The blockbuster film, Dil To Pagal Hai, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Akshay Kumar and Karisma Kapoor, is one of the most romantic Bollywood movies of all time. The film was Yash Chopra's finest work in the '90s, and had everything from scenic views to melodious songs, oozing romance to profound drama and heartfelt dialogues. This 1997 romantic saga was a super-hit back then and went on to win several awards.
Released on October 31, 1997, the movie, Dil To Pagal Hai, showcased one of the most famous love triangles that Bollywood saw in the '90s. As the film marked 24 years of its release today, it continues to be one of the best love stories that movie lovers can’t get enough of. The film, Dil To Pagal Hai still remains a favourite, and the effortless chemistry between the lead stars continues to leave people in awe.
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When the rest of Bollywood movies revolved around themes like family dramas and wedding montages, Yash Chopra had proved that he is a visionary with his 1997 film, Dil To Pagal Hai. The film showed a modern depiction of friendship and love and became a trendsetter in so many ways. From fresh music to beautiful visuals, Dil To Pagal Hai had garnered thousands of fans with its sleek presentation. Although the true fans would remember every intricate detail about the film, here are a few lesser-known facts about it that you should know.
Dil To Pagal Hai was not the first choice as the film title of the director. Initially, they had planned to keep the title of the film as Maine to Mohabbat Kar Li, and a little after, this title had become the working title. However, the title, Mohabbat Kar Le, was also considered, which had later become the title of Shiamak Davar’s popular '90s track in the movie. Moreover, at one point, the movie was titled, Tevar and had Urmila Matondkar playing the character of 'Nisha'.
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It was only Yash Chopra, who could direct a blockbuster like Dil To Pagal Hai, starring the talented actors, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor, and Madhuri Dixit. Interestingly, Dil To Pagal Hai is the only film where Karisma Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan played the role of a couple. Though they were seen together in the film, Shakti-The Power, Shah Rukh, only had an extended cameo in the film. The movie, Dil To Pagal Hai also brought two icons of the Bollywood industry in the '90s, Madhuri Dixit and Akshay Kumar, together for the first time.
The music director of the movie, Uttam Singh, had prepared 100 tunes, out of which Yash Chopra had selected only nine for the film, Dil To Pagal Hai. Surprisingly, Uttam Singh had spent over two years composing the music for this movie, and we must say that his hard work paid off. However, the music went on to become a chartbuster, and even today, we see people humming the songs of the blockbuster movie, Dil To Pagal Hai.
Yash Chopra had refused around 54 dresses from the designer, Manish Malhotra, before settling on one for Madhuri Dixit’s look in the film, Dil To Pagal Hai. Being a dance movie primarily, athleisure was aptly chosen. From fitted cycling shorts, sports bras, lots of body-hugging kurtas and Karisma flaunting her abs had led most Indian women to line up at the shops looking for copies. Interestingly, the outfits of the movie are way too similar to the ones that we see today.
The role of ‘Nisha’ was offered to four actresses, including Juhi Chawla, Manisha Koirala, Urmila Matondkar and Kajol. However, all of them had declined the offer, and finally, Karisma Kapoor had bagged the role. Manisha Koirala had turned down the offer for reasons best known to her. However, later she had confessed turning down the role was one of her biggest mistakes in life. Moreover, Juhi Chawla and Madhuri Dixit Nene were rivals back in those days, and thus, Juhi had turned down the offer as she didn’t want to play a secondary role to Madhuri Dixit. On the other hand, Kajol had rejected the offer as she didn't like the role. While Urmila Matondkar had liked the role and even shot for a day, later, she had sent a message to Mr Chopra stating that she wouldn't be able to do the film.
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In 2012, in an interview with NDTV, Manisha Koirala had confessed that she had regretted declining the role in the film, Dil To Pagal Hai. She had said:
It's important to make your own mistakes rather than follow others' instructions, especially in this industry. In terms of my acting career, I do have regrets. There were plenty of films that I should have done but I didn't. For instance, Dil Toh Pagal Hai was offered to me besides other such good films with good directors. Out of my sheer stupidity, I chose not to be a part of them.
Karisma Kapoor had bagged a Filmfare award and a National award for her role in the movie, Dil To Pagal Hai. The film that starred her along with Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit has a cult following even today. Surprisingly, she had almost turned down the offer because of Madhuri Dixit. However, her dance sequence with Madhuri is one of the most copied and inspired scenes of all time. On a reality television show, Karisma had confessed that she had almost rejected the role because she had to dance with Madhuri Dixit. Sharing the details, she had said:
“Every single heroine refused the film. The role came to me...it was a dance film and that too to work opposite Madhuri Dixit, they said 'How can we dance alongside Madhuri Dixit ji!' Initially, I too said no to it as it was a dance film and competition dance with Madhuri Dixit. I said, 'This isn’t happening'. Then finally, Yash ji and Adi (Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra) narrated the story to me. My mother told me, 'You must take up the challenge. You are a big fan of Madhuri Dixit, you must do it. You work hard and you will shine.”
Akshay Kumar, who played a cameo in the movie, Dil To Pagal Hai, was not the first choice for the character of 'Ajay'. Yash Chopra wanted to cast Jackie Shroff instead of Akshay, however, he had ended up choosing the latter as he was younger. Moreover, Akshay Kumar was reportedly not on good terms with the director, Yash Chopra, as he was not paid what was promised to him for his role in Dil To Pagal Hai. This has led to Akshay Kumar not working with Yash Raj Films for over 11 years.
Dil To Pagal Hai was the first Bollywood movie to be shot in exotic locations like Baden-Baden and the German theme park Europa Park in Germany. The actress, Karisma Kapoor had actually injured her foot in a dance sequence during the shoot of the movie and was admitted to Leelavati hospital, and the scene is shown in the movie. Moreover, Bollywood actor and then-dancer, Shahid Kapoor had also appeared in the movie as a background dancer in the song, Le Gayi.
Even after 24 years, the movie, Dil To Pagal Hai continues to win millions of hearts!
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