Updated on: 15 September, 2026 06:51 PM IST |Kavya Agarwal
Thirty-seven years ago, "Chandni" painted Bollywood romance in its most dreamy colours. While its songs, costumes and chemistry remain unforgettable, the making and legacy of the film have plenty of surprising stories worth revisiting.
Casting change
Yash Chopra originally offered the title role to Rekha, who had played a character named Chandni in his 1981 film Silsila. Rekha declined and recommended Sridevi instead.
Yash Chopra originally offered the title role to Rekha, who had played a character named Chandni in his 1981 film Silsila. Rekha declined and recommended Sridevi instead.
Record music sales
The film's soundtrack by Shiv-Hari was the best-selling album of the 1980s, selling over 10 million copies.
The film's soundtrack by Shiv-Hari was the best-selling album of the 1980s, selling over 10 million copies.
Directorial debut connection
Yash Chopra brought his son, Aditya Chopra, on board as an assistant director, giving him key experience before he directed Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Yash Chopra brought his son, Aditya Chopra, on board as an assistant director, giving him key experience before he directed Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
Reviving romance
Inspired to make a love story after seeing only violent action posters on the streets, Yash Chopra used Chandni to help end the era of 1980s action films and bring back musical romances.
Inspired to make a love story after seeing only violent action posters on the streets, Yash Chopra used Chandni to help end the era of 1980s action films and bring back musical romances.
Tragic coincidence
All three main lead actors passed away within a brief three-year window: Vinod Khanna in 2017, Sridevi in 2018, and Rishi Kapoor in 2020.
All three main lead actors passed away within a brief three-year window: Vinod Khanna in 2017, Sridevi in 2018, and Rishi Kapoor in 2020.
