The day when romance was redefined on big screen with the release of ‘Chandni’

Late Yash Chopra was a filmmaker who changed the face of romance in Hindi films. He went on to become a brand himself in Bollywood with the numerous cinematic gems that he made in his five decade long career. But, there was a time when after delivering successful films (in romantic genre) like ‘Daag: A Poem of Love’, ‘Kabhi Kabhie’ and even the cult ‘Silsila’ (though it was an average upon release), the filmmaker was going through a lean phase. His films ‘Faasle’ and ‘Vijay’ didn’t live up to expectations and couldn’t fare well at the box office as well. This was the time when action films were being made and were considered a profitable venture. But, following his conviction, Yash Chopra decided to make a romantic film which he felt was something of a ‘suicide attempt’ at that point of time.

However, call it fate but the man’s heart wasn’t into action genre, and that’s how he conceived the idea for one of the most successful romantic movies of the time. It was the 1989 released film ‘Chandni’ which literally redefined romance on big screen. The film starred Sridevi playing the title role along with Rishi Kapoor and Vinod Khanna. And it was today on September 14 when this game changer was released. (Also Read: Did you know? Rishi Kapoor was the original choice for Shah Rukh Khan’s role in ‘Darr’)

Talking about the film, everything in it was nothing short of a magical experience. As a storyteller, Yash Chopra firmly believed that if in action films, the action sequences are a highlight, his romantic project will have melodious musical score which will turn out to be the most important highlight of his film. ‘Chandni’ had nine songs in it, and without a doubt each and every one of them was a highlight on its own. Be it ‘Mere Haathon Mein’, ‘Chandni O Meri Chandni’ to ‘Mitwa’ and ‘Lagi Aaj Sawan Ki’, every song beautifully captured the essence of true love, whether it’s with you or when you’re remembering it. The music of the film was composed by duo of Shiv-Hari (Shiv Kumar Sharma and Hariprasad Chaurasia) with the lyrics penned by Anand Bakshi. Not just this, the movie is also remembered for the singing debut of Sridevi, for she crooned the female version of the title track. So many legendary facts about this beautiful movie.

‘Chandni’ was a bit unusual for its time as the centre of the story was its heroine. Also, the original choice for the role of ‘Chandni’ was Rekha, but ultimately the role went to Sridevi. Today, it seems impossible to imagine anyone else playing the part so perfectly. This was the first time when Sridevi collaborated with Yash Chopra. It even prolonged Rishi Kapoor’s fading career and showed that he was still profitable as a leading hero. It provided a boost to Vinod Khanna’s career also and reunited both these stars, who were last seen together in ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ (1977). Sridevi’s white costumes went on to become popular and a whole new fashion craze started across India as ‘Chandni Look’.

With the mention of ‘Chandni’, who can forget those beautiful locations that added much more beauty to the songs and the mesmerising chemistry between Rishi Kapoor and Sridevi. The picturesque landscapes of Switzerland had attracted Indian filmmakers in the past too. But, Yash Chopra captured these beautiful landscapes in such a way that still it remains to be the most romantic dream destination.

Well, this day will never be forgotten for the release of this classic, which celebrated romance, revived the era of melodious music and touched everyone’s hearts!

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.