Anu Aggarwal, a prominent actress in the 1990s, catapulted to fame with her role in the musical romantic drama “Aashiqui,” directed by Mahesh Bhatt. Recently, the actress revealed a shocking aspect of her time in Bollywood—filmmakers often approached her with lucrative offers but without any scripts.
In a candid conversation with Lehren, shared on Instagram, Aggarwal recounted her experiences in the film industry. “I was shocked to see that people who don’t have their scripts ready would come to sign me up for a film,” she said. “They would have the money ready and I would say I don’t want to sign with the money. I would like to hear the script.”
She elaborated on this practice, noting its prevalence: “They would say the script will be made so you can sign,” she added. “This was the way and because I am an actor, I would like to see what my role and story are. Everything is important. Nobody would have a script… 98 per cent of people would not have the script.”
This revelation shines a light on a problematic trend within the film industry—a tendency to prioritize financial negotiations over creative content. Such practices could have significant implications for the quality of films produced and the creative satisfaction of the actors involved.
Anu Aggarwal became a household name in the 1990s following her debut in “Aashiqui.” She starred alongside Rahul Roy and Deepak Tijori in this romantic saga, which was known for its memorable music, composed by the duo Nadeem–Shravan. The soundtrack became immensely popular, earning the film the fourth spot on Planet Bollywood’s “100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks.” At the time of its release, it was the best-selling Bollywood album.
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“Aashiqui” wasn’t just a film; it was a cultural phenomenon that left a lasting legacy. In 2002, the film was remade in Kannada under the title “Roja.” Further cementing its status in Indian cinema, “Aashiqui 2,” directed by Mohit Suri and starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor, hit theaters in 2013. Despite having a completely new theme and storyline, “Aashiqui 2” managed to capture the essence of its predecessor and achieved significant success.
Aggarwal didn’t just work on “Aashiqui”; she also featured in other notable films like “King Uncle.” Yet, her account of how she was approached with film offers highlights a startling lack of planning and respect for the creative process. The absence of a script at the negotiation stage suggests a focus on star power and marketability rather than storytelling and artistic values.
The actress’s experience underscores broader issues in the industry, where the importance of a well-crafted script is sometimes overlooked in the rush to capitalize on star appeal. This approach could undermine the depth and quality of the cinematic experience, affecting both actors and audiences.
Aggarwal’s candid sharing brings attention to the need for change in industry practices. For actors, a script offers not just an outline of their role but also a sense of the story’s direction, the character’s journey, and the overall narrative. When a script isn’t ready at the time of signing, it places actors in a difficult position—having to trust entirely in the filmmaker’s vision without any concrete basis for that trust.
At the same time, the conversation sheds light on the resilience and professionalism of actors like Aggarwal, who navigated these challenging dynamics while striving to maintain artistic integrity. Her story serves as a critical reminder of the essential elements of filmmaking that should never be compromised.
As the industry evolves, it’s crucial that emerging filmmakers and producers take heed of such insights from experienced actors. Prioritizing the script, engaging in meaningful creative dialogues, and showing respect for the actors’ craft could lead to more enriching and successful cinematic ventures.
Aggarwal’s revelations are not just anecdotes but vital lessons for the industry’s future. They remind us that at the heart of every great film is a great script, and without it, no amount of money can create a lasting impact. For the audience that cherishes thought-provoking and well-crafted cinema, these insights are both enlightening and hopeful.