Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit Nene recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the making of the beloved 1994 family blockbuster 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!'. In a candid conversation, she revealed the magical moment director Sooraj Barjatya convinced her to be a part of the film, which went on to become a defining cultural phenomenon.
The Epic Narration That Sealed the Deal
Speaking to Mid Day's Sit With Hitlist, Dixit recounted the unforgettable experience of hearing the film's story for the first time. She described Barjatya as an "amazing" and "good narrator" who transformed the session into a full-fledged performance. "He was doing every part, playing every person, every character," she said, highlighting his immersive style.
The actress disclosed that the narration lasted for approximately three and a half hours. Barjatya had pre-recorded most of the songs, but for one track that wasn't ready, he sang it himself for Madhuri. This heartfelt presentation completely won her over. "I was just like, I want to do this movie," she recalled, drawn to the film's heartwarming, positive, and graceful essence, deeply rooted in tradition, relationships, and cultural values.
Becoming Nisha: A Character That Entered Every Home
Madhuri Dixit, who portrayed the memorable character of Nisha opposite Salman Khan's Prem, admitted that no actor can ever predict a film's success. However, 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' irrevocably changed her public perception. She shared that after the film's release, she transformed into a "household member of everybody's house." Audiences saw her as a daughter, girlfriend, or daughter-in-law, so deeply did they connect with Nisha.
She fondly remembered an incident during an outdoor shoot in North India where a group of Punjabi ladies met her. Their reaction was one of pure, familial affection. "They looked at me, came and started pinching my cheeks and were like, 'Kinni soni hai humari Nisha,'" Dixit said, translating their endearing remark about how beautiful their Nisha was. For them, and for millions, she was no longer just a star but a part of their family.
On-Set Vibe: One Big Family
The sense of family wasn't limited to the screen. Dixit emphasized that the film's core was about interpersonal relationships, a feeling that permeated the actual shoot. Once filming began, the entire cast and crew bonded deeply. "When we started shooting, it was like a family of 12 of us," she remarked, highlighting the warm and cohesive environment Barjatya fostered on set, which undoubtedly contributed to the film's authentic emotional core.
On the work front, Madhuri Dixit Nene was recently seen in the Nagesh Kukunoor-directed series 'Mrs. Deshpande'. The six-episode show, also starring Siddharth Chandekar, Kevin Dave, and Priyanshu Chatterjee, started streaming on JioHotstar from December 19.
