35 Years Of Phenomenal Cinema, 35 Years Of Dharma

It is all fireworks for Dharma Productions today as we turn 35. The journey began in 1980 when Yash Johar, with eyes full of dreams, founded this film production and distribution company. His son, Karan Johar, took the legacy forward to make Dharma the cinematic phenomenon that it is today.

We celebrate this day by reminiscing the memorable songs and zingy dialogues from all Dharma movies. We are thankful to the fans and admirers of Dharma who have filled the digital space with their hearty wishes on this day. We would also like to thank Sidharth Malhotra, Ronnie Screwvala, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and other reputed members of the film fraternity who tweeted about their experience and journeys with Dharma.

Let’s look back at some of the unforgettable memories that Dharma has given us. the love and friendship equation in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, love for family in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, loving your independence in Wake Up Sid, sacrificing love in Kal Ho Na Ho and love knowing no boundaries in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Over the years, these movies have created a special place in everyone’s hearts.

Whether it’s the chartbusting albums, catchy phrases or grand sets, Dharma has always painted an awe-inspiring picture for the audiences. It is all about unique stories, beautiful storytelling and a magical transformation of thoughts into motion picture. It is not only a celebration of 35 years of phenomenal cinema, it is the commemoration of films that made us laugh, cry and fall in love.

Colours of Dharma – Friendship

Friends are like rainbows, always there to cheer you up after a storm. Dharma Productions has witnessed quite a few rainbows sparkle along with all the thunder and rain waterworks. Here are 5 types of friendships our Dharma characters shared on screen...

1. The “I love you so much I’d do anything for you...” buddy
The camaraderie Kunal and Sameer shared in the film Dostana is testament to the kind of bromance only these two are capable of!

                           

2. The Wingman
Aman sharing lessons in love with Rohit is simply the nicest thing anyone would do for a friend. They grew so close, that even Kanta ben began to doubt if they were... err... more than friends! When was the last time you were a wingman for your buddy?

3. The Masti wale buddies
We all agree that college is no fun without your besties. And who better to know this than Poo herself? We see her marching around with her little entourage and having a ball of a time in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Honestly, can you imagine sitting through boring lectures without your gang around to do some masti with?

                                       

4. The One in a Million friend!
Rahul and Riana in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, share a special kind of friendship. A friendship that is too precious to let go no matter what the odds. On the plus side, you can always get a free haircut when you have a super stylist friend like Riana! 

                                       

5. The BFF for life!
We all have had our share of cheating at games when we were kids, no? And most of us may have surely learnt a thing or two from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Rahul and Anjali ushered in a new era of friendship when they played a game of Basketball in their own quirky style. By that we mean, Rahul cheating at the game and Anjali yelling “Rahul is a cheater!”

If there’s one thing we can take away from Dharma films, it’s got to be the fact that friends are awesome! They are always around to support you, love you and cheer you up when you’re down. If you know a friend that fits the description of any of the above, do share the joy and tag them in the comments section! Here’s to friendship, cheers!

#Resolutions2015

The New Year is here and everyone’s busy making resolutions they can’t keep. Lucky for us, the lovely characters of Dharma films have also taken up New Year Resolutions and we look up to them when it comes to keeping their promises.

Here’s a list of some of our famous Dharma characters and their New Year’s resolutions for the year 2015:

The very quirky Meeta from Hasee Toh Phasee says that this year she’s going on a diet. Toothpaste is no longer a part of her diet anymore.

                                                  

Dostana’s Kunal and Sam have decided that running after the same girl can be injurious to friendship. After a lot of thought, the two friends came to a conclusion that their resolution for 2015 is to not compete with each other for the same girl!
                                        

                                          

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’s Anjali Sharma sent Rahul Khanna on a guilt trip and he resolves not to cheat at basketball. The same may not apply to other sports he says, but he assures us that he won’t cheat at basketball. Ever.

                                         

Pooh from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham says her New Year’s resolution is to make it a point to attend Aarti every morning, Rohan or no Rohan.

                                        

After marriage, 2 states’ Ananya has been spending lots of quality time with her mother-in-law, Kavita. After receiving tons of criticism from Kavita, Ananya has decided her New Year’s resolution is to learn how to cook some delectable North Indian food.
                                           

                                         

Gippi has taken a firm oath to go on a yo-yo diet in 2015. She plans to drop a yoyo into her food and eat only whatever sticks to it!
                                         

                                        

Now that you’ve seen a few New Year’s resolutions of some of our most memorable characters, Dharma productions would love to know what New Year’s resolutions you’ve taken up? Will it be to cut back on a few calories? Spend less on junk food and parties and focus more on savings? Or simply complete all those resolutions of 2014 that never made it to your checklist. Tell us your New Year’s resolutions in the comments below.

#Flashback2014 - 2 States

North Indians and South Indians have always been poles apart. Especially since the two communities are geographically located far apart from each other. In Abhishek Verma’s ‘2 States’, we see one such instance of North meets South when the Malhotras meet the Swaminathans.

The film portrays a young couple from two completely different cultural backgrounds falling in love and all the quirky situations that take place between the two families. ‘2 States’ has a very strong on-screen presence owing to the simple narrative style coupled with the fact that the film was an adaptation of well renowned author Chetan Bhagat's best-selling work. The film is a magical north indian-south indian love story you wish would never end. It creates a world where characters don’t shout to be heard. They just belong to a world where being proper, politically or otherwise, is not always a pre-condition.

In India, one doesn't simply marry the boy/girl; you marry their entire family. 2 States documents Ananya Swaminathan and Krish Malhotra's trials as they try their best to convince their families of their love towards each other. Unfortunately their effort of bringing their families together threatens to tear them apart.

‘2 States’ has more than its fair share of Madrasi-Punjabi jokes. Throughout the beginning of the film, Krish uses his Punjabi-ness as an excuse for everything. Sample this, "Punjabi hoon. Khoon garam hota hai humara." The song-and-dance sequence at Krish's cousin's wedding undermines the seriousness of the culture clash but provides a good enough opportunity for 2 States to take a strong, unapologetic and rather hilarious stand on dowry -- something that North Indians have normalised a little too much.

Alia Bhatt comes off as a complete surprise. She leaves behind her earlier films, and gets into a whole different character; she is easy, fresh and natural. Alia really grows into her character and makes you believe that she's a career-oriented IIM-A grad. She has simply done a phenomenal job of acting in this film.

All in all, there's nothing in this world that should hold you back from watching 2 States. If you're as desi as the next person, you’ll definitely want to run home after watching this film and give your parents a big hug.

Finally, a villain you will fall in love with!

Sanjay Dutt garnered appreciation from all quarters for his wicked smile, puffed-up eyes and malicious appearance in ‘Agneepath’. However, he admits that his 'villainous' act scared him as well. In Karan Johar's Agneepath, Sanjay essays the role of the villainous Kancha, a reprisal of the equally villainous ‘Kancha Cheena’ made notorious by the inimitable Danny Denzongpa in the original movie, while Hrithik Roshan  reprises the role of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan.

Dutt’s Kancha is shown as a wicked bald man who dons a black Dhoti Kurta, with an overpowering physique, tattoos on his arms, a silver ring on top of his left ear and sporting a black Dhoti Kurta. This menacing look of Sanjay Dutt in the film was painstakingly created to meet the director’s expectations. Karan Malhotra admits that Kancha’s look was designed keeping Marlon Brando’s ‘Apocalypse Now’s’ bald look in mind, Sanjay however respectfully disagrees. Other than the earrings that Brando’s Colonel Walter E Kurtz doesn’t wear Sanjay points out that Kancha doesn’t even have eyebrows and eyelashes. Sanjay was initially supposed to go in for prosthetics but when the make-up started melting in the heat of Diu, he decided to shave his head for the first time in his life.

The bald look instantly became an eye catcher in the film’s first promos, as did the dialogue, ‘Vijay Deenanath Chauhan ko marna padega’ (Vijay Deenanath Chauhan has to die), followed by vile laughter. Dutt admits that he was inspired by Jack Nicholson’s Joker in Batman and it was on his mind when he was working on Kancha‘s laugh. In an interview, Sanjay also admitted that during dubbing for the film he needed to take a break because he couldn’t see himself like this, his own portrayal of Kancha left him disturbed! Sanjay says, “Our film is not a remake but a tribute to Agneepath and its director Mukul Anand. It’s Karan Malhotra’s vision and story. It took guts for a debutant director to take on an iconic film, but he’s come through with flying colours. He even made life simple for me by sketching out Kancha perfectly.”

Everyone who’s seen the film will agree that Kancha is one villain you will grow to love, simply for the iconic way in which Sanjay Dutt has pulled off the role. For someone who has always played the more heroic roles, this was a first for Sanjay Dutt and he certainly deserves applause!

Happy Birthday Rishi Kapoor!

The proverb “old is gold” holds true with actor, film producer and director Rishi Kapoor. Just like fine wine, he has matured over time into an amazing actor and we are proud to have him as a part of our Dharma family. Today we joyously celebrate the birthday of one of the most versatile actors of our time; Rishi Kapoor here’s wishing you a very Happy Birthday!
His power packed performance in Agneepath as Rauf Lala, an underworld drug lord, left fans with chills down their spine! He seamlessly pulled of the absolute unabashed, unapologetic, evil portrayal of Rauf Lala. The brilliant part is that even when he was trading off young girls you still see him as a flawed human being instead of a monster and that is a feat only Rishi Kapoor can pull off.
In contrast to Agneepath, Rishi Kapoor displayed remarkable flexibility when he played the role of Dean Yogendra Vashisht, in Student Of The Year. It was for the first time ever that a mainstream actor enacted such a diverse role and with Rishi Kapoor playing the role of a flamboyant man, he certainly gave us a power-packed performance.
We are extremely proud to have worked with such a legend and hope to see him starring in many future Dharma Productions. Here’s to you ‘Chintuji’, may you have many successful years ahead. Do join in the celebration and share your favorite Rishi Kapoor scene from Dharma movies in the comments below.

Celebrating 4 Years of We Are Family!

It’s been 4 years since ‘We Are Family’ directed by Sidharth Malhotra hit the screens and we still sense a few tears rolling down the cheeks of many of our fans. It certainly was a heart-touching film with which many families can relate to. A terminally ill mother played by Kajol, trying her best to ensure a bright future for her husband played by Arjun Rampal and their three kids.

Doesn’t the line “Zindagi ko ab saalon ki jagah lamho mein ginna seekh lo” still hold deep connect with our lives? It makes us realize that we should cherish every moment that we spend with our loved ones.

This is a timeless film that Dharma fans would love to watch again; the songs ‘Hamesha & Forever’ and ‘Dil Khol Ke Let's Rock’ still bring back sweet memories of those fun-filled moments during the film. It will always remain the go-to film when you just want to cuddle up with your family and spend quality time with the ones that matter the most to you! We thank you for your constant love and support

Happy Birthday Saif Ali Khan!

There’s an old saying – “The older the wine, the better it is”. Somewhat similar, is the ever youthful. Saif Ali Khan, who we lovingly call ‘Rohit Patel’ from ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’! Saif is undoubtedly one of the hottest men in town with a rather striking attitude; and that is what makes him special!
We love how Saif gives Rohit a personal touch- the sweet boy next door, the friend for life, the fun chilled person; his humor, his style and his charm are enough to sweep all the ladies off their feet. This is just the beginning.
Rohit was Naina’s best friend, the guy with a good heart. He slowly becomes the man who loves her, and the husband who stays by her side as her best friend till the end of their time. Saif adds a lot of charm and style to the character - Rohit. We’re sure, when you reminisce about Kal Ho Naa Ho you’ll have many memories of Rohit to enjoy!
As he turns a year older and wiser, here’s wishing more love, success, movie magic and power to Saif Ali Khan! Celebrate with us by sharing your favorite Saif Ali Khan scene from Dharma movies in the comments section below.


Happy birthday Saif Ali Khan! :)

6 Din Ladki In

Aman had a solution to everything- for Dadi and her friends’ singing rehearsals, for Shiv’s desire to play basketball, for bringing together Jiya’s broken family and to fix Naina and Rohit’s broken heart by bringing them closer in Kal Ho Naa Ho.
He just wouldn’t let Rohit give up on his love for Naina. He did everything possible to ensure they came together even though he loved Naina. Aman helped Rohit win Naina’s love!
Aman had a simple funda about girls, “The more you run away from them, the more they shall chase you to get your attention.” Here’s Aman’s six day plan to help him get the girl of his dreams!

‘6 Din, Ladki In’

Day I: Sit next to her but don’t talk to her
Day 2: Don’t talk to her again today and sit elsewhere to make her jealous.
Day 3: Don’t meet her today. She’ll try calling you, curse you and then go off to sleep.
Day 4: Have a cool attitude, walk casually; Talk to her confidently and pour your heart out.
Day 5: Flirt with her & gift her something really elegant
Day 6: Spend time with her even if it's joining salsa classes, tell her how you feel

That's all it took for Naina to realize that Rohit had become more than just a friend.

Watch this scene here-http://bit.ly/Scene-6Din

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!