next made the moment special. “She told me these boots belonged to actor Anil Kapoor. Apparently, our producer Rhea Kapoor wanted an authentic look, so she got these worn-out shoes for me,” Chaitali revealed. “She asked me if I wanted to change. I was like, no. Now I definitely want to run, walk, and act in these.” Wearing legendary actor Anil Kapoor’s actual boots became one of the most cherished anecdotes from her time on Crew.

The second incident was far more chaotic. “I got a call at 3 a.m. telling me that I had to leave for a shoot in Abu Dhabi on a 9 a.m. flight!” she recalled. “There was anxiety, last-minute packing, and rushing to the airport. We got permissions at the last minute, so everyone — literally everyone from crew to cast — was running at the airport to catch the flight.”

Despite the challenging schedules and last-minute rushes, Chaitali feels truly blessed to have been part of Crew. The film’s warm reception from audiences has stayed with her. “Post Crew, a lot of people would come up to me and ask if I was in the film,” she said. One such heartfelt moment happened recently in Goa. “A lady serving us food popped this question, and I was zapped. She told me Crew is her go-to film and that she watches it whenever she wants to unwind. She has seen me so much that she could easily recognise me.”

Chaitali believes the film’s relatability is one of its biggest strengths. “I think it was also a film we could all relate to. This film teaches that we could all do with a little break from life,” she added.

Working on Crew left a deep impact on her both personally and professionally. “Personally, I had the best experience working on it. It was deeply gratifying to see everyone work so hard just for your scene,” she shared. “We were running on tight schedules as we were shooting in a real airport. We had to do a lot in one day. Everyone was working so hard to get every shot right so that we wouldn’t have to reshoot.”

Professionally, the experience reinforced an important lesson for the actress. “I have realised one thing — no character is small. Whatever you do, just do it. It can be anything. You just never know which character will bring you closer to your next dream role,” Chaitali reflected wisely.

Her time on Crew stands as a reminder of the joy, hard work, and unexpected magic that come with being part of a well-made film. From stepping into Anil Kapoor’s oversized boots to racing through an airport for an early morning international flight, Chaitali Kohli’s journey on the set of Crew was filled with challenges, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Two years on, as audiences continue to revisit the film for its light-hearted charm and strong performances, Chaitali carries forward not just fond memories but also a renewed belief in giving her best to every role — no matter how big or small it may appear.