In 1999, the Bollywood classic Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam hit theaters, showcasing the stellar trio of Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgan. The movie, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, became an iconic film, earning praise for its beautiful love story, music, and performances. However, one of the lesser-known stories behind the movie is Jaya Bachchan’s surprising reaction after watching it, which left Bhansali puzzled at the time.
Jaya Bachchan’s First Reaction Left Bhansali Worried
After the release of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Sanjay Leela Bhansali was invited for an interview where he shared an interesting behind-the-scenes anecdote. When Jaya Bachchan, one of Bollywood’s most respected actresses, attended the screening of the film, her reaction was unexpected. As Bhansali recounted, she walked out of the theater, glanced at him, smiled slightly, and then left.
This subtle reaction from Jaya left Bhansali concerned. The filmmaker, expecting some sort of feedback or conversation, assumed that she did not enjoy the film. Given that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was a project close to his heart, Bhansali was anxious about Jaya’s quiet response.
A Twist in the Tale – Jaya’s Role in the Film’s Success
Days passed, and Bhansali continued to think Jaya Bachchan was unimpressed by his film. However, what happened next was unexpected. One day, Bhansali received a call from Jaya Bachchan. Much to his surprise, she told him that her subtle reaction was not an indication of dislike, but rather, her unique way of appreciating the film.
In that conversation, Jaya revealed that she had highly recommended Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam to the Berlin Film Festival, helping the movie gain international recognition. Bhansali later explained in an interview that Jaya’s recommendation was one of the reasons why the film was selected for the prestigious festival. Along with a representative from Berlin who was deeply impressed by the film, Jaya’s influence helped the movie reach new heights globally.
The Impact of Jaya’s Support
Jaya Bachchan’s recommendation added significant value to Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The film went on to become a major hit, both in India and abroad. It was showcased at the Berlin Film Festival, and its success further established Bhansali as one of Bollywood’s finest directors.
Interestingly, this was not the first time Bhansali felt uncertain about Jaya’s reactions. But this instance solidified his belief in her silent approval. Her understated gesture of appreciation turned out to be a game-changer for the film on the international stage.
Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s On-Screen Chemistry
While Jaya Bachchan played an important role in the film’s journey, the chemistry between Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai was another major highlight. Their on-screen pairing in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam captured audiences’ hearts, making them one of the most adored pairs of that era. The film’s success also led to Aishwarya Rai working with Bhansali again in Devdas and Guzaarish, while Salman Khan later made a cameo in Bhansali’s Saawariya.
Thus, Jaya Bachchan’s subtle but impactful involvement in the journey of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam became a lesser-known but important chapter in the film’s legacy.
