Veteran actor Anupam Kher has shared a candid reflection on the changing portrayal of romance in cinema, using the iconic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) as a reference point. In a recent interview with India Today, Kher expressed nostalgia for the kind of emotionally resonant storytelling that once defined Bollywood’s golden romantic era.

Anupam Kher reflects on DDLJ and says, “No, I don’t think it would work today”; describes changing times, and the evolution of romance in cinema

“I’m longing to see a love story where there’s a certain amount of kashish. That’s why I felt Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was such a beautiful romantic film — Sanjay Leela Bhansali captured that essence so well. It had all of that,” Kher said, expressing his desire to see more heartfelt narratives on screen.

But his most striking insight was on DDLJ, a film he himself was part of, playing the lighthearted and supportive father of Shah Rukh Khan’s character. Directed by Aditya Chopra, DDLJ (1995) redefined modern romance in Indian cinema and remains one of the longest-running films in Indian theatrical history.

Reflecting on its enduring popularity, Kher commented, “No, I don’t think it would [work the same way today]. Today, it works because of its nostalgic value. But if it were made for the first time now, it wouldn’t have had the same impact. Just like Gone with the Wind — if it were made today, it wouldn’t resonate the same way.”

He explained that the societal context in which DDLJ was released played a key role in its success. “Back then, in the late ’90s and earlier, we had stories of couples eloping. But DDLJ was the first time when the hero said, ‘I will convince your father. Only then will we marry.’ That was new. The father tells his son, ‘You failed in London? Good. We’ve all failed in India too.’ These were fresh, grounded characters. Now, things are different.”

Kher went on to say, “Samaaj badal gaya hai (society has changed). Films reflect society. If you make an old-school love story now, maybe only a few people will go watch it. Love, at its core, may remain the same — but the way we express, portray, and understand it changes with every generation,” he concluded.

Also Read: Anupam Kher’s Tanvi The Great premieres in New York with a special appearance by Robert De Niro

More Pages: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge Box Office Collection

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After the success of Do Patti last year, Kajol recently spoke about her co-star and producer Kriti Sanon’s growth in the film industry. Having first worked with her in Dilwale (2015), Kajol noted how Kriti has steadily evolved from a newcomer to a confident and capable presence in Indian cinema.

Kajol on her Do Patti co-actor Kriti Sanon’s growth: “Much more rounded as an actress, much more rounded as a person”

In an interview with Instant Bollywood Podcast, Kajol expressed admiration for Kriti’s growth over the years, both professionally and personally. Speaking about the transformation she witnessed between Dilwale and Do Patti, she said, “Definitely there is major difference in her… I would say all for better, much more rounded as an actress, much more rounded as a person, obviously doing new things, yes there was huge change in her.”

Do Patti, released last year, marked a turning point in Kriti’s career—not just as an actor but also as a producer. The film was part of Kriti’s 2024 hat-trick run, which included the sci-fi romance Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya where she played a robot named Sifra, the stylish heist comedy The Crew, and the gripping thriller Do Patti, in which she played a double role. All three films showcased Kriti’s versatility and earned her both commercial success and critical acclaim.

As she rides high on one of the most successful years of her career, Kriti’s journey continues with an exciting lineup ahead. Fans are especially looking forward to her reunion with Dhanush in Tere Ishk Mein, which promises to be a powerful romantic intense drama.

With industry peers like Kajol cheering her on and a fanbase that’s growing stronger by the day, Kriti Sanon is clearly entering the most dynamic phase of her cinematic journey.

Also Read : Kajol recalls spooky experience at Ramoji Film City; says, “It is one of the most haunted places in the world”

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Jhankaar Beats, the 2003 musical dramedy that went on to achieve cult status, completes 22 years this month. To mark the occasion, producer Rangita Pritish Nandy took to social media to share an emotional and candid reflection on the making of the film, its unconventional origins, and why a sequel may never happen.

22 Years of Jhankaar Beats EXCLUSIVE: “There can only be one Jhankaar Beats”, says producer Rangita Pritish Nandy

“22 years of Jhankaar! Which means 25 years since the day we decided to make the film! And we made an unforgettable film—how many people can say that?!” she said, reminiscing about the early days of the film’s journey. Rangita revealed that the film was one of the first scripts chosen for production after Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) went public. The script came through film critic Rajeev Masand, who introduced them to a “mad script” written by his friend, Sujoy Ghosh.

“Because we loved Masand, Ba and I met Sujoy and realised he was the OG mad man. We had to do this and become B-town’s Madhatter Party!” she said. Once music composers Vishal and Shekhar came on board, the film found its rhythm—both literally and figuratively.

But the road to casting wasn’t easy. Rangita recalled how almost every actor in the industry declined to be a part of the project, with only Archana Puran Singh showing early interest. Eventually, the cast came together with Juhi Chawla, Sanjay Suri, Rahul Bose, Rinke Khanna, Riya Sen, and Shayan Munshi.

“So Sujoy and I put together the only motley crew of actors who barely agreed to work with us… And Jhankaar Beats was born, with R D Burman playing his mouth organ loud,” she recalled.

Describing the film as “birthed in the innocence of youth and friendship,” Rangita believes this is what helped the film connect with audiences. “Every frame celebrated that—maybe that’s why it connected with everybody who watched it and still lives on in people’s hearts.”

Addressing the possibility of a sequel, she added, “Very often Ba, Sujoy and I have toyed with doing a sequel—but we are neither that young, nor that innocent—we’d cock it up for sure!”

Her heartfelt tribute ends with a note of gratitude: “There is and can only be one Jhankaar Beats… so thank you—everybody who watched, everybody who loved and everybody who remembers!”

Also Read: “My next is relentless thriller set in Kolkata titled Kahaani” – Sujoy Ghosh

More Pages: Jhankaar Beats Box Office Collection , Jhankaar Beats Movie Review

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