Genre: Romantic Drama
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is Bollywood’s most quintessential romantic movie.
Starring outstanding performances by Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgn, with exquisite music by Ismail Darbar, the movie won hearts around the globe.
Although everyone knows the story and its dramatic turn of events, there are a number of lesser-known things about the film that may surprise you.
From casting decisions to improvisational moments, these little-known treasures show us just what went into the production of this film.
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Lesser known facts about Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
1. The Ending Controversy
The emotional ending of the movie was not always the intention. Sanjay Leela Bhansali always wanted the lovers not to end up together, but Salman Khan believed the film needed a more upbeat ending.
Bhansali remained firm in his decision, and Salman eventually agreed after some debates. The final decision of Bhansali ultimately worked because the bittersweet ending left a lasting impression on the public.
2. Vanraj’s Character Was Handed Over To Other Stars
The character of Vanraj was first offered to several leading stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Sunny Deol before the character was taken by Ajay Devgn.
The seriousness introduced through Ajay’s performance made the character memorable and gave emotional substance to the film.
3. Aishwarya Was First Offered Khamoshi
Sanjay Leela Bhansali initially offered Aishwarya Rai her directorial break in Khamoshi (1996).
Aishwarya turned down the offer, however, because she did not want to play a mother early in her career. Bhansali recalled her and later cast her in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which was the launchpad for the actress’s career.
4. Aishwarya’s Motivation for Doing the Film
It is stated that Aishwarya also consented to act in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, among other things, because the project held out the prospect of traveling overseas with Salman Khan for the movie’s shoot.
This was in addition to the strong opposition that Aishwarya’s mother had to her acting with Salman at the time.
5. Original Title Was Different
The title was initially retained as Dil To Humne Diya Sanam but subsequently altered by the producers to Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
It was an apt modification that reflected the theme of the movie, i.e., pure love.
6. Salman Khan’s Iconic “Sameer, Hawa Ka Jhonka” Scene
Salman Khan himself came up with the iconic dialogue “Sameer, hawa ka jhonka.” Salman, being a master improviser, enjoyed taking quirky inputs into his character, and the dialog line became one of his most favorite scenes of the movie.
7. The Improvised Jhoola Scene
One of the most emotional scenes in the film — the jhoola (swing) scene — was partly improvised.
Aishwarya Rai and Smita Jaykar were briefed about the emotional weight of the scene, but the conversation wasn’t entirely scripted.
Aishwarya’s emotional outburst at the end of the scene was also improvised, making it a genuine and unforgettable moment.
8. Aishwarya Rai’s Classical Dance Training
For performing the role of Nandini, Aishwarya had to learn classical dance.
The graceful performance lent realism to her character, especially in the traditional dance numbers, which was the peak of the film.
9. Salman Khan Learned Guitar for His Role
Salman Khan’s character, Sameer, was a musician, and Salman took it seriously.
He learned to play the classical guitar to make his portrayal more authentic, showing his dedication to the role.
10. Bhansali’s Personal Inspiration
Sanjay Leela Bhansali revealed that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was an expression of his own experience of romance and heartbreak.
The personal touch gave the film an extra dimension of emotional depth, as well as greater audience relatability.
11. Music That Stole Hearts
The music of the film, composed by Ismail Darbar, was an overnight hit. Songs like “Tadap Tadap” and “Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje” are remembered even today.
The music of the film played a key part in its success and made the film timeless.
12. Shot in Rajasthan for a Royal Touch
The film was largely shot in Rajasthan, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful palaces. The royal settings added a majestic touch to the story, enhancing the visual appeal of the film and making it a treat for the eyes.
Conclusion
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is no love story per se—it is a superbly crafted movie that explores the complexities of love, sacrifice, and self-realization. Under the resplendent panoramas and recollective theme songs lies a fascinating array of facts that renders the film more magical. The actors’ passion, the director’s personal relationship with the film, and everything else all gelled together to create an eternity-defying film that still establishes a unique spot in the affections of all viewers across the globe.