Mohabbatein Turns 25: Unpacking the Love Saga That Changed Everything

Twenty-five years ago, a romantic drama starring Bollywood's biggest names taught us that love is strength. We're celebrating the film's enduring legacy and the incredible stories behind its making, including a legendary comeback.

TL;DR

• Mohabbatein, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, celebrates its 25th anniversary on October 27, 2025.
• Amitabh Bachchan famously charged just Re 1 for his role, a pivotal moment that pulled him out of severe financial crisis and rebooted his career.
• The Aditya Chopra directorial was a massive box office hit, grossing ₹90 crore worldwide, and launched several new faces who shared fun BTS memories.

Can you believe it's been a quarter of a century already? Time flies when you're making history! Today, October 27, 2025, marks 25 years since the iconic Bollywood film Mohabbatein first graced our screens. This romantic drama wasn't just another movie; it became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a whole generation of creators and leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Bringing together the colossal talents of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, directed by the visionary Aditya Chopra and produced by the legendary Yash Chopra, Mohabbatein was an unforgettable tale about love, discipline, and the courage to follow your heart.

It dared to challenge rigid traditions through the power of music and romance, loosely inspired by the Hollywood classic Dead Poets Society. The film quickly became the highest-earning Hindi film of 2000, raking in a staggering ₹90 crore worldwide against a budget reported to be between ₹13-19 crore. But beyond the box office numbers and critical acclaim, Mohabbatein holds a special place in history for helping one of Bollywood's greatest stars rise from the ashes.

Unbelievable: Amitabh Bachchan's Re 1 Fee and a Historic Comeback Story

While Mohabbatein is remembered for its grand romance and musical numbers, one of the most compelling stories behind its making involves none other than Amitabh Bachchan. In a twist of fate that seems almost cinematic itself, the veteran actor, who portrayed the film's formidable antagonist Narayan Shankar, famously charged a mere Re 1 as his acting fee. This wasn't a symbolic gesture of goodwill; it was a desperate plea for work during one of the most financially turbulent periods of his life.

The 1990s were supposed to be a promising decade for Bachchan, even after he announced his semi-retirement in 1993. He ventured into production, establishing the Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL), an entertainment company that dabbled in everything from movie production to event management. ABCL even launched new talents like Arshad Warsi with the 1996 hit Tere Mere Sapne and organized the Miss World 1996 event. However, by 1999, things took a drastic turn. Due to what was reported as gross mismanagement, ABCL declared bankruptcy, leaving the Bachchans drowning in a staggering ₹90 crore debt and facing 55 lawsuits. To add to his woes, his films in the latter half of the 90s were both critical and commercial failures. He was, by his own admission, "in a deep pit of serious trouble."

"I had a huge financial failure in the corporation that I began. It went bankrupt and it bankrupted me. You sit back and think ‘What can I do?’ and I said, ‘You are an actor. Go back to acting so, that’s what I did."

— Amitabh Bachchan, India Today event (2016)

In a humbling moment, Amitabh Bachchan reportedly visited Yash Chopra's office, expressing his dire situation. He conveyed, "Look, I don't have a job, nobody is giving me work anymore, my Movies aren't working, and I've come to ask you to please give me a film to work in." The bond between the two legends ran deep, with previous successful collaborations like Kaala Patthar, Deewar, Silsila, and Trishul having been instrumental in Bachchan's early stardom. When Chopra asked about his fee, Bachchan simply stated, "You gave me what I asked for back then, this time, I'll do the film for Rs 1." This single film not only reestablished his career but gave it a crucial "second wind," pulling him out of his financial struggles. The success of Mohabbatein ultimately paved the way for his iconic role as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), solidifying his legendary status for a new generation.

Meet the Young Brigade: Catching Up with the Gurukul Students

Beyond the clash of titans, Mohabbatein also introduced six fresh faces to Bollywood, who played the young lovers navigating the strict rules of Gurukul. Uday Chopra, Shamita Shetty, Kim Sharma, Jugal Hansraj, Jimmy Shergill, and Preeti Jhangiani brought youthful charm and romance to the screen. While the film was a massive hit, fame didn't shine equally on everyone.

Actress Preeti Jhangiani, who played Kiran, recently reminisced about her time on set in an exclusive interview. She fondly recalled the competitive game nights in their Switzerland hotel with director Aditya Chopra and co-star Shah Rukh Khan. "There was always Adi on one side and Shah Rukh on one side. They were always on opposing teams, they were always very, very competitive and wouldn't let the other person win," she shared. Preeti found herself "typecast" after Mohabbatein but considers herself "very fortunate" for such a memorable debut.

Interestingly, Preeti's journey into acting wasn't planned. Born and raised in Mumbai with no film connections, she initially pursued modeling simply to skip college. Her first Malayalam film at 16 took her to Austria for a "40-day trip" with her dad! She even did two Telugu and one Tamil film before Mohabbatein. She admitted the "fire for acting came to me only much later," after she understood the hard work involved. After Mohabbatein, she signed "about 10 to 15 films," but many "didn't actually take off," often due to date conflicts or the projects themselves falling through. She candidly reflected on her lack of "aggression and passion and networking" at the time, acknowledging that a more professional approach might have altered her trajectory, but she was content working non-stop until her late twenties.

While most of the six newcomers faded from the limelight, a few managed to carve out their own paths:

• Jimmy Shergill is a notable success story, sustaining a prominent career in both Bollywood and the Punjabi film industry, and now enjoying success on OTT platforms.
• Jugal Hansraj, remembered as the shy lover, has made recent appearances in Netflix's Mismatched and Nadaniyaan alongside Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor.
• Uday Chopra, Shamita Shetty, and Kim Sharma have largely stepped away from showbiz, making Mohabbatein a unique launchpad that led to diverse destinies.

Beyond the Screen: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets and Unforgettable Music

Mohabbatein wasn't just a story; it was an experience, crafted with meticulous detail and a touch of magic. The grand, imposing Gurukul campus, which felt like a character in itself, was actually brought to life at the majestic Longleat House in Wiltshire, England, giving the film its signature international and regal look. Other parts of the film, especially the romantic songs, were shot amidst the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, adding to its dreamy aesthetic.

The film's visual elegance was further enhanced by its costume design, masterfully handled by none other than Karan Johar. He designed the refined costumes, particularly Amitabh Bachchan's iconic bandhgalas, which perfectly captured the authoritarian yet sophisticated persona of Narayan Shankar.

One interesting tidbit that fans might not remember is how Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's role was deliberately kept under wraps before the film's release. Her character, though pivotal to the narrative, was a surprise reveal, adding another layer of intrigue to the movie's anticipation.

And then there's the music! The Jatin-Lalit soundtrack became an instant classic, with melodies that are still hummed today. Who can forget the romantic anthem "Humko Humise Chura Lo," the emotional "Aankhein Khuli," or the spirited "Pairon Mein Bandhan Hai"? These songs weren't just background scores; they were integral to the storytelling, weaving emotion and narrative together seamlessly. Critics might have debated the film's length, but audiences were captivated by its soul-stirring music and lush visuals.

A Timeless Tale of Love, Rebellion, and Second Chances

Twenty-five years on, Mohabbatein continues to resonate with audiences, standing proudly in the halls of Bollywood film history. It's more than just a foundational movie for film lovers; it's a testament to the power of human connection, rebellion against rigidity, and the enduring strength of love. For Amitabh Bachchan, it was a story of hope and rebirth, a second chance that proved life is never truly over. As Yash Raj Films beautifully stated, "25 years ago, a story taught us that love is not weakness, it's strength… reminding us that love, in all its forms, is forever."

The film's message remains as relevant today as it was in 2000: love doesn't weaken us; it empowers us with the courage to live, fight, and forgive. And as the violins of Mohabbatein continue to play in our memories, it's a beautiful reminder that some melodies, and some love stories, truly live forever.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohabbatein's Legacy

Here are some common questions about this Bollywood classic:

Q1: Where can I watch Mohabbatein now? A1: Mohabbatein is often available on major streaming platforms that feature Bollywood content, such as Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Movies (for rent/buy), or sometimes on dedicated Indian streaming services. Check your local listings for availability. Q2: What is Mohabbatein loosely inspired by? A2: Mohabbatein is loosely inspired by the 1989 Hollywood film Dead Poets Society, sharing themes of a teacher challenging a rigid institution through unconventional methods to inspire students. Q3: Who designed the costumes for Mohabbatein? A3: The elegant costumes for Mohabbatein, including Amitabh Bachchan's distinctive bandhgalas, were designed by renowned filmmaker and fashion enthusiast Karan Johar. Q4: What was Mohabbatein's box office performance? A4: Mohabbatein was a major commercial success, grossing approximately ₹90 crore worldwide and becoming the highest-earning Hindi film of the year 2000.

Sources

• "Amitabh Bachchan charged just Rs 1 for a film that earned Rs 90 cr, it changed his career forever" – Financial Express
• "Preeti Jhangiani Recalls Playing Games On Mohabbatein Set With Shah Rukh; Reveals SRK, Aditya Were 'Competitive' - EXCL" – Zoom
• "From Dream Launch To Forgotten Names: 6 Actors Who Worked With SRK, Amitabh Bachchan & Aishwarya But Still Faded Away" – News18
• "Amitabh Bachchan made his comeback with Mohabbatein 25 years ago" – Asianet Newsable
• "25 Years of Mohabbatein: Interesting facts about the iconic love saga" – Filmfare
• "BREAKING: Preeti Jhangiani: Signed 10-15 Films After Mohabbatein, Many Didn’t Take Off" – India Forums
• "25 Years of Mohabbatein: When Love Played the Loudest Note" – News Helpline