The beloved classic “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein” has returned to theaters, marking its 23rd anniversary with a re-release that has fans buzzing with excitement. To commemorate this milestone, leading actors Dia Mirza and R Madhavan united virtually through an Instagram live session, reminiscing about the film and sharing cherished memories with their fans. The duo’s interaction reawakened the magic of the film, with netizens showering them with love and admiration.
The live session was nothing short of a delightful trip down memory lane for fans of the movie, which originally hit the screens in 2001. Madhavan, who still fondly goes by his character’s name ‘Maddy,’ remarked in amazement how Dia Mirza has managed to look the same all these years. In a playful response, Dia serenaded him with, “Maddy Maddy,” rekindling the chemistry that made the film a hit. Their camaraderie was evident throughout the session, much to the audience’s delight.
During their conversation, Dia and Madhavan both expressed immense gratitude toward their audience for the unending love and support through the years. The actors were particularly touched to see crowds flocking to theaters to relive the magic of their iconic film on the big screen. Their joy was palpable as they acknowledged how the film has continued to resonate with viewers, maintaining its charm and appeal over nearly two and a half decades.
Dia Mirza took a moment to reveal the mixed emotions she felt during the film’s initial release. Despite their hard work and high expectations, the film did not fare well at the box office, leaving the team disheartened. She recounted the strenuous promotional efforts, where they often traveled 14-18 hours at a stretch, sometimes catching sleep in flights, all in the hope that their labour of love would succeed.
“We were travelling from one place to another for 14-18 hours, constantly going from one place to another. We would often catch up on our sleep in the flight. The film was also shot that way – we had shot in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Mumbai. The film’s release date was announced before we finished the bhaag daur,” Dia recalled. The rigorous schedule, she noted, made them eagerly look forward to a positive reception. However, the initial response was far from what they had hoped for.
She recounted a specific moment that stood out to her during promotions. “We had got 5 mins of peace amid the madness, and you had said to me ‘it is a very special film and it will really connect with the audience.’ I said, ‘I hope so.’ Then the film released and people did not really go to the theatres just to watch it. It broke us; it broke our hearts so much because there was so much anticipation, so much expectation.
. And we worked so hard.”
Despite the initial disappointment, Dia acknowledged that Madhavan’s words were prophetic. Over time, the film found its audience and gradually became a beloved classic, cherished by many. “But you were right, Maddy. People may not have made it to the theatres, but then they have made time for it over and over again, over the years and given it so much love,” she said, her voice tinged with emotion.
Madhavan too shared his reflections, speaking candidly about the sense of self-doubt that followed the movie’s lackluster performance initially. “There are times when you feel what was our shortcoming. It was our first film and we had sincerely worked on it. Then, we started blaming ourselves that had I got fitter or done the film more sincerely, or had the costumes been better… anything. You start looking for the imperfections,” he admitted.
However, Madhavan marveled at the film’s enduring popularity. “It’s been 23 years now, Dia, and for 23 years, the film has been aired on some TV channel or the other. It is there on OTT platforms too and people have watched it somewhere or another. But now, when I see houseful shows, even after all that, I am confused as to why people want to pay money to watch the film! Why are they coming to the theatres? This means they still want to experience the film on the big screens,” he wondered aloud, reflecting on the film’s undying charm.
“Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein” tells the story of Maddy, a charismatic yet mischievous young man who falls deeply in love with Reena, a beautiful woman engaged to another. Determined to win her heart, Maddy pretends to be her fiancé and embarks on a heartfelt journey of love, deception, and redemption. With its captivating storyline, unforgettable performances, and a soundtrack packed with timeless hits like “Zara Zara” and “Sach Keh Raha Hai,” the film remains a favorite among audiences.
In addition to Dia Mirza and R Madhavan, the film also featured an outstanding performance by Saif Ali Khan in a prominent role. Now available in theaters and on Prime Video, “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein” continues to ignite nostalgia and romance, proving its status as an evergreen classic. The re-release and the heartfelt Instagram reunion of its stars serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of this beloved film.
