‘Veer-Zaara’ at 20: 10 reasons Yash Chopra movie remains an all-time Bollywood classic
The timeless love story starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji was filled with great moments, memorable dialogues, deep emotions and unforgettable music.
Shah Rukh Khan and Preity ZInta in 'Veer-Zaara'
By Asjad NazirNov 11, 2024
LEGENDARY filmmaker Yash Chopra was rightly regarded as the king of Bollywood romance.
One of the ace director’s finest works in this genre was cross-border love story Veer-Zaara, which was released on November 12, 2004, and became the highest grossing Bollywood movie of that year. The timeless love story starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji was filled with great moments, memorable dialogues, deep emotions and unforgettable music.
Eastern Eye decided to mark the 20th anniversary of the movie by revisiting it and presenting 10 reasons why it remains an all-time Bollywood classic.
Great cast: The filmmaker assembled a superb cast led by Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji, who were all big box-office stars. They were surrounded by a strong supporting cast that included Manoj Bajpayee, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Divya Dutta and Kirron Kher.
Direction: This was the last truly great movie directed by Chopra, who is considered one of Bollywood’s greatest ever filmmakers. Veer-Zaara had all the signature hallmarks associated with the iconic director including eye-catching locations, beautiful music and a glittering star cast. By balancing romance, drama and social commentary, Chopra brought the wonderfully written story to life in the way that only he could, and filled it with memorable moments from start to finish. He also got the entire cast, in their varied roles, to elevate the material with their performances. It resulted in a visual and emotional spectacle.
Magnificent music: In what became a Bollywood first for a major commercial movie, the songs were composed by a music director who had passed away long ago (in 1975). That masterstroke of taking unused tunes of late composer Madan Mohan resulted in superb songs like Tere Liye, Main Yahaan Hoon and Do Pal. His son, Sanjeev Kohli, helped recreate the music and combined it with soulful lyrics by Javed Akhtar. The music is not only entertaining, but it enhances the emotional impact of the film. Not surprisingly the soundtrack filled with diverse musical influences including Punjabi folk and Sufi won multiple awards and became the highest-selling Bollywood soundtrack of that year.
Strong performances: The story-driven film based on real human emotions demanded the cast be on top of their game. Khan and Zinta delivered perfectly pitched performances as starcrossed lovers from different sides of the border, including in their older age. Their multi-layered performances won praise. The strong supporting cast led by Mukerji added depth to Veer-Zaara, while Bajpayee, Bachchan, Malini, Anupam and Kirron and Irani all gave the film further gravitas.
Cinematography: Although Veer-Zaara is very much about deep emotions, it is also visually spectacular. Anil Mehta confirmed just why he is one of the greatest Bollywood cinematographers from the modern era as he captured the beauty of the eye-catching sets, whether it was inside a palatial mansion or in rural Punjab. He helped create a vivid and immersive setting that enhanced the storytelling, making it a feast for the eyes.
Rani Mukerji in the film
Strong women: The movie may have been headlined by Khan, but what really gave it power was the strong female characters. Zaara, played by Zinta, was far removed from the stereotypical subservient woman, and was shown as a strong, independent woman who makes significant choices for her life, which reflected modern values within a traditional setting. Mukerji’s strong crusading lawyer character, Saamiya Siddiqui, fights against all odds for justice. Even the older female characters have their own steely determination, all of who offered a collective fresh perspective of females in Hindi cinema.
Writing: Perhaps the biggest hero of Veer-Zaara was the writing. With his well-crafted screenplay, Aditya Chopra offered up a timeless love story that could quite easily have been made in any era of Bollywood, including today. The cross-border romance about an Indian Air Force pilot and a Pakistani woman delivered universal themes of love, sacrifice, hope and going against outdated traditions. Everything from the protagonists to the poignant emotions were relatable to audiences of all ages. The story was also filled with memorable dialogues and important social commentary.
A scene from the hit movie
Messaging: Although Veer-Zaara gained popularity for being a musical romance, it has a lot of important messaging, including cross-border unity between warring neighbours India and Pakistan. This is cleverly done by focusing on the personal stories of the characters rather than long-running political tensions between the two nations. It also promotes messages of peace, understanding, religious tolerance, and the futility of political and social barriers.
In addition, Veer-Zaara was a film about justice and the triumph of humanity over prejudice and hatred, which led to discussions about love, peace and unity. The various themes added extra layers to the film, which definitely made it more than just a love story.
Culturally respectful: Most movies on both sides of the border usually represent the other country and culture in a discourteous way. Veer-Zaara was notable for being a respectful portrayal of both Indian and Pakistani cultures. This included Pakistani and Muslim customs, traditions and lifestyle. Great care was taken not to alienate viewers from either side of the border, which remains rare in Bollywood and Lollywood. This balanced representation was rightly praised for fostering a sense of mutual respect and resulted in the film becoming globally popular.
Emotions: The great narrative structure of setting Veer-Zaara over two time periods and stitching it together with an unforgettable interval, resulted in a film that tugged at the heartstrings from start to finish. Whether it was the deep love, sacrifice, hope, heartbreak or a touching reunion, ace director Chopra ensured audiences connected with those emotions, and having a rainbow of feelings consolidated their connection to the film. Instead of trying to shock audiences, the filmmaker allowed them to emotionally experience the immersive film and those feelings remain to this day.
Did you know?
Shah Rukh Khan was first choice to play his role. When Kajol refused the role of Zaara, it was offered to Preity Zinta, who took lessons in Urdu in order to improve her diction.
The role of lawyer Saamiya Siddiqui was based on Pakistani human rights activist Asma Jehangir. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the first choice to play that character, but an earlier falling out with Shah Rukh Khan on the sets of Chalte Chalte led to Rani Mukerji being cast in that role.
The film’s costumes were masterminded by fashion designer Manish Malhotra, except for Shah Rukh Khan’s, which were specifically created by filmmaker Karan Johar.
Yash Chopra described Veer-Zaara as a humble tribute to his home in Punjab, and to the feeling of togetherness of people on both sides of the border.
The initial title that was considered was Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum, which is a song title from Chopra’s movie Silsila (1981).
There are several deleted scenes that didn’t make it to the final cut, but were later included in the DVD release.
Kajol says today’s star kids face intense pressure to succeed immediately.
She compares their experience to her own, where she had time and space to evolve.
The actor is starring as Ibrahim Ali Khan’s mother in the upcoming film Sarzameen.
Kajol stresses the importance of reinvention and praises new actors for adapting beyond films.
Kajol believes the new generation of star kids in Bollywood are under far more pressure than actors from her era. The actress, who will soon be seen in Sarzameen alongside debutant Ibrahim Ali Khan, said young actors today are expected to prove themselves instantly, and harsh judgement follows if they don’t.
Kajol discusses star kids and the changing rules of BollywoodGetty Images
Star kids today face harsher scrutiny online
According to Kajol, it’s no longer enough to simply enter the industry with a known surname. The expectations are sky-high, and the backlash is immediate. “Whether or not your parents are famous, trolls will criticise you. But people tend to pay more attention when a star kid is involved,” she said in an interview.
She acknowledged that while she had the privilege of time and multiple films to grow into her career, younger actors now operate in what she calls a “do-or-die” environment. “They’re well prepared for it, I’ll give them that. But we could be a little kinder,” she added.
Kajol will play the mother of Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, in the patriotic drama Sarzameen, which will release on JioCinema on 25 July. Ibrahim’s first appearance in Naadaniyan was widely panned, sparking brutal comments online. Kajol’s remarks come at a time when the debate around nepotism and online trolling of celebrity kids is louder than ever.
The Maa actor also spoke about the importance of reinvention in a fast-changing industry. “You have to unlearn what you’ve learned before. Try new things. Keep moving,” she said, emphasising that staying relevant today means doing more than just films.
She pointed out that unlike earlier times, actors now pursue diverse paths to build their brand, from digital content and entrepreneurship to fashion and endorsements. “My kind of longevity might not apply to this generation. But they’re finding their own ways to last,” she said.
Kajol opens up about the pressure today’s actors face in the industryGetty Images
The bigger picture: Criticism, reinvention, and resilience
Kajol’s comments reflect a growing awareness among senior actors about the evolving pressures in Bollywood. With online trolling, increased media scrutiny, and instant judgment shaping careers, young actors, especially those from film families, are constantly navigating a high-stakes space.
Still, Kajol remains optimistic. “They’ll keep doing different films and other things. It won’t just be about the movies anymore,” she said, noting how the meaning of longevity in Bollywood is being redefined.
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Cardi B continues her bold fashion streak with floral runway glamour
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The outfit followed her earlier dramatic appearance at Schiaparelli in a fringe dress with a live crow.
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The look featured diamond accessories, a sculpted bun, and smoky makeup to match the theatrical dress.
Cardi B took her fashion game to new heights in Paris, stepping out in a dramatic Rahul Mishra creation that fused red carpet glamour with runway sculpture. The rapper’s custom-made gown, featuring 3D blooming flowers and a shimmering ruby base, was a highlight at Paris Haute Couture Week, making it one of her most talked-about looks this season.
Cardi B's red gown features 3D sculpted flowers and intricate embroideryInstagram/rahulmishra_7
The Rahul Mishra dress with blooming details
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Rahul Mishra’s couture creation turns heads on the Paris streetsInstagram/rahulmishra_7
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Cardi B steps out in a custom Rahul Mishra dress at Paris Couture WeekInstagram/rahulmishra_7
Album on the way, beauty line next
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Industry friends including Farah Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Esha Gupta congratulated them.
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Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa smiling during a public appearance earlier this year Instagram/patralekhaa/rajkummar_rao
Couple’s first baby on the way
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Depp was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen in The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022).
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Hollywood actor Johnny Depp has opened up about being removed from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, saying he felt the studio’s request for his resignation was effectively a push into retirement. Depp made the comments in a recent interview while promoting his new directorial project Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness.
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Depp returns to directing with Modì after more than two decadesGetty Images
Depp on his forced exit from Fantastic Beasts
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Depp says being pushed out felt like “they wanted me to retire”Getty Images
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Amber Heard and Johnny Depp watch as the jury leaves the courtroomGetty Images
What’s next for Johnny Depp?
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Sai Pallavi will reportedly take home £1.1 million (₹12 crore) as Sita.
Sunny Deol is said to be charging £3.7 million (₹40 crore) for portraying Hanuman.
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Fans await Ramayana teaser as early reviews spark buzz online Instagram/iamnamitmalhotra
Ranbir Kapoor to pocket £14 million (₹150 crore) for playing Lord Rama
Ranbir Kapoor, who will headline the saga as Lord Rama, is said to be the highest-paid actor in the film. According to multiple industry reports, he will earn £7.5 million (₹75 crore) per instalment, totalling £14 million (₹150 crore) for both parts.
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Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
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Yash undergoes intense physical training to play Ravana in Ramayana Instagram/thenameisyash
Sai Pallavi’s biggest pay cheque as Sita
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This is a significant jump from her usual range of £250,000–300,000 (₹2.5–3 crore), with her earlier highest-known salary being £500,000 (₹5 crore) for the upcoming Telugu thriller Thandel. With Ramayana, she steps firmly into pan-Indian cinema territory.
Producer Namit Malhotra reveals how AI will make Ramayana resonate globally with native-language realism IMDB/Reddit
Sunny Deol and Ravie Dubey add weight to the ensemble
Veteran actor Sunny Deol has been cast as Hanuman and is reportedly earning £3.7 million (₹40 crore) in total. This figure mirrors what he made for Gadar 2, reinforcing his continued demand in action-heavy roles.
Meanwhile, TV star Ravie Dubey, who will play Laxman, is reportedly being paid between £200,000–400,000 (₹2–4 crore). It’s still unclear whether this is his total fee or per-film amount, but even the lower end marks a substantial step forward in his film career.
Supporting cast and colossal budget
The film will also feature Arun Govil as King Dashrath, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, and Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha. Kajal Aggarwal will play Mandodari, while Amitabh Bachchan and Kunal Kapoor are expected to make guest appearances as Jatayu and Indradeva respectively.
Ranbir Kapoor hugs Ravi Dubey after wrap speech on Ramayana set Twitter/Raymond/Cinegeek
Jointly produced by Namit Malhotra (DNEG/Prime Focus Studios) and Yash, Ramayana is being made on a reported budget of £77 million (₹835 crore), though some estimates push that figure past £160 million (₹1,600 crore) when marketing and VFX are included. The background score and soundtrack are being composed by AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer, again a rare India-Hollywood collaboration.