20 Years After Its Release, This Is Why Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam Remains To Be The Grandest Bollywood Romance Ever

Hold your breath and get ready to feel really, really old. The film that made Nandini the ultimate dream, made us laugh out loud at the ‘Sameer…hawa ka jhonka’ joke, made us want to dance like Nandini in Nimbooda Nimbooda at every family wedding and made Vanraj our ultimate husband goal turns 20 today. Yes, Hum Dil De Chuke, which can easily be considered a modern classic and a game changer for Bollywood in many ways, released on this day 20 years back.

While we struggle to come to terms with how old we have grown and how much Bollywood has changed in due course of time, here is taking a look at the epic Sanjay Leela Bhansali brand of romance and remember the things that make this movie a landmark.

Salman-Aishwarya Romance

What happens to be one of the most celebrated romances of late 90s was translated in real life as well. It was on the sets of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam that the leads, Salman and Aishwarya fell madly in love with each other and started what happens to be the most talked about affair in the history of Bollywood.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali Magic

Whenever we think of Sanjay Leela Bhansali movies the image that comes to your mind are those of grand sets, elaborate costumes and a visual splendor and artistry that only he is capable of. SLB and his brand of cinema, as we know it now, started taking shape with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. His love for grandeur and epic romantic tales was first seen in this film and ever since we have relied on SLB for wielding the magic of cinema on screen at its grandest for us.

Upholding Cultural Richness

Whether its Gujarat in Ram-Leela, Maratha in Bajirao Mastani or Bengal in Devdas, SLB is also known for romanticizing particular Indian culture in all his films. This trend also he started with Hum Dil De Chuke where he portrayed Gujarati and Rajasthani traditions and culture with beauty and splendor and nuance that literally took away our breath and made us sit up and appreciate the beauty of different culture in our country.

A Musical Experience

To be honest, music has been an integral part of all SLB movies even before Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. However, with this one, he brought to the table a taste of music that was completely new in Bollywood. Ismail Darbar, who marked his debut as a music director with this film, delved deep into the rich treasure trove of classical and folk music of India and came up with a tune that enthralled everyone. It was traditional, contemporary, soothing, exciting all round amazing all at the same time. Just like cultures, this film is greatly responsible for making the youth the late 90s realize the power of Indian music. Needless to say, Ismail Darbar received a Filmfare award for his brilliant job.