3 hours ago
5
ARTICLE AD BOX
Twenty-five years after 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' stormed the box office, the film continues to enjoy an extraordinary place in popular culture. The film's popularity was evident once again as its cast and crew recently reunited to commemorate the 25th anniversary of its release.
Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel and director Anil Sharma came together to celebrate a film on the last day. Amid the celebrations, a past interview of Ameesha Patel has resurfaced online. In the conversation, the actress shared several memorable stories about the overwhelming response Gadar received when it first arrived in theatres in 2001.
Ameesha Patel on the film's special re-release
During a 2023 interview with News18, Ameesha spoke about the re-release of Gadar and revealed that it coincided with her birthday.
The actress described the gesture as an unexpected and heartwarming surprise. “22 years ago, the film had released on 15th June. They were planning to re-release it on 15th again but they matched the date with my birthday. It was a lovely surprise by Zee, the producers." Reflecting on the film's return to theatres, she also expressed disbelief at the unique opportunity.
“I can’t believe this is happening. What is the chance of one of India’s biggest blockbusters to be remastered and released on my birthday again? It’s a beautiful feeling.
The fact that it’s a prequel to the sequel coming out in just two months post that is amazing." The actress said the experience felt especially meaningful because of the film's lasting connection with audiences.
The craze during 'Gadar's original run
Ameesha also looked back at the incredible reception the film received upon its initial release. According to her, audiences responded with unmatched enthusiasm from the very first day. “The audience reaction was tremendous.
We had a premiere the night before the release, which was on 14th June in numerous single screens as multiplexes didn’t exist then. Sunny and I went from theatre to theatre and the audiences were completely going crazy.
The next day onwards, the reactions we started receiving was that there weren’t enough shows. The six o’clock morning show, especially in Punjab, had to be added. Theatre owners said that every person who was coming in didn’t buy less than 15-20 tickets at a time.
It was a great time for cinemas. To feel these reactions was amazing."The actress revealed that Gadar's appeal extended far beyond regular moviegoers. She shared a memorable encounter that highlighted the film's reach among everyday audiences. “A couple of weeks after its release, it so happened that if rickshaw waalas and taxi drivers would happen to cross my car and notice that I was in it, they would suddenly knock on the window.
One particular taxi driver told me that he went to a movie theatre after 22 years to watch 'Gadar'.
It had prompted so many people to return to cinemas."One of the most surprising aspects of Gadar's success, according to Ameesha, was the response it received from audiences in Pakistan. Despite the film's backdrop, viewers across the border connected strongly with her character, Sakeena. “I got calls from Pakistan through my secretary’s phone.
Elderly ladies told me that they cried a lot after watching the film and that they named their granddaughters Sakeena. Sakeena is Prophet Mohammad’s daughter’s name.
It means paak or pure. It was a very beautiful moment for those two-four months when the film created havoc at the box office. It was amazing."When asked if she felt nervous watching herself on screen again, Ameesha responded, “Not at all." She added, “This film isn’t being released to get the audience’s reaction or to decide the profit or loss for the producer. Everybody knows it’s a blockbuster. It’s being released for fun, for the fans to go back and see it and for people who haven’t gotten the chance to see it before so that they can visit the cinemas and watch the revamped version.
I’m happy about the release."
English (US) ·