In a delightful shock for fans, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences posted a snippet of the iconic song 'Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna' from the 1995 Bollywood film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
This unexpected gesture on their Instagram page, accompanied by the caption "classic", sent waves of excitement through the Bollywood community.
Posting the video, The Academy wrote, “Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol performing the classic song 'Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna' from 1995's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.”
Fans responded with emotional fervour, expressing their admiration for Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's enduring contribution to Indian cinema and hoping for their future recognition by the Academy. The post also evoked pride in DDLJ's legacy, with users highlighting its record-breaking run as the longest-running movie in Indian cinema history.
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One fan said, "The Academy posting this makes me emotional. These two have contributed so much to Bollywood and I look forward to the day that they are honoured as well!"
"DDLJ - the longest running movie in the history of Indian cinema. Legacy of Shah Rukh Khan," wrote another Insta user.
Released in 1995, DDLJ was the directorial debut of Aditya Chopra and starred the unforgettable duo of Khan and Kajol. The film, produced by Yash Chopra's Yash Raj Films, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of generations, as evidenced by Anupam Kher's recent tweet marking the 28th anniversary of its release.
The film also starred Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Satish Shah, Himani Shivpuri, Anupam Kher, Parmeet Sethi and Mandira Bedi among others. It was shot in India, London, and Switzerland from September 1994 to August 1995.
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He reminisced about his role and expressed his conviction that DDLJ will remain an evergreen masterpiece, cherished for its modern take on romance.
He wrote, "Aaj #DilwaleDulhaniyaLeJayenge film ko release hue 28 saal ho gaye. Lekin abhi bhi aisa lagta jaise kal hi main Raj aur Simran ko haste huay zindagi ki philosphy bata raha hoon (Today Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge clocked 28 years. But still now it feels like I'm laughing and giving philosophy of life to Raj and Simran). This will always be an evergreen film. Generations will remember it as the most modern romantic film of our and their times!"
The Academy's recognition, albeit brief, serves as a sweet nod to the immense popularity and cultural impact of Bollywood cinema on a global stage. It leaves fans wondering – might a more substantial spotlight be cast on Indian talents in the future? Only time will tell, but for now, this unexpected appreciation from the Academy has undoubtedly strengthened the bond between Bollywood and its devoted fans worldwide.
