Headlined by Amitabh Bachchan in the dual roles of Thakur Bhanu Pratap and his son Heera Thakur, Sooryavansham was released in 1999 and recently completed 25 years of its release in May last month. The film didn’t succeed at the box office, but soon became a cult film due to its repeated viewings on television (read: Sony Max).
One of the scenes has become a huge meme on social media in which Thakur Bhanu Pratap’s grandson Sonu offers him ‘zeher wali kheer’ unknowingly. Aanand Vardhan, who played the child artiste Sonu, recently talked about his memories of working in Sooryavansham and also shared about his future plans as he plans to make a comeback into the films as a leading actor.
Reflecting on how he was selected for the film, Aanand told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers tried a few child artists from the North initially. But they didn’t seem suitable. Meanwhile, Sooryavansham’s shoot had started. Amitabh sir then watched the Telugu version and he insisted that he wanted me on board. That’s how I came into the picture.” Sooryavansham is the remake of the 1997 Tamil film Surya Vamsam, which was also remade in Telugu in 1998 as Suryavamsam.
Aanand also shared that Amitabh helped him in his dialogues as he didn’t know Hindi. “We were not even taught Hindi in school. But I had good grasping power. I had memorized all the dialogues. Mr. Bachchan helped with subtle aspects since it was a Hindi film. Hence, there was a slight change in the dialogue delivery. He used to observe my shots and correct me, in case I faltered”, the actor stated.
When asked if Aanand is in touch with Amitabh Bachchan now, he answered, “No, unfortunately.
. But I hope to be in touch with him someday by feeding him kheer someday. Needless to say, it would be without zeher.”
Sharing his future plans as an actor, Aanand concluded, “I am doing a Telugu film as a lead, titled Nidurinchu Jahapana. It has a unique story and I have an author-backed role. Hence, I am hoping that I should make some noise. It’ll be a great opportunity if I get a chance to work in Bollywood.”
Sooryavansham, despite its initial failure at the box office, has found a lasting place in the hearts of audiences, particularly due to its frequent telecasts on television. The film’s depiction of generational conflict and family values, combined with Amitabh Bachchan’s compelling performance in a double role, has cemented its status as a cult classic. Over the years, it has generated a number of popular memes, with the ‘zeher wali kheer’ scene being one of the most famous and widely shared on social media.
Aanand Vardhan’s recent comments provide a nostalgic look back at the making of Sooryavansham and offer a glimpse into his aspirations and future projects. His journey from a child artist to an aspiring lead actor is a testament to his enduring passion for acting and his determination to carve out a notable space for himself in the film industry. His upcoming project, Nidurinchu Jahapana, seems to be an exciting venture, promising a fresh and engaging narrative.
The legacy of Sooryavansham highlights the unpredictable nature of cinema, where films that may not have initially performed well can go on to become beloved classics, resonating with audiences across multiple generations. The movie’s transformation into a cult favorite underscores the power of repeated viewings and the unique ways in which viewers connect with film narratives.
In today’s digital age, the ease of sharing and creating content has contributed to the resurgence of interest in older films, with platforms like social media playing a significant role in shaping public perception and memory. Scenes such as the one with ‘zeher wali kheer’ have found new life and relevance, creating a bridge between the past and present cinematic experiences.
As Sooryavansham marks its 25th anniversary, it stands as a reminder of the lasting impact of film and the timeless nature of storytelling. Aanand Vardhan’s reflections remind us of the collaborative efforts behind such films and the enduring connections formed during their making. Looking ahead, his career trajectory promises to be one to watch, with the potential to contribute new and exciting stories to the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
