LATEST IN NEWS
26 Years of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam: Bhansali Reveals Major Behind-The-Scenes
Updated on: 18 June, 2025 05:29 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
26 Years of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
More than two decades after it graced the silver screen, `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam` remains an epoch-making film in Indian cinema. The 1999 blockbuster was not just a box-office triumph but also announced the arrival of a new filmmaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
The Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn starrer became a showcase for what would evolve into Bhansali`s signature style—grand sets, vibrant aesthetics, intense emotions, and poignant storytelling. As the film marks its 26th anniversary, the director has shared some fascinating insights from its making.
The palpable on-screen chemistry between Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai has been a topic of discussion for years. When asked if their real-life romance fuelled their performances, Bhansali acknowledged the special atmosphere. "There was love in the air. But not just between them; there was a lot of affection among all of us," he clarified. The filmmaker fondly recalled the bond shared by the entire cast and crew, including Zohra Sehgal, Helen, and Vikram Gokhale. “We were like one big family. I don’t think I’ve had such a fulfilling experience shooting any other film,” he shared. Bhansali also noted that this kind of camaraderie is rare on today`s purely professional sets.
Finding his perfect Nandini in Aishwarya Rai was a career-defining moment for Bhansali. “She was my perfect Nandini. I couldn’t have asked for a better embodiment of the character I had in mind,” he stated, emphasising it’s a rare experience for a director.
Also Read: Neeta Lulla Recalls Creating Aishwarya Rai`s Saree From Devdas Climax Overnight
From his recent successful web series `Heeramandi` to his upcoming star-studded period drama `Love & War`, Bhansali continues to be a cinematic force. Yet, `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam` holds a special place in his filmography and in the hearts of movie lovers.
Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Says Today`s Actors Can`t Do What Shah Rukh Khan Did In Devdas
The Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn starrer became a showcase for what would evolve into Bhansali`s signature style—grand sets, vibrant aesthetics, intense emotions, and poignant storytelling. As the film marks its 26th anniversary, the director has shared some fascinating insights from its making.
Crafting a Classic Without Compromise
For Bhansali, `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam` was a film born from artistic conviction. Reflecting on his journey, he calls it his "gentlest film," highlighting its inherent innocence. "After my first film (Khamoshi: The Musical) didn’t do well, I wanted to create something without compromise. Hum… Dil De Chuke Sanam was that film,” he revealed. Bhansali elaborated that for his debut, `Khamoshi`, he was compelled by distributors to shoot a happier ending, a decision he resisted with his second directorial venture, ensuring the tragic conclusion he had envisioned remained intact.The palpable on-screen chemistry between Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai has been a topic of discussion for years. When asked if their real-life romance fuelled their performances, Bhansali acknowledged the special atmosphere. "There was love in the air. But not just between them; there was a lot of affection among all of us," he clarified. The filmmaker fondly recalled the bond shared by the entire cast and crew, including Zohra Sehgal, Helen, and Vikram Gokhale. “We were like one big family. I don’t think I’ve had such a fulfilling experience shooting any other film,” he shared. Bhansali also noted that this kind of camaraderie is rare on today`s purely professional sets.
Finding his perfect Nandini in Aishwarya Rai was a career-defining moment for Bhansali. “She was my perfect Nandini. I couldn’t have asked for a better embodiment of the character I had in mind,” he stated, emphasising it’s a rare experience for a director.
Also Read: Neeta Lulla Recalls Creating Aishwarya Rai`s Saree From Devdas Climax Overnight
A Legacy of Success and Acclaim
Inspired by the Gujarati play `Shetal Ne Kathe`, the film’s narrative of love and sacrifice struck a chord with audiences, leading to immense critical and commercial success. `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam` grossed over ₹510 million, becoming one of the highest-earning Indian films of 1999. It received 17 nominations at the 45th Filmfare Awards and won 7 prestigious awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress.From his recent successful web series `Heeramandi` to his upcoming star-studded period drama `Love & War`, Bhansali continues to be a cinematic force. Yet, `Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam` holds a special place in his filmography and in the hearts of movie lovers.
Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Says Today`s Actors Can`t Do What Shah Rukh Khan Did In Devdas
ADVERTISEMENT
Would you like to see VicKat in a movie together?
ADVERTISEMENT
