About Dilwale Dulhaniya Lay Jayeen Gaye History of DDLJ And Facts
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So far you have seen Shahrukh Khan’s childhood, his college days, his marriage with Gauri, his passion for acting and his endeavors to make a name for himself in BW. And now, the next part.
A string of unsuccessful films slowed Shahrukh’s quick rise to the top. But Shahrukh was not one to give up that easily.
“Don’t lose heart. There’s victory even in defeat.”
Yash C: That was the 1st film I made with my own money and everyday during shooting I made sure that Aditya would never have any problems whatsoever with production or other details. Whatever he wants he should get.
At that time Aditya Chopra wanted to make a film completely different from his dad’s formula, a film which had both national and international colors, a film which would take Hindi cinema into modern times. The name of the film was Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. For the role of Raj, Aditya at first wanted Tom Cruise. But after advice from his friends he chose Shahrukh Khan for the role. And Shahrukh’s world changed with this role. Shahrukh had learnt from his earlier flops and had decided that he wouldn’t experiment too much and would accept a film only if the script was powerful. In DDLJ, Raj’s character was a little mischievous, a bit of a flirt, but also serious and considerate, one who would go any lengths to get his girl. When Aditya narrated the story to Shahrukh, he didn’t like it all that much. He told Aditya that he was tired of doing the same romantic roles and wanted to do something other than college romances. But Adi was also adamant and narrated the story 4 times to Shahrukh. But the story of DDLJ just did not make an impact on Shahrukh. Seeing that Shahrukh was not to be convinced, Aditya tried one last time. He told him that unless he became a woman’s exemplary husband, brother, friend, or father he wouldn’t become a superstar and this story would take him there. Then he left. But his words impacted Shahrukh and after a few days of pondering he finally gave his consent for the film.
Yash C: After this film, whether it was a school kid or a 60 year old, everybody will be your friend. This film is like that.
As beautiful as the movie DDLJ is, the making of it is also an interesting story. At the time the shooting commenced, everyone associated with the film was searching for their identity; Shahrukh was looking for a big hit after a string of flops, Kajol was looking for a film that would take her away from routine roles and establish her as a great actress, Jatin-Lalit were famous for their music but they were not as yet included among the great names and Anupam Kher had been tied down by stereotyped roles. Many top producers thought this film would be the same old love story. Who knew this film would make history. Even the people associated with the film didn’t know that it would take them all to the pinnacle of success. It was in this atmosphere that DDLJ was made.
The day, 20th October 1995, finally arrived when the film, among all the news and gossip, released in theaters and the crowd gathered the very 1st day to watch it. The songs had already become a huge hit even before the release of the film. Shahrukh’s new style cast its spell on the audience and he was back in form. This film gave Shahrukh a new identity.
Shahrukh lived the character of Raj so powerfully that every child found his friend, every girl her husband, every mother her son and every boy himself, in it. Aditya Chopra’s words were proved right. DDLJ made Shahrukh a superstar overnight. Instead of decreasing, the audience increased everyday to see the romance between Shahrukh and Kajol. Extra chairs had to be put in cinema halls and theater owners just couldn’t control the crowds and had to get the assistance of the police. College going boys stared looking like Shahrukh from their clothes to their hair and from walking like him to talking like him. Shahrukh’s impact was evident. His dialogue – bade bade deshon mein aisi chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rehti hain – is on everyone’s lips even today.
Yash C: I think the 664th week is starting. No one could ever imagine it would go for so long. I don’t know if it’s because of the beauty of the film or God’s grace that it has broken all records in India.
From the time of it’s release, this film has been running in Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir which in itself is a record that is impossible to be broken.
Manoj Desai: This is one film of Yash Chopra ji which had everything going for it. #1 story, #1 screenplay, #1 hero, #1 heroine, and the icing on the cake – best music.
DDLJ made record in many areas. This film has till now brought in more than 800 crores in revenue and is continuing to make more money. In the history of Indian cinema there hasn’t been a single film till now that has done this much business.
Manoj D: It has broken all records, Guinness records too, by God’s grace on ordinary days it is 60-50 % full, on holidays it’s houseful and on weekends too.
The story of DDLJ made an impression in people’s hearts nationally and internationally. All the interesting stories associated with its making were transformed into a book and the book was also greatly appreciated by the public. Hindi cinema’s history has many films that were extremely successful in India but didn’t leave any mark internationally. Hence audiences in other countries were totally ignorant of these films. But DDLJ gave Hindi cinema a new identity overseas. This was the first film to be released in most of the countries and was not only extremely successful but opened the doors to Hindi cinema.
1995 saw many movies which were known for their subject, treatment and business. Rangeela, Bombay, Karan Arjun, Coolie No.1 wee that year’s big hits which were appreciated by the audience. They ruled the box office too. But DDLJ broke all records and it’s collection at the box office was the highest. When it was time for the awards, people placed bets on which films would get awards. Filmfare awards was one of them. That year Aamir Khan was thought to be the likeliest recipient of the best actor award for his film, Rangeela. But the end of the year brought Shahrukh Khan who ruled the entire country. Praise for his acting had reached the skies.
Mukesh Bhatt: Shahrukh has the energy, the dedication and the thrust to do something, the emotion and that, forgive me, I haven’t seen in anyone in the last decades, I would say.
Filmfare’s juries were finding it very hard to decide whom to choose as the best actor. So they started an audience poll to get people’s views. The night finally arrived and the results were tabulated. DDLJ won in every category and by winning 10 awards, made history as the film with the maximum awards to its credit. Shahrukh was honored with the best actor award.
SRK: I like awards, any kind of award that comes my way. I feel that the entire year’s work gets recognized by that one award, whichever it is. So I enjoy the awards, I like the fact that people have liked the work I’ve done. I love awards, I’m greedy about awards. I want all of them.
Shahrukh gave new life to romantic roles. Next on The Rise and Rise of Shahrukh Khan.
EP4 – B
Hindi cinema has had the lover boy characters for years. Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, these were actors who were given the title ‘lover boy’ and who became successful through this image. But a few years later came the era of action films and romantic films were neglected. The 90s saw the return of romantic films. Aamir Khan and Salman Khan had already established their lover boy images. But the actor who made the audience crazy with his romance was Shahrukh Khan. The way he played romantic characters, everyone became his fan.
Even today how can anyone forget that scene from Deewana where Shahrukh follows Divya Bharati, locking eyes with her from afar. It was like everything in his heart was being expressed through his eyes. The style with which Shahrukh meets Kajol in Baazigar can make any girl give her heart to him.
In Darr Shahrukh took love to the edge of madness. When Shahrukh runs towards Juhi the audience feels for him. The last scene, when Shahrukh expresses his love to Juhi, is considered even today as one of the most powerful romantic scenes. Along with his dialogue delivery his voice, his unique style, facial expressions and demeanor make him one of the most unique romantic actors. And the way in DDLJ Shahrukh played the lover boy role raised the standard for future romantic actors.
In every part of the film his loves shines through. In his first meeting with Kajol when he extends his hand to her, that mischievous style of love tickles everyone’s fancy.
Yash C: When Shahrukh and Kajol come on screen, they are very great artistes, very natural and very passionate in their work. They act from their hearts.
Shahrukh reaches Punjab looking for his love. And the way he stands in the mustard field with his arms wide open for Kajol, showed the audience a new way to express love. When Shahrukh asks Kajol’s father for her love, his love for her brims forth as tears in his eyes. Every girl looks for Shahrukh’s style in her lover. He emerged as the perfect lover boy from this film. That’s why even today there’s no equal to him in romantic films.
Next on The Rise and Rise of Shahrukh Khan – how film producers capitalized on Shahrukh’s popularity.
Shahrukh’s magic was at its peak. So producers approached him to make their films successful even if it was in the form of special appearances. Success is like a Midas touch which turns everything to gold with one touch. Shahrukh was also affected buy it. After DDLJ he reached such a height of success that a few unsuccessful films made no difference to his stardom. After DDLJ Shahrukh had a few films which were beaten badly at the box office like Army, EBDM, ZD etc. but this did not impact Shahrukh in the least and he continued to be the people’s favorite.
“It’s ok. In big shootings like this, small glasses break sometime or the other. Don’t worry, our film is a superhit.”
Kundan Shah: Dilip saab was presenting an award to Shahrukh when Shahrukh said. “Sir please give me some advice.” Dilip saab said – you’re today’s actor, such a big star, what advice can I give you? But when Shahrukh insisted, Dilip saab said just one thing – Shahrukh, don’t mistake shadows for substance.
Shahrukh had reached that height of success where even one glimpse of him pulled audience to the theaters. And film producers were capitalizing on this popularity.
The proof was the film Army in which Shahrukh had a guest appearance. But this fact was hidden till the film released and the film posters had only Shahrukh in them. Because of Shahrukh interest in the film increased. When the film released the theaters were filled to capacity. People fought for ticket. But when they saw the film they came to know the truth. The film did very well for the first week because of the Shahrukh hype. But it disappeared from theaters by the 2nd week. This show how crazy people were over Shahrukh.
We’ll continue Shahrukh Khan’s story by saying that there’s a world even beyond the stars and the test of love is yet to come.
Which year was the turning point of Shahrukh’s career? Next week only on The Rise and Rise of Shahrukh Khan.