17 Years of Duplicate

In its rich history, the Hindi film industry has seen famous double roles being played by the biggest of stars. Each of these stories has been etched into our minds and is fondly remembered. One such movie that captivated the audiences with its witty and humorous rendition was ‘Duplicate’.

The movie cashes in on the successful formula of duplicates stuck in their own worlds and how they come face to face and what changes it brings about. The king of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan played the roles of both Bablu and Manu. He was ably supported by the beautiful Juhi Chawla and the pretty Sonali Bendre who played the roles of Sonia and Lily respectively. With a star cast like that, the movie was able to captivate the audience and ended up being termed as a laugh riot.

While the general trend of movies having double roles is to have a happy ending with both doppelgangers uniting, trust Dharma to be different and look beyond the norms. The villainous Manu isn’t redeemed and his grey shades add the much needed twist to the plot.

With such an amazing mix of talent, the nominations and awards were sure to follow. Juhi Chawla was named the Most Sensational Actress for her amazing role in the flick.

The years have since rolled on since the film’s release but it still tickles the funny bone of audiences across the world. We wish the entire team of ‘Duplicate’ a very happy anniversary and continued success in the years to come.

A Song For Every Mood

Human emotions are cherished at Dharma. The movies are known to highlight human emotions in ways that connect with people at a deeper level. One aspect that helps make this deep connect is the songs. And Dharma movies have one for every emotion. We pick out five such songs whose lyrics and music made you go on that emotional rollercoaster ride.

Chaandaniya 

The love story of Krish and Ananya is perhaps aptly described in this song. The pain of separation is hard to bear and any couple who has been a part of such a situation could relate to the lyrics of the song. The tears in Krish’s and Ananya’s eyes are sure to make you sad. But, that’s the impact that the song has on you.

Suraj Hua Maddham                                                              

There is hardly a love story that is as intense as the one between Rahul and Anjali in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. The young and vibrant Rahul romancing the vivacious Anjali is a sight most moviegoers still behold. And when ‘Suraj Hua Maddham’ was played, that fact was imprinted on people’s mind. Sonu Nigam and Alka Yagnik’s mesmerizing voice captivated the young and old.

Where’s The Party Tonight! 

Every generation in Bollywood has had a party song of their own. KANK gave the current generation one when ‘Where’s The Party Tonight?’ came out. The DJs had it on their system and so did the general public. The duo of Rhea and Rishi showed how to part hard and have a ball as they grooved to the song’s tune.

Maahi Ve                                      

In India, music and weddings go hand in hand. Over the years, many songs have been danced to during various wedding ceremonies. But, ‘Maahi Ve’ made sure that not just individuals but the entire family shook a leg or two and joined in the fun. The catchy lyrics and the peppy music provided a lethal combination to set people free of their inhibitions.

Deva Shree Ganesha                                                        

Lord Ganesha is one of the most loved Gods in the country. And Ajay-Atul’s composition ‘Deva Shree Ganesha’ captured the fervor of a religious activity to perfection. The song was played over and over again during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi and brought about a religious inclination in the minds of the people.

Thus, Dharma serves you a song for every mood. What’s your mood today?

16 years of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai!

16 years ago, Karan Johar first burst onto the Bollywood scene as a director with 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. The film, that starred Kajol, Rani Mukerji and Shah Rukh Khan was a spectacular box office hit and paved the way for him to direct more movies like 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna', ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham' and 'Student Of The Year'. Karan Johar was 25 when he made his directorial debut.

'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' makes Bollywood look cool again. The Riverdale School look, complete with the hip clothes and sets, makes even the staunchest of snobs sit up and take notice of the film. After all here is a film where even the extras look as hot as the heroines.

Shah Rukh Khan as Rahul is the undisputed star and crowd-puller of the movie, also Salman Khan’s cameo takes the film to a whole different level. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is one of those films, where Salman Khan displays his acting chops and gives a showcase of what he is

truly is capable of. 

The chartbusting soundtrack for 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' remains one of Bollywood cinema’s finest albums ever. It is a 90s classic that continues to resonate in the hearts of many a music lover. Be it the title song or Ladki Badi Anjani, or that theme tune that has become part of the Dharma Productions logo clip; romance has seldom sounded so melodious.

In a movie that starred two Khans, Kajol manages to overshadow them with her career-best act in an author-backed role that does complete justice to her range as an actress. As the sporty Anjali who goes from looking like a tomboy, to becoming the perfect dulhania, Kajol scores a three-pointer in every sense of the word.

Among the many awards the film garnered for its makers and cast, 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' also went on to win the National Award for providing wholesome entertainment in 1999. On its 16th anniversary, come join us in celebrating a film that has taken us through a range of emotions! Do tell us your favorite moments from the film in the comments below.

Nandini Raichand - The Ideal Indian wife

In a relationship, we tend to argue but sooner or later leave all our differences behind and make peace with each other. Yes, the relationships we build with our family, our friends, our partners are the ones which eventually make us complete.

For Nandini Raichand, her family was her life and loving them was her ultimate goal in life. She loved her husband, Yashvardhan and both her sons, Rahul & Rohan. Where Nandini was warm and respected her children’s decision, Yashvardhan was more of an authoritative person and always wanted his family to follow the rules and traditions set by his forefathers. When Rahul married Anjali without Yashvardhan’s consent, Yashvardhan abandoned them. Nandini was heartbroken yet followed Yashvardhan’s decision. Her burst of anger is summarized perfectly in one line she says; “Mera pati sirf pati hai, parmeshwar nahi”. That one line makes her husband realize what he has done. No theatrics, no arguments and no passive aggressive statements, just one heartfelt emotional line.

Relationships are not war, nor are they competitions where there will be one winner and one loser, relationships are a combination of love, companionship, trust and above all honesty. It’s the honesty Nandani and Yash have in their relationship that makes it one of the best on-screen husband and wife portrayal. It helped that it was played by one of the greatest real life couples of Bollywood, Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan. What do you think? What is the most important thing in a relationship?

Be Yourself!

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai…


The very mention of the movie brings back many emotions, falling in love with the characters, those favorite scenes and dialogues, the times we’ve cried and fallen in love with the film. Undoubtedly, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai shall remain one of the most special films to us.

When Rahul narrates the tale of his friendship to his daughter, he introduces her saying,

“Anjali… Doosri ladkiyon ki tarah toh thi hi nahin. Who toh bas hum ladko jaisi thi. Pata hai? Sab ladkiya make up karti thi aur Anjali… Anjali basketball khelti thi. Aur kapde, who mere jaise pehenti thi! Haan sach! Jhalli thi meri Anjali, sajna, sawarna, khoobsurat lagna, yeh sab toh uska aata hi nahin tha.”

Yes, that’s exactly how Anjali Sharma was in college, Rahul’s best friend. Until Tina arrived and Rahul started falling in love with her, just like Anjali started realizing her love for Rahul. And then we all know what crazy things loves makes us do!

Voila! The tomboy Anjali Sharma was all girly the next day in college to everyone’s surprise. She wanted to be liked, she wanted to be accepted, and she wanted to look beautiful just like Tina. But people laughed at her, Rahul laughed the hardest. But he also reminded her, “Tum bahut khoobsurat ho, kyunki tum sabse zyaada alag ho. At least tum un stupid ladkiyon ki tarah toh nahin ho jinke peechhe main bhaagta hoon!”

That’s all about it, we are loved and accepted for who we are and if learn to be comfortable in our skin and respect our differences! that’s the way to be, that’s what life teaches us, that’s what our movies teach us! :)

8 years of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna!

8 years ago, we celebrated the release of our film, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. The film boasted of a star studded cast, that included Bollywood Superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, along with Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta and Kirron Kher. After the success of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Karan Johar’s third directorial venture touched the topic of extra marital affairs.

Is love about righteousness alone? Was Dev supposed to pull through a terrible marriage? Was Maya expected to compromise because of her marriage in spite of finding love in the form of Dev? Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna explores a journey of love that goes beyond the boundaries of righteousness

You might not agree with the character’s stance in the movie; they break societal barriers. But in the end love triumphs over all. The biggest success of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was the fact that the film became the highest overseas grosser when it released, and the love kept growing. Today, as we celebrate the 8thanniversary of its release, all we want to say is keep the love coming and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna!

For the love of Parents & Dharma!

Parents Day has always been a special occasion for Dharma movies, because we have always believed in celebrating parents for being the biggest gift of our lives. The parent-child relationship is an extremely special bond.
From bringing you up to watching you stand on your feet, to be by your side when you cry, to give you strength while you need it the most, as a teacher, as a friend and as the strongest pillar of your lives, parents are always there by your side. The strength, support and balance that your parents provide shall remain unparalleled.
Isn’t it wonderful how parents balance between us? Nandini Raichand loved and pampered her sons, while Yashvarshan Raichand was strict and particular of rules and traditions, Rahul was a cool father and Anjali the strict mother to Krish in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Similarly, Sid’s mom in Wake Up Sid always placed Sid before her needs, while his father took up the task of getting his son on track. In Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Anjali had no mother, but she had her mother’s letters, a loving father in Rahul and an extremely loving Dadi. In Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Bunny’s father never stopped him from anything, he found happiness in the fact that Bunny never compromised on his dreams!
Parents! They take care of you, they spoil you and pamper you and they even yell at you, guide you and support you to live a better life! Here’s raising a toast to all the parents in the world for being so wonderful!

Celebrating the season of love!

The season of romance is here, the Monsoons!!! Needless to say, we love the rains as they symbolize the various important emotions in life. The expression of love, happiness, the craziness and the sorrow. It's the ambience that the rains create that compels you to fall in love with them. Whether it's the smell of the first rains or the vivid moods they get you into, everyone simply loves everything about rains. And then, expressing yourself doesn’t seem as difficult as it earlier felt.
Remember Rahul and Anjali dancing to the silent music of the rains in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai? Or Aisha and Sid realizing their love, dreams and passion in Wake Up Sid? Even the otherwise reclusive Vijay expressed his love for Kaali in the rains! Then there’s Rohit and Naina, strengthening the life long bond of their friendship in Kal Ho Naa Ho! Ask Simran from I Hate Luv Stories why a girl loves the rains, and she’d say, ‘’To fall in love!”
We agree!
The monsoon is a season that deserves not just celebration, but the feeling of it to sink in! The dark clouds, the rainy days, hot cups of coffee and Dharma movies will do the rest for you.

So don’t miss this chance to celebrate in the rains & get drenched. Happy Monsoon ;)

Repair Almost Anything

In an age when everything right from tissues to relationships are used, thrown and disposed, Rizwan Khan and Mandira come to reinstate the belief in everlasting relationships. Rizwan who suffers from the Asperger’s Syndrome and is termed autistic or abnormal, turned out to be more intelligent and considerate about people and relationships. Sticking by his mother’s childhood lessons, Rizwan never differentiates between people on the basis of false grounds such as caste, religion, etc. For him, the real demarcation of people was their deeds, so for him there were only good and bad people. Rizwan did all he could to repair his relationship, his love and his marriage because he believed that relationships were meant to last till death, they need not be dumped but repaired.

We absolutely love Rizwan Khan for reinstating this beautiful lesson! Do you agree?