An all you need to know A to Z guide about the record-breaking movie
By Asjad NazirAug 02, 2024
WHEN Hum Aapke Hain Koun was released on August 5, 1994, it took everyone by surprise and became the highest grossing Hindi film in history, at the time.
It not only smashed box office records, but also inspired a generation of Bollywood filmmakers to do things differently as the plot was devoid of antagonists.
The blockbuster also reintroduced cultural values into Indian cinema and influenced weddings globally.
Eastern Eye marks the family friendly entertainer’s 30th anniversary with an A to Z of interesting facts.
A is for Awards: The musical won a massive number of major honours. This included 13 nominations at the prestigious Filmfare awards, and winning five, including best film, best director and best actress. Lata Mangeshkar stopped accepting Filmfare awards decades earlier, but the legendary singer made such a huge impact with the hit track, Didi Tera Devar Deewana, that a special honour was bestowed on her. Hum Aapke Hain Koun also won India’s National Film Award for best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.
B is for Blockbuster: After a relatively slow start, word of mouth reviews turned Hum Aapke Hain Koun into a record-breaking success. The film also beat the box office record held by Sholay (1975) to become the highest grossing Hindi movie of all time. It was successfully dubbed in Telugu with the title Premalayam. In terms of ticket sales, it remains one of the most successful in Indian cinema history.
Reema Lagoo
C is for Cast: Many of the cast members, including Mohnish Bahl, Alok Nath, Laxmikant Berde and Reema Lagoo, had previously worked in Sooraj Barjatya’s debut, Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). Though there were rumours Aamir Khan was the first choice to play the lead character, Prem, writer/director Barjatya always intended to work with his Maine Pyar Kiya hero Salman Khan and first narrated the story to him. Madhuri Dixit was the number one leading lady in Hindi cinema, so she was the first choice to play the heroine (see Q).
D is for Director: Barjatya had made a winning directorial debut with smash hit romance Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), so he was under pressure to deliver something big, again. He devoted almost two years to write the screenplay for Hum Aapke Hain Koun, which was inspired by a 1982 drama made by his family’s production house (see N). It would become the biggest movie of his career.
E is for Easter Eggs: There were several subtle nods to Maine Pyar Kiya – including repeating some cast members, parts of the musical score and names of characters – for fans to find.
The purple sari Madhuri Dixit wore in the Didi Tera Devar Deewana song
F is for Fashion: Madhuri’s outfits in the film became a rage with young women. The standout one was the purple sari she wore in the Didi Tera Devar Deewana song, which became iconic and heavily requested at shops around the world. It sold in large numbers and featured on the film’s publicity material. The 2012 romantic comedy, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, used the same purple sari in their film's poster.
G is for Gap: Keeping in line with conservative tradition and respectful behaviour during family gatherings, the lead pair’s romantic scenes were written in such a way that the hero and heroine do not embrace or have physical contact – there was always a gap. Their love was expressed through gestures, looks, dialogue, pranks and songs. The intensity of Maine Pyar Kiya was replaced with an old-world charm.
H is for Husain: Indian painter MF Husain became so enamoured by Madhuri in the movie that he reportedly watched it more than 60 times. This spurred him to making a directorial debut with Gaja Gamini (2000), built entirely around the actress.
I is for Inspiring: Whether it was influencing leading filmmakers such as Aditya Chopra or Karan Johar (see K), popularising weddings in Hindi cinema, Hum Aapke Hain Koun was massively influential. It would also change Indian weddings around the world (see W).
Dilip Joshi
J is for Joshi: Dilip Joshi got his big break in Maine Pyar Kiya and came to prominence in Hum Aapke Hain Koun – before his rise to fame as the star of super hit sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, which was aired for an astonishing 4,100 episodes. Joshi recalled that Barjatya treated all the actors equally, whether they were newcomers or established stars and also allowed him to shoot a TV serial at the same time.
K is for Karan Johar: Filmmaker Karan Johar said Hum Aapke Hain Koun changed his life. Many elements of the movie are present in his early work. He recalled: “After watching Hum Aapke Hain Koun, I realised Indian cinema is about values, tradition, subtlety, romance. There is so much soul in it."
L is for Liberty: The musical was premiered at Mumbai’s Liberty cinema, where it ran for more than 100 weeks. Such was the demand that bookings were made 50 weeks in advance. Interestingly, it was the only cinema in Mumbai showing the movie in the first week. Positive word of mouth reviews led to a surge of heavy demand globally. By the 25th week, there were 25 cinemas in Mumbai alone showing the movie to full houses.
M is for Music: Barjatya teamed up with his Maine Pyar Kiya music director, Raamlaxman, for the movie’s soundtrack. After more than 50 music sittings, they agreed on 14 songs for Hum Aapke Hain Koun – an unusually high a number for movies being released at the time. The movie’s standout track was Didi Tera Devar Deewana (said to be inspired by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan classic Saare Nabian). It became the year’s biggest selling soundtrack.
N is for Nadiya Ke Paar: After the huge success of Maine Pyar Kiya, Barjatya initially tried to write a similar story. When it didn’t work out, his father advised him to rework one of the family production company’s earlier movies, Nadiya Ke Paar (1982). Barjatya was initially reluctant, but agreed to adapt the Rajshri Productions drama into a wedding-set tale.
O is for Ooty: The movie was extensively shot in the picturesque town of Ooty in south India. It was also shot at Filmistan studios in Mumbai. From conception to completion, it took four years and exceeded its budget.
Tuffy
P is for Pet:Hum Aapke Hain Koun featured a Pomeranian named Tuffy, which was later included in Hindi cinema’s best pets lists. Few were aware that two identical looking dogs took turns playing that key role.
Q is for Queen: Madhuri had made her acting debut with the Rajshri Productions drama, Abodh (1984), and this was her second project with this banner. She had firmly established herself as the undisputed queen of Bollywood, so she got top billing and was paid the highest salary for her work in the film. She also received prominence in the film’s publicity and was a driving force behind its global popularity.
Renuka Shahane (left) with Salman Khan
R is for Renuka: Producers took the inspired decision of casting a newcomer in the key role of bride-to-be, Pooja. Impressed by the talent of TV and stage actress, Renuka Shahane, they decided to cast her in the film. Her warm smile and laughter also helped her bag the role.
S is for Slow start: A limited, initial release combined with some negative reviews meant the movie had a stuttering start at the box office. It was so slow that many predicted the musical would be a costly failure, but word of mouth quickly spread and gave it incredible momentum.
T is for Theatre: In 1998, a British Asian theatre company staged a successful production of Fourteen Songs, Two Weddings and a Funeral; it was inspired by Hum Aapke Hain Koun.
U is for Unused: The writer/director’s grandfather and production company founder, Tarachand Barjatya, loved the song Dhiktana so much that it almost became the movie’s title, but thankfully wasn’t used.
V is for Venom: One of Barjatya’s favourite stories from his Hum Aapke Hain Koun journey was of a villager, who travelled to Mumbai to gift a box of mangoes to the filmmaker. When the villager’s child was bitten by a deadly snake, the man was instructed by a doctor to keep the boy awake until medical help arrived. The devoted father got his son to watch Hum Aapke Hain Koun, and said the movie ultimately saved the boy’s life.
W is for Weddings: Perhaps the greatest impact of Hum Aapke Hain Koun - still relevant around the world 30 years later - is changing Indian weddings. It popularised trends such as hiding the bridegroom’s shoes and fun family games, among others. Madhuri’s outfits in the film remain popular and Asian weddings are altogether more fun thanks to this movie. Didi Tera Devar Deewana still gets played at celebrations.
X is for X factor: What made the movie unique is that it didn’t have any violence, villains or antagonists. This not only made Hum Aapke Hain Koun a family friendly entertainer, but also gave it great repeat value. Barjatya said: "My attempt in this movie has been to re-expose the cinema-going public to the quintessential family life, not to make people feel that they have come to see a movie, but make them feel as if they have come to visit a big joint family that is preparing for a wedding".
Y is for YouTube: The film’s timeless appeal is illustrated by its songs and memorable scenes being collectively viewed more than a billion times on YouTube. There are also cast and director interviews on the video sharing site, providing fans with a deeper insight into the movie.
Z is for Zero regrets: All those associated with Hum Aapke Hain Koun - from the lead and supporting cast to the crew - have spoken warmly about their experience of working on the movie. They praised Barjatya for creating a warm atmosphere on set and treating everyone like family. Salman revealed that he and Barjatya both cried on the last day of shooting. This translated onscreen for what has become one of the finest films ever made in Hindi cinema.
BTS star Jungkook has issued a public apology after sparking backlash for wearing a cap with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again” during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s concert. The phrase, seen as politically loaded, upset many fans in South Korea, with some calling it offensive and thoughtless.
The singer, who recently completed his mandatory military service, said he was unaware of the slogan’s sensitive background and admitted that he should have been more cautious.
Jungkook of K-pop supergroup BTS at an outdoor sporting facility in Yeoncheon Getty Images
Slogan draws backlash over political and cultural sensitivity
Jungkook was seen in an all-black outfit and the now-controversial cap during rehearsals for the Hope on the Stage concert on Friday in Goyang. The slogan on the cap, “Make Tokyo Great Again,” echoed political phrases linked to Japanese nationalism and was previously used by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko. Some South Korean fans were quick to point out that the phrase has been associated with anti-Korean sentiments and accused the singer of being “careless.”
The similarity to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” also added fuel to the fire, as netizens debated the political undertones and the potential implications of a global star wearing such a phrase publicly. Social media lit up with disappointment, with many questioning how Jungkook could overlook such a sensitive issue, especially given the historical tensions between South Korea and Japan.
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Jungkook responds: “No excuse for my carelessness”
The 27-year-old singer responded quickly to the criticism through a heartfelt message on Weverse. “I sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the hat I wore during rehearsals. I didn’t realise the historical and political context behind the phrase,” he wrote. “There’s no excuse. I was careless. I’ll make sure to be more thoughtful from now on.”
He also confirmed that the cap was discarded immediately and acknowledged that he had hurt many of his fans unintentionally. The apology was met with mixed reactions. While some appreciated his honesty, others felt the damage had already been done.
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This incident comes just days after Jungkook completed his 18-month military service alongside Jimin. The Hope on the Stage concert marked his return to the spotlight, with all seven BTS members reuniting on stage, drawing cheers from fans. Jungkook had recently released Never Let Go, a song dedicated to fans during BTS’s 11th anniversary.
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With a voice that echoes both the glamour and grit of a bygone era, British singer Aisha Khan is set to take centre stage at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on June 29.
Performing with her acclaimed band The Rajahs, Khan will present a rich cocktail of 1940s and 1950s American roots music, jazz and rhythm and blues – blending timeless classics with her own original songs. Known for her evocative vocals, magnetic stage presence and deep reverence for the great female vocalists of the past, Khan promises a night filled with toe-tapping rhythm and heartfelt emotion.
Ahead of the show, she spoke to Eastern Eye about her lifelong love affair with vintage sounds, the power of live performance, and her inspirations and musical heroes.
What first connected you to music?
There was not just one thing. As a little girl, I was always singing and had no idea why – I just could not help it. I did not come from a musical family. My mum had a couple of Bollywood LPs with Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and my dad listened to Andy Williams and The Carpenters in the car. Apart from that, there was not much music at home. I watched Top of the Pops as a teenager, but I fell in love with Elvis Presley when I was 13 – that is where my passion for vintage music began.
How would you describe your brand of music? Mostly, I perform authentic 1940s and 1950s American music – blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. I sing cover versions, but I also write a lot of original songs in the same style. I have also been developing a new Americana/country project, so the music keeps coming.
What does live performance mean to you? At its best, it means pure connection with the audience – almost a transcendental experience. It does not always happen like that, but subconsciously, I think that is what I am always striving for. I go on stage with songs I love and musicians who are great and always have my back. With that secure foundation, I try to see where the music can take me, and I bring the audience along with me. I love being close to the audience and drawing them into the live experience. It can bring so much energy and joy.
How much are you looking forward to performing at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club? We performed our first sell-out show upstairs there last year, but this is our first gig in the main room downstairs. I cannot express what an honour and privilege it is to appear at such a legendary venue. To think we will be on the same stage as so many iconic performers – from Ella Fitzgerald to Miles Davis – is mind-blowing.
What can we expect from the show? We will perform some of our most loved original songs, as well as several from our latest album Seven Shades of Blue, released this spring. We also have the honour of introducing Haylen, an incredible artist from Paris, as our special guest. There will be a lot of toe-tapping and happy vibes.
What do you hope people will take away from your performance – musically or emotionally? I hope they leave with a range of emotions. I want them to feel moved, but also to walk out feeling joyous and uplifted.
What do you most love about the jazz and rhythm and blues of the 1940s and 1950s? There are so many things I love about the music of that era. The musicianship, the danceability – how you just cannot help but move to it. I love the lyrics, the humour and the storytelling. When I was younger, I learned a lot of jazz standards and loved them. But it was only after living life – experiencing love, loss and heartbreak, having children, going through disappointment and great happiness – that I truly connected with those songs. Many of them now bring tears to my eyes, or even ecstasy when I sing or hear them. These are songs that truly stand the test of time.
Do you remember the first time you heard a song from that era that truly moved you? It was when I began listening to jazz in my teens. I idolised Sarah Vaughan and her craft. Then, as I discovered more popular music from the 1940s and 1950s and started dancing, I began to feel it not only emotionally but physically too.
Aisha Khan
Who is your own music hero from that bygone era? Sarah Vaughan, definitely. I also loved Billie Holiday.
If you could duet with any artist from the 1940s or 1950s, who would it be? It would have to be one of the great rhythm and blues vocalists – Wynonie Harris, Louis Jordan or Joe Turner. That would be so much fun.
Which classic songs do you most enjoy performing live? I love rhythm and blues by the many powerful female vocalists of that era – songs like Voodoo Voodoo by LaVern Baker, They Call Me Big Mama by Big Mama Thornton, or Pretty Good Love by Big Maybelle.
What inspires you as an artist? A life lived. Everything I have experienced – from having children to feminism. People, places, books – you never know where inspiration will come from. I also love collaborating with other musicians and singers; you never know what kind of magic might be created.
Why do you love music? The same reason I breathe. It is part of all of us – from the rhythms in nature to the cadence of the languages we learn as children. It can tell great stories and express deep emotions. It has the power to change lives – to comfort those in pain and bring joy to those open to it. I believe it is one of the purest art forms and forms of self-expression. I feel incredibly fortunate to have done this for so many years, and I hope to continue for the rest of my life.
Aisha Khan and The Rajahs at Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT on Sunday, June 29. www.ronniescotts.co.uk
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Lewis Hamilton served as co-producer and advisor for F1, guiding everything from story to technical racing details
Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film, titled F1, owes much of its realism and racing soul to none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. According to director Joseph Kosinski, the film wouldn’t exist in its current form without Hamilton’s hands-on involvement, from the first pitch to the final details.
Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, shared that Hamilton was the first person he contacted when the project was just an idea. An email led to a partnership, and Hamilton came on board not only as an executive producer but as a consultant whose lived experience shaped everything from the screenplay to on-track movements.
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Every detail came from someone who’s lived it
Set for global release on 25 June (27 June in North America), F1 was filmed across real Grand Prix weekends with full support from Formula One’s organisers. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a seasoned driver making a surprise return to the circuit, while Damson Idris stars as his rookie teammate.
Hamilton’s role, however, extended far beyond a name on the credits. He worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure the racing looked and felt accurate, including giving track-specific advice. For instance, he told Kosinski that if Pitt’s character were to pull aside under a blue flag, turn six in Hungary would be the most realistic spot to do so. That level of detail could only come from someone who knows the sport inside out.
Brad Pitt stars as a veteran driver, with scenes shot during actual race weekends for authenticityGetty Images
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer added that Hamilton even corrected gear shifts in the audio during a Silverstone scene, pointing out the sound didn’t match the gear a driver would realistically use in that corner. His obsession with accuracy gave the film its edge.
Beyond the racetrack, Hamilton’s spirit fuels the story
The racing scenes are just one part of the film’s core. Hamilton’s insights also inspired character development. One pivotal moment, where Pitt’s character reflects on the deeper meaning behind his love for racing, was drawn from a real-life conversation with Hamilton about the emotional and spiritual connection drivers have with the sport.
Brad Pitt, Director Joseph Kosinski, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon and Producer Jeremy Kleiner at the fan event for "F1: The Movie" Getty Images
As Formula One looks to expand its global fanbase, especially in the US, F1 aims to build on the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. But unlike the docuseries, this film brings together Hollywood storytelling with Hamilton-approved authenticity. And without him, the filmmakers say, this story simply couldn’t be told.
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SRH’s Kavya Maran and Anirudh Ravichander spark fresh buzz
A new rumour is doing the rounds in celebrity and cricket circles. Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran is reportedly set to marry top music composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander. Though there’s been no official word from either camp, talk of the duo planning a wedding has picked up serious steam online.
Anirudh Ravichander performing live Getty Images
A Reddit rumour, a Las Vegas spotting, and a Rajinikanth connection
Whispers of a romance between Kavya and Anirudh first surfaced in early 2024, with a Reddit post claiming the two were dating. The same post claimed that superstar Rajinikanth, who is Anirudh’s uncle by marriage, had spoken to Kavya’s father, media tycoon Kalanithi Maran, about the match. A few netizens also claimed to have seen the two holidaying together in Las Vegas. Despite public denials from Anirudh’s team back then, the buzz never quite died down.
Now, fresh reports claim the couple may have been quietly preparing for a wedding. Online users have once again begun speculating, especially after noticing the two being spotted together more frequently. With Anirudh’s packed music schedule and Kavya’s strong presence during this year’s IPL season, the timing seems curious and perfect for a soft launch into public acceptance.
Who they are: power, legacy, and a lot of fan following
Anirudh Ravichander shot to fame with Why This Kolaveri Di in 2012 and has since become one of Indian cinema’s most bankable composers. From Jawan to Vikram, his music dominates charts across languages. He comes from a family with strong roots in the arts. His father is actor Ravi Raghavendra, his mother a classical dancer, and his aunt is married to Rajinikanth. His great-grandfather was filmmaker K. Subramanyam.
Kavya Maran is the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad and daughter of Kalanithi Maran, the powerful head of Sun Group. Over the last few years, she has become a fan favourite for her viral expressions during SRH matches. She also handles key parts of Sun Network’s broadcast and music divisions.
Kavya Maran caught on camera smiling in the SRH standsNortheast News
Whether the wedding actually happens remains to be seen. But if true, this high-profile alliance would bring together cricket, cinema, and a whole lot of corporate power, and fans seem more than ready to celebrate.
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Jungkook, RM, and V return from military service as BTS shifts focus from solo journeys to full-group comeback
It’s a moment fans around the world have been waiting for! BTS, the global K-pop sensation, is almost whole again. Six out of seven members of the South Korean boy band have now completed their mandatory military service, setting the stage for what could be the biggest music comeback in recent years.
Thousands of fans from across the globe have already descended on Seoul this week, many attending BTS Festa, an annual celebration marking the group’s anniversary. This year is extra special, as it coincides with the near-completion of the band’s military duties. The final member, SUGA, is set to be discharged on 21 June.
K-pop band BTS's members salute after being discharged from a mandatory military service Getty Images
Fans gather with hope as BTS nears full return
The group hasn’t performed together since their last concert in Busan in 2022. Since then, each member has embarked on solo projects while also fulfilling national duties. Jin and J-Hope were the first to complete their service last year. This week, Jungkook and Jimin exited their base in Yeoncheon to cheering crowds. RM and V followed shortly after, with RM even serenading fans on a saxophone and V promising that the reunion was just around the corner.
HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul is now wrapped in a massive banner reading “WE ARE BACK”, reflecting the excitement around the group’s 12th anniversary and the anticipation of their long-awaited comeback. Fans, like Karla Linan from Mexico and Ayla O’Ryan from Scotland, have travelled far just to be part of the celebration, hoping to catch even a glimpse of the stars.
Fans from around the world gather in Seoul for BTS Festa celebrationsGetty Images
India’s BTS ARMY ready for a concert of a lifetime
Back in India, the ARMY is equally thrilled. The country was originally included in BTS' 2020 tour plans, which were shelved due to the pandemic. But fans haven’t stopped streaming, supporting, and waiting. With India now ranked among BTS’ top international markets, the buzz around a possible tour date is growing louder.
The success of Coldplay’s India tour in 2025 proved the massive scale and impact a global act can have. Coldplay’s Ahmedabad leg alone brought in over £37 million (₹392 crore) to the local economy. Industry insiders believe that BTS, arguably an even bigger draw, could surpass those figures if they announce an Indian date.
J-Hope, Jin, and other BTS members gear up for reunion, as solo eras give way to group plansGetty Images
With new music and a world tour expected in 2026, the stage is being set. For fans across the world and especially in India, BTS isn’t just returning. They’re about to make history again.