Raja Hindustani released on November 15, 1996 and went on to become one of the biggest money grossers of that year. Even after 20 years, the film is still loved today by fans all over the globe.
Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor's onscreen chemistry was superb and their romantic scenes, including that famous kiss, have become iconic moments in Bollywood history.
Today on the 20th anniversary of the movie, we introduce to the backstage secrets of the memorable film.
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It Started Aamir's War With The Awards
Aamir Khan had been nominated consistently in the Best Actor category of the popular awards for 9 years, from 1989 to 1997. However, he never won the trophy till Raja Hindustani. That too wasn't picked up by Aamir, as he was mighty pissed at the awards for being ignored the previous year. Aamir was expecting to win the Best Actor award for Rangeela (1995), but sadly, Shah Rukh Khan won it that year for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). Aamir was very vocal about his displeasure and voiced his mind saying he would never attend an award function. It was later rumoured that in order to win Aamir back, Filmfare gave the award that year to him for Raja Hindustani.
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It Was A Remake
Raja Hindustani was a remake of Shashi Kapoor and Nanda starrer Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965). The story was modified for the modern day audiences, but the basic plot remained the same.
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It Was Threatened By A Strike
The film industry had gone on a 32 day long strike against the newly imposed sales tax on cinema halls in 1996. Raja Hindustani was the first major release after the strike was called off. The movie went on to become a huge blockbuster at the box office. It earned Rs 43.50 crores at the ticket windows, and became the third highest grossing film of the decade of 1990s.
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It Had The Longest Kiss Of The Era
Lip Locks weren't that common back in the nineties. No actress signed a film where the script demanded that they smooch an actor. However, Raja Hindustani was a path breaking film in that respect. The film had one of the longest kisses in Bollywood, between Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor.
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It Was Not Supposed To Star Karisma
Director Dharmesh Darshan wanted to cast Pooja Bhatt opposite Aamir. But Aamir had already been paired opposite Pooja in Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahi (1991), and he requested a fresh pairing. Aishwarya Rai was also approached for the role, but she turned it down sighting that she wasn't ready for Bollywood yet and wanted to continue with her studies. Juhi Chawla was also considered for the role, but it is said that she turned it down. Their friendship soured after one of Aamir's pranks resulted in tears for Juhi and she in turn did not speak to Aamir for over five years. Finally the role went to Karisma, with whom Aamir had worked before in Andaaz Apna Apna (1994), but they weren't paired opposite each other. This was the first and last time Aamir and Karisma were paired in a movie.
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