THIRTY FUN FACTS TO MARK THE THREE-DECADE ANNIVERSARY OF 1991 MUSICAL SAAJAN
THIS week marks the 30th anniversary of Bollywood classic Saajan. Powered by marvellous music, the massively popular movie starring Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan was a blockbuster success when it released on August 30, 1991.
To mark three decades of the terrific love triangle, Eastern Eye presents 30 fun facts about the film and its legacy.
1. Saajan was the highest grossing Bollywood film of 1991 and the only blockbuster success of director Lawrence D’Souza’s career.
2. D’Souza had started as a cameraman, so along with directing Saajan, he also did the cinematography.
3. Saajan was written by Reema Rakesh Nath, who is the mother of actor Karan Nath and director of flop Madhuri Dixit film Mohabbat (1997).
4. Aamir Khan was the first choice to play Aman Verma but rejected the role because he apparently wasn’t happy with the film having a novice director. Sanjay Dutt eventually played the role, and it was one of the biggest successes of his career. In later years, Aamir Khan said: "Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan ended up doing the film, which turned out to be a super-duper hit. It’s good I didn’t do it because I might have spoiled the film had I starred in it. Saajan was perfect for Salman and Sanju."
5. Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee claimed that he and Rishi Kapoor were approached to star in Saajan but he turned down the chance because of his commitment to Bangla movies.
6. Actress Ayesha Jhulka was initially cast in Saajan but was struck down with illness and replaced by Madhuri.
7. Madhuri instantly agreed to be part of the film after reading the romantic script and falling in love with the poetic dialogues in Saajan.
8. Madhuri also revealed that a lot of her close friends and film fraternity members had told her not to sign up to star in Saajan. She said: “A lot of my well-wishers had dissuaded me from signing it, arguing, ‘they are taking an action hero like Sanjay in the role of a crippled man. Your film is going against his image. God only knows what will happen to it.”
9. Reema Lagoo plays the mother to both leads but was only seven years older than Salman Khan and just a year older than Sanjay Dutt in real life.
10. Ekta Sohini played a small role as Salman Khan’s love interest in Saajan and went on to marry actor Mohnish Bahl, who had starred with the actor in blockbuster hits Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) and Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994).
11. Today Salman Khan charges many millions of pounds along with a share of the profits to be in a film, but for Saajan he was only paid Rs 11 lakh, which is around £11,000. Meanwhile Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt were paid Rs 12 lakh each for their respective roles.
12. Ghazal superstar Pankaj Udhas makes a cameo as himself, performing the song Jiye To Jiye Kaise. He had previously made a similar cameo in Sanjay Dutt starrer Naam (1986), where he performed the song Chithi Aayi Hai on stage.
13. The central love triangle bares striking similarities to the classic 1897 French play Cyrano De Bergerac, which had been turned into an internationally successful movie the year before.
14. Legendary composing duo Laxmikant Pyarelal were the first choice to provide songs for Saajan, but they gave priority to more established filmmakers and wouldn’t commit to the project or give a start date.
15. An initial poster had been released with music directors Laxmikant Pyarelal and lyricist Anand Bakshi, but they were both replaced by Nadeem-Shravan and Sameer, respectively.
16. When Nadeem Shravan were approached to provide music for Saajan something extraordinary happened. Director of the film Lawrence D’Souza said: “After I narrated the subject to Nadeem-Shravan, they provided me with seven songs in an hour.”
17. The Saajan soundtrack, which contained huge hits like Jiye To Jiye Kaise, Bahut Pyar Karte Hain and Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Paagal Hai was the highest selling of that year.
18. Listen carefully and the melody of popular Saajan number Pehli Baar Mile Hain seems to borrow from Suzanne Vega song Solitude Standing.
19. The film was made in a super quick time of 36 days.
20. On the sets of Saajan, Sanjay Dutt apologised to Madhuri Dixit for multiple news reports that had appeared about them being involved with one another in real life.
Sanjay Dutt in Saajan
21. 1993 Telugu film Allari Priyudu was inspired by Saajan. It was later dubbed into Tamil as Yaarukku Mappillai Yaaro. An unofficial Saajan adaptation was remade into successful 1999 Kannada language film Chora Chittha Chora.
22. Saajan was nominated for multiple Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Actor, but only won two trophies for Best Music Director (Nadeem-Shravan) and Best Male Playback Singer (Kumar Sanu for Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Paagal Hai).
23. The popularity of the film was such that Saajan appeared in the title of many Bollywood releases in subsequent years, including Sapne Sajan Ke (1992), Saajan Ka Ghar (1994), Saajan Ki Baahon Mein (1995) and Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), but none were as successful.
24. Saajan was Salman Khan’s first official film release in Canada and then had a rerun in cinemas there a year later because of its popularity.
25. Just before the infamous “oranges scene” in hit comedy Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Salman Khan hums the Saajan song Dekha Hai Pehli Baar.
26. A portion of horror film Raaz (2002) was shot at the same forest location shown in the song Dekha Hai Pehli Baar.
27. From two strangers being connected by written words to Irrfan Khan’s lead character being named Saajan Fernandes, there are plenty of subtle nods to the 1991 musical in internationally acclaimed film The Lunchbox (2013).
28. Lawrence D'Souza announced his intention to make the sequel Saajan 2 in 2013 with a new love triangle but found few takers for the idea and the project never happened.
29. D’Souza had also toyed with the idea of remaking the original Saajan with a new generation of younger actors, but that also never happened.
30. Stebin Ben’s 2018 cover version of Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai clocked up over 60 million views on YouTube and helped establish him as a singing star
A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Almería, southern Spain, at 7.13 am on Monday
The tremor was felt in over 50 towns, including tourist destinations like Malaga
No injuries have been reported, but building damage occurred in airports and showrooms
The quake follows a weekend of floods and severe weather in Spain
No UK Foreign Office travel warnings have been issued, but travellers are advised to check local alerts
Southern Spain was rocked by a 5.4-magnitude earthquake on the morning of Monda,y 14 July, with tremors felt across several provinces, including popular tourist destinations.
The earthquake struck at 7.13 am off the coast of Almería, nearly two miles below sea level, according to Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN). Despite its intensity, there have been no reported injuries, although some structural damage has occurred.
Where was the earthquake felt?
The tremor was experienced in more than 50 towns across seven provinces in southern Spain, including Almería, Granada, Jaén, Murcia, Alicante, Albacete, and particularly in Malaga, which was among the worst affected. Reports also indicate the quake was felt in parts of North Africa.
A tourist staying in Agua Amarga in Almería told Spanish newspaper El País, “I was sleeping, and the whole house shook for a few seconds. There was an incredible roar. It woke up my entire family and our neighbours.”
How severe was the earthquake?
Spain’s IGN measured the earthquake at 5.4 magnitude, corresponding to levels IV to V on the European Macroseismic Scale, classified as “widely observed” to “strong.” While the quake was more powerful than the 2011 Lorca earthquake, which killed nine people, including a pregnant woman, Monday's tremor occurred offshore, lessening the potential for destruction.
Andalusia emergency services confirmed receiving 25 calls from the public, though no injuries were recorded. However, damage to buildings was reported in various locations.
Damage to infrastructure
Almería airport sustained damage in its departures lounge, where ceiling tiles collapsed in a café area. A member of staff described hearing a sequence of noises, followed by a loud bang and a large cloud of dust. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
In Huércal de Almería, the ceiling of a Toyota showroom was also damaged.
Recent weather chaos in Spain
The earthquake follows a weekend of severe flooding and thunderstorms across parts of Spain. Streets were submerged in several towns, and emergency weather alerts remain in place for 25 provinces.
Catalan Health Minister Olga Pané told Catalan News that 71 hospital patients had to be evacuated to alternative facilities in the region, including Sant Camil, Bellvitge, and Viladecans.
Is it safe to travel to Spain?
The UK Foreign Office has not issued any travel warnings related to the Spain earthquakes or recent flooding. However, it advises travellers to monitor updates from Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET and follow the guidance of local authorities.
Travellers planning to visit affected regions should stay informed about ongoing weather and seismic developments and remain alert to any official advisories.
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The visit by Dr Yadav marks the latest in a series of high-profile delegations to the Mandir since its inauguration
On 13 July 2025, Dr Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi as part of the Guru Purnima celebrations.
He was received by Swami Brahmaviharidas, Head of the Mandir, who provided an overview of the Mandir’s history, architecture and purpose. The visit took place during a significant spiritual period for the BAPS community, with devotees from around the world gathering to honour their spiritual guide.
During his tour, Dr Yadav explored an exhibition highlighting the role and significance of a true Guru. According to organisers, he expressed appreciation for the values presented and reflected on the importance of selfless service to society.
The Chief Minister offered prayers at the Mandir’s shrines and was particularly moved by the presence of sacred soil from Jabalpur – the birthplace of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader and creator of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
Commenting on the experience, Dr Yadav described the Mandir as a global symbol of spiritual harmony, cultural unity and timeless values.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir, which opened earlier this year, has been noted for its intricate design and its role in promoting interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding in the UAE. The visit by Dr Yadav marks the latest in a series of high-profile delegations to the Mandir since its inauguration.
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inspired by the popular melas of the 1980s and 1990s
South Asian celebration returns: The first Bradford Food and Lifestyle Mela will take place at Lister Park on 19–20 July 2025, reviving the city’s historic mela tradition after a 13-year gap.
Free family event: Open to all, the mela will feature live music, street food, cookery demos, fashion stalls, and a funfair, celebrating Bradford’s cultural diversity.
Headline performances: Artists including Apache Indian, B21, and Girls Like You will perform alongside community acts and cultural showcases.
Fashion show with a message: The weekend’s highlight is Threads of Grace: Power of You on 20 July, a ticketed fashion show promoting body positivity and resilience, with proceeds supporting UK charities.
Part of City of Culture 2025: Organised in partnership with Lala’s Restaurant and local organisations, the mela supports Bradford’s programme as UK City of Culture.
Bradford is set to celebrate its cultural heritage with the return of a South Asian mela at Lister Park on 19 and 20 July. The newly launched Bradford Food and Lifestyle Mela will revive the city’s long-standing tradition of melas, combining food, fashion, music and community in a two-day open-air event.
Inspired by the popular melas of the 1980s and 1990s, which once drew crowds of up to 100,000, the event aims to reintroduce the atmosphere of celebration and cultural unity that made the original festivals so memorable. Bradford was the first UK city to host a traditional South Asian mela in 1988, but the last of the city’s original melas was held in 2012.
This year’s event is organised by the team behind the Bradford Curry Mela, in partnership with Lala’s Restaurant, and supported by sponsors including Bombay Stores, SAVECO, Elephant Atta and Bradford City of Culture 2025.
Junior Rashid of Lala’s Restaurant said the goal was to revive a treasured tradition for a new generation. “We know there’s a real desire in the community for the mela to return. It’s more than just an event, it’s a celebration of culture, diversity and heritage. We hope this will bring back fond memories while creating new ones, with something for everyone to enjoy.”
Weekend entertainment and attractions
A cookery theatre presented by television chef Parveen the Spice QueenRFMP
The mela will run from 11 am to 7 pm on both Saturday and Sunday and will feature a packed schedule of activities:
A main stage hosting live music performances from Apache Indian, girl group Girls Like You, fusion act Silverfinger, Maz Bonafide, XLNC, and a range of local community performers
A musical line-up that includes Qawwali, Naat, Bollywood hits and Bhangra, with a performance by Bhangra group B21
A cookery theatre presented by television chef Parveen the Spice Queen, offering live demonstrations and workshops
More than 50 stalls selling street food, crafts, fashion and lifestyle goods
A funfair and family-friendly activities across the park
Fashion with purpose
The standout event of the weekend will be the Threads of Grace: Power of You fashion show, taking place from 8pm to 10pm on Sunday 20 July in the gardens of Cartwright Hall.
The show will feature collections by designers including IK Collections, Bombay Stores and Shiffonz, but with a message that goes beyond style. Models will walk the runway while sharing personal stories, highlighting themes of resilience, body positivity and self-acceptance.
Among those participating will be Dr Amir Khan, ITV’s resident GP; Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire for Policing and Crime; former councillor Richard Dunbar; Fatima Patel, managing editor of RF Media & Publishing Ltd; Rubina Niazi from BBC’s The Bradford Aunties; and PR consultant Sian Karia, who will represent plus-size women.
The mela will feature live music, street food, cookery demos, fashion stalls, and a funfairRFMP
“This show is about empowerment, embracing who we are, including our differences and so-called imperfections,” said Fatima Patel. “In a world where young people are bombarded by filtered ideals on social media, we want to send the message that true beauty lies in authenticity and resilience.”
Tickets for the fashion show cost £10, with 15 per cent of proceeds donated to Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Ovacome, the UK ovarian cancer charity.
Interactive highlights and media opportunities
A crowd-pleasing feature of the weekend will be the BoomGappa Challenge, a gol gappa eating competition hosted by Heera Foods. Participants will attempt to eat as many of the crisp, chickpea-filled snacks as possible in 60 seconds. The contest will run throughout the weekend, and members of the media are invited to try it themselves during a preview session on Friday 18 July.
Community celebration for all
Organisers hope this year’s event will mark the return of an annual tradition that celebrates Bradford’s cultural diversity during its year as UK City of Culture 2025.
Councillor Mohammed Amran, who has supported the mela’s revival, said: “This is a fantastic and much-needed event and a chance for people from all communities to come together and enjoy one of the best parks in Europe. A mela like this should be a regular celebration in Bradford.”
The Bradford Food and Lifestyle Mela is free to attend. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, explore the stalls, and enjoy a weekend of music, food and community spirit.
Event details Location: Lister Park, Bradford Dates: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025 Time: 11am to 7pm (both days) Entry: Free Fashion show: Sunday 20 July, 8–10pm (ticketed, £10) Website:www.foodandlifestylemela.co.uk Tickets: Available via the event website or onEventbrite
Media contact Alison Bellamy – Press Officer Mobile: 07719 487704 Email: alisonbellamynews@gmail.com Image link (valid until 14 July):https://we.tl/t-D4AaR0xjQ6 For additional photography, interviews or filming opportunities, please contact Alison directly.
I was five years old when my parents first signed me up for a mini marathon. They were both keen runners and wanted me to follow in their footsteps. At the time, I hated it. Running felt like punishment — exhausting, uncomfortable, and something I never imagined I’d do by choice.
But one moment changed everything. I was 12, attending a gymnastics competition, and had gone to the car alone to grab my hula hoop. As I walked back, a group of men started shouting at me. They moved closer. I didn’t wait to hear what they had to say — I ran. Fast. My heart was pounding. It was the first time I felt afraid simply for existing in public as a young girl. I never told anyone. But I remember feeling thankful, strangely, that my parents had taught me how to run.
That was my first experience of harassment. Sadly, it wouldn’t be my last.
In school, I was a fast runner. I even won races. But I gave it up — until lockdown. My mum encouraged me to start again. We went for walks, and one day I had to jog to catch up with her. That simple moment reminded me that running didn’t have to be painful. It could be freeing. It could be joyful.
But that joy was short-lived. The more I ran, the more I noticed the dangers. As a south Asian woman, I was reminded that public spaces are not always made for us.
When I ran with my mum or friends, I felt safe. Alone, I felt exposed. On quiet canal paths, I’ve been catcalled — told to “go on, sexy,” or had comments made about my body. I’ve had racist abuse shouted at me from passing cars: “Go back home, p***.” Some men — including from within our own community — have rolled down their windows to yell disgusting things in Punjabi, honk their horns, or make obscene gestures. I’ve been called a “b****” just for running past someone, and told to “get out of the way, b****.” The verbal violence is constant, and always unprovoked.
It’s exhausting. It makes you hyperaware of every step, every corner, every man you see.
Yet, in places like the Isle of Skye, I experienced what running should feel like. People greeted you with smiles. Drivers slowed down and waved. There were no shouts, no stares. Just peace.
Running is supposed to be my outlet. As a full-time carer for my mum, it’s the one thing that helps me manage stress and anxiety. But now, running itself causes stress. I drive 20 to 30 minutes to find a busy park where I might feel safe — and even then, I’m constantly looking over my shoulder.
I've lost count of the number of times I’ve stopped mid-run just because a group of men were approaching. I cross the road. I walk. I pretend to check my phone. It’s not paranoia — it’s self-preservation.
I’ve been hit by a drink thrown from a bus. I’ve been called “sexy legs” for wearing shorts. I’ve had to stop wearing certain clothes, change my routes, avoid specific times of day — all because men can’t keep their comments to themselves.
And I’ve started carrying personal protection. Something no woman should have to do — but many of us do, silently. I truly believe we should be allowed to carry pepper spray. If we’re not being protected by the system, we should be able to protect ourselves.
Even when I’ve gone out with mum for a walk or a run, men driving past whistle and blow their horn. I’ve seen men stare at mum and one even blew a kiss at her; it’s shocking and disturbing to experience.
This is not just my experience. It’s far too common. When I created Asian Women Run, I wanted to build a safe space where south Asian women could run together and feel empowered. But even in our group, women share their fears. Some won’t run outdoors at all because of how unsafe they feel. It’s heart-breaking. Running — a sport that supports mental and physical health — has become inaccessible for so many because of harassment.
Why is it that in countries like Singapore or the UAE, women can run freely, but in the UK — a country that prides itself on equality — we still feel afraid?
This isn’t just about running. It’s about ownership of public space. It’s about safety. It’s about respect. And it’s about change.
We need more than hashtags. We need action — from local councils, from police, from community leaders, and from men. We need more well-lit areas, safer routes, education in schools, and stronger consequences for street harassment. We need cultural change, and it starts by listening to women when we say: this is happening.
I don’t want to give up something I love. I want to keep running. I want to feel the wind on my face without fear. I want to wear what’s comfortable, not what’s “safe.” I want to stop looking over my shoulder.
I want to run — just like anyone else.
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Chandran wore lambskin shorts and a green cashmere sweater for her Wimbledon appearance
Charithra Chandran attended Wimbledon as a Ralph Lauren ambassador, turning heads in a vintage-inspired ensemble.
Her look echoed Bridgerton character Edwina Sharma, with soft curls and a classic summer palette.
Fans online praised her poise and outfit, with many saying she outshone stars like Andrew Garfield.
The actress wore a green cashmere sweater, tailored lambskin shorts and white Nappa pumps.
Charithra Chandran’s Wimbledon appearance might have been behind Hollywood stars Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro, but her crisp summer ensemble made sure all eyes found her. Dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, the British-Indian actress brought understated elegance and old-school charm to Centre Court, and social media took notice.
Charithra Chandran styled her hair in soft curls for the Ralph Lauren outfitInstagram/charithra17/
A Ralph Lauren moment with a Bridgerton nod
Charithra arrived at Wimbledon 2025 in a look that paid homage to her Bridgerton roots while firmly placing her among fashion’s rising stars. Wearing a sleeveless green cashmere sweater layered over a crisp white shirt, she paired the look with tan lambskin shorts and sleek white Nappa pumps, giving preppy summer chic a polished, modern upgrade.
She styled her hair in soft vintage curls, writing on TikTok that her look was “Edwina inspired,” referencing her breakout role in the hit Netflix period drama. She later posted the outfit on Instagram, captioning it, “Repping @wimbledon green with @ralphlauren. Wouldn’t be summer without it.” The post quickly gained traction, with fans and fashion watchers alike praising her effortless charm.
— (@)
Fans say she 'stole the spotlight' from Hollywood A-listers
While Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro were seated directly in front of her, and even made headlines for their courtside chemistry, many online noted that Chandran quietly stole the moment. One user tweeted, “Charithra Chandran is so beautiful, I didn’t even notice Andrew Garfield.” Another added, “Serving face, grace and Wimbledon-worthy class.”
Reddit threads lit up with praise for her presence and look, with several fans highlighting how refreshing it was to see a dark-skinned South Asian woman at the centre of attention at such a high-profile event. The comments ranged from “She should be a Disney princess” to “That’s the definition of quiet luxury.”
Style with substance: why Chandran’s fashion matters
Chandran’s choice to embrace a look so rooted in vintage elegance and British tailoring also mirrors her own journey. She is an Oxford graduate who brings intelligence, poise, and presence both on-screen and off. As a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren, she has consistently delivered looks that nod to heritage while adding her own contemporary vibe to it.
In a media landscape that still underrepresents South Asian women in luxury fashion spaces, Chandran’s presence at Wimbledon in a leading designer’s box, and in their outfit, felt quietly radical. She wasn’t just there; she belonged there.
Charithra’s look was inspired by her character Edwina Sharma from BridgertonInstagram/charithra17/
From Bridgerton to fashion’s front row
While Charithra Chandran is best known for playing Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton Season 2, she’s no stranger to reinvention. Recent credits include Dune: Prophecy and the upcoming season of One Piece, where she plays Nefertari Vivi. Off-screen, she’s rapidly becoming a name to watch in the fashion world, with red carpet looks that bring together tradition and trend with striking ease.
Whether she’s portraying a royal on screen or sitting in the royal box in real life, Chandran’s presence is part of a larger shift towards a more diverse, intelligent, and graceful representation in both fashion and film.