What made Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai's chemistry so real in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam? Bhansali reveals the 'love' secret after 26 years

Time of India

7 hours ago

More than two decades after its theatrical release, '
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
' continues to be an epoch-making film. The movie gained critical acclaim and proved to be a runaway box-office success. It also heralded the arrival of a new auteur on Bollywood's horizon—Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The Aishwarya Rai-Salman Khan-Ajay Devgn-starrer showcased many elements that would go on to become Bhansali trademarks—lavish sets, flamboyant aesthetics, emotional intensity, and tragic endings.
In a candid interview with Subhash K. Jha, Bhansali opened up about the movie and the equation between former flames
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
and
Salman Khan
on the set.
When asked if the lead pair's real-life romance had an impact on their sizzling on-screen chemistry, the filmmaker admitted that there was 'love in the air.'
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However, he quickly clarified that all the actors shared a great camaraderie on the sets, which undoubtedly amplified their performances. 'There was love in the air. But not just between them; there was a lot of affection among all of us. Zohra Sehgalji, Helen Aunty, Salman, Aishwarya, Vikram Gokhale, Smita Jayekar—we were like one big family. I don't think I've had such a fulfilling experience shooting any other film,' he told Jha.
Bhansali made his directorial comeback after two years with the web series 'Heeramandi.' The magnum opus, which explored the lives and times of courtesans who once ruled Heeramandi, the red-light district of Lahore during the British Raj, also marked his reunion with his first leading lady, Manisha Koirala.
Bhansali will next helm another period drama, 'Love & War'. The movie will feature Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal.
A Deep Dive into Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, directed by
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
, draws inspiration from multiple literary sources and explores complex emotional themes. The film's primary storyline is adapted from the Gujarati play Shetal Ne Kathe, written by renowned author Jhaverchand Meghani. It follows the poignant journey of a recently married man who stumbles upon the heartbreaking truth that his wife harbors deep feelings for someone else. Rather than responding with bitterness or anger, he makes the selfless decision to help her reunite with her former lover. This touching and emotional narrative is centered on themes of sacrifice, unconditional love, and emotional maturity.
In addition to its primary source, the movie has also been informally associated with Maitreyi Devi's Bengali novel Na Hanyate. While the storylines share emotional and thematic resemblances, the film does not officially acknowledge the novel as a source. The layered storytelling and Bhansali's signature visual grandeur make the film a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Upon its release, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was not only well-received by critics but also triumphed at the box office. It was among the highest-earning Indian films of that year, accumulating a total revenue of ₹510 million (approximately US$6 million), marking it as a major commercial hit.
Critics largely praised the film for its strong performances, emotionally charged screenplay, and rich musical compositions. Aishwarya Rai's portrayal of the female lead was lauded for its depth and grace, while Salman Khan and
Ajay Devgn
received acclaim for their nuanced performances. The film's soundtrack, composed by Ismail Darbar and featuring soul-stirring vocals, played a crucial role in its emotional resonance and wide appeal.
The film's excellence was recognized during the 45th Filmfare Awards, where it garnered 17 nominations across various categories. These included Best Actor nominations for both Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn. It went on to win 7 major awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Best Actress for Aishwarya Rai, and Best Male Playback Singer for Udit Narayan, cementing its place as a landmark in
Indian cinema
.
Overall, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam remains a celebrated film for its heartfelt storytelling, artistic direction, and emotional richness that continues to resonate with audiences even years after its release.