Preeti Jhangiani on 25 years of Mohabbatein: To be remembered as the ‘Mohabbatein girl’ is an honour I carry with love

For Preeti Jhangiani, who debuted as the sweet and soulful Kiran in the ensemble cast of Mohabbatein, this year marks a special milestone — 25 years of the film, her character, and her journey in Bollywood.

She shares, “I sometimes still pinch myself. That girl from college, the hopeful one, it was just a role, yet the film feels like it was made yesterday.” The story of Mohabbatein, about a headmaster forbidding love, three rebellious students, and the hearts caught in between, became more than a film. It turned into a symbol of youthful love, friendship, longing, and music that lingered softly in the background. Preeti says she remembers not just the shoot locations or the script but every member of the cast, from the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and the ever-charming Shah Rukh Khan to her fellow newcomers. She laughs, remembering how the entire team trained for months, travelled to Switzerland and England, and bonded like a family.

She recalls, “We were so young and full of hope. On the set of Mohabbatein, we laughed, played, and learnt. Even today, thinking of those days brings me so much joy.” For Preeti, the film’s success was not only about box office numbers or fame; it was about connection. She says, “I often share that what stays in people’s hearts is the story, the characters, and the music. Mohabbatein was a tribute to every young love story, every wave of emotion in a relationship, and every student who dreamt of love despite the rules.

And the music, oh, the music still plays the violin in people’s hearts.

” She adds, “When I close my eyes, I can still hear the footsteps in the corridors of Gurukul, the rehearsals, the laughter at dawn, the chills on misty mornings in Switzerland, and I feel like I’m back as Kiran again.” As the film completes a quarter-century, Preeti reflects, “25 years sounds huge, but in my heart, it still feels like yesterday. I receive messages from fans who still hum the songs, who remember Kiran and Karan, and who tell me how much the film meant to them. That is the biggest tribute a film can get.”