Bollywood luminary Anil Kapoor recently commemorated the 25th anniversary of the romantic-action drama Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, highlighting a pivotal, behind-the-scenes moment that nearly altered the course of the film’s casting. Released on August 24, 2000, the film marked a significant milestone this year, prompting Kapoor to share a deeply personal recollection on Instagram.
Anil Kapoor recounts how he and Satish Kaushik convinced Aishwarya Rai to stay on board in Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai; says, “We went to her home, had a heartfelt conversation, and thankfully, she decided to stay on board”
Anil Kapoor revealed, “Looking back at Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai as it completes 25 years, my heart is filled with memories of my dearest friend Satish Kaushik. I still remember how Aishwarya became a part of this special journey. While we were shooting Taal, I was struck by her incredible talent and suggested her name to Naidu Saab and Satish ji. At first, there were some reservations, but once Satish saw her on set, he was convinced. The rest, as they say, is history.”
However, Kapoor also admitted that just before filming commenced, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had second thoughts. He recalled how both he and Kaushik personally went to her home to persuade her to reconsider. “Ironically, just before shooting began, Aishwarya had some concerns and almost stepped away. Satish and I went to her home, had a heartfelt conversation, and thankfully, she decided to stay on board. And I’m so glad she did, because her performance was phenomenal and the film went on to become a superhit, loved by both the trade and the audience. Grateful for the memories, the magic we created, and for my friend Satish, whom I miss dearly every day. #HamaraDilAapkePaasHai.”
The film, directed by the late Satish Kaushik and produced by Boney Kapoor, featured Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Sonali Bendre, along with an ensemble cast including Puru Raaj Kumar, Mukesh Rishi, Anupam Kher, and Johnny Lever. It addressed sensitive themes—Preeti (Aishwarya Rai) is ostracised after being sexually assaulted, but finds support from Avinash (Anil Kapoor), who protects her against societal ostracism. Audiences appreciated the film’s emotional depth and the chemistry of its leads, establishing it as a commercial success and a heartfelt family drama.
Looking ahead, Aishwarya was last seen in Mani Ratnam’s epic Ponniyin Selvan II, which performed well at the box office, amassing over Rs. 344. crore worldwide. As of now, she is yet to announce her next venture. Meanwhile, Anil Kapoor is gearing up for his next release: Alpha, part of the YRF Spy Universe, starring alongside Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, and Bobby Deol; the film is slated for a December 25 release.
Kapoor’s Instagram tribute not only marks a nostalgic nod to a beloved film but also serves as a touching tribute to his enduring bond with Satish Kaushik and a reminder of how close the project came to being very different. His recollections reaffirm just how critical personal conviction and heartfelt persuasion were in shaping one of Bollywood’s memorable family dramas.
More Pages: Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai Box Office Collection , Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai Movie Review
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