by As Bollywood enthusiasts celebrate two decades of Veer-Zaara, the timeless love story of Veer Pratap Singh and Zaara Hayaat Khan continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Directed by the legendary Yash Chopra, this iconic romantic drama first graced the silver screens on November 12, 2004. Now, on its 20th anniversary, we revisit the journey of Veer-Zaara and take a look back at an interesting and little-known behind-the-scenes story involving Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and a rather frustrated Yash Chopra.
The Story of Veer-Zaara: A Love That Defied All Odds
At its core, Veer-Zaara is a tale of love that transcends borders, cultures, and time. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan as Veer Pratap Singh, an Indian Air Force officer, and Preity Zinta as Zaara Hayaat Khan, a Pakistani woman of noble lineage. Their love story begins when Veer rescues Zaara from an accident in India, setting off a chain of events that lead them to fall deeply in love. However, societal and political barriers separate them, making their union seemingly impossible.
Rani Mukerji, in a pivotal role, portrays Saamiya Siddiqui, a young Pakistani lawyer who comes to Veer’s rescue decades later. As she fights to free Veer from a wrongful imprisonment, the narrative unfolds through flashbacks, revealing the depth of Veer and Zaara’s love story. With a stellar supporting cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, and Manoj Bajpayee, Veer-Zaara is a testament to Yash Chopra’s mastery in creating emotionally stirring cinema.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Struggle: Calling Rani Mukerji ‘Beti’
In a film career spanning decades, Shah Rukh Khan has portrayed a vast array of characters—from the romantic Raj and Rahul to intense roles like those in Chak De! India and My Name Is Khan. However, playing the elderly Veer Pratap Singh in Veer-Zaara presented a unique challenge for the actor. In an old interview with India-West, Shah Rukh candidly spoke about how difficult it was for him to portray an older character, especially when it came to interacting with Rani Mukerji’s character as her elder.
Recalling a particularly challenging scene, Shah Rukh revealed that he struggled to call Rani Mukerji’s character ‘beti’ (daughter). “I remember that over 10 takes were needed because it was so tough to call Rani Mukerji, my lawyer in the film, as ‘beti’,” he shared. The actor, who was in his late 30s at the time of filming, noted that his own youthful mindset made it hard for him to embody the gravitas of a 60-year-old man. He joked that spending time with his own children had kept him feeling young at heart, which made playing an older character even more of a challenge.
Rani Mukerji, known for her camaraderie with Shah Rukh Khan, couldn’t help but laugh during these takes. She teased him, saying, “Shah, you cannot call me that!” This light-hearted banter, however, did not amuse Yash Chopra. According to Shah Rukh, the legendary filmmaker grew visibly frustrated by the repeated failed takes, eventually calling for a pack-up. It was a rare moment of tension on the set, considering the usually harmonious dynamic between Yash Chopra and his actors.
Yash Chopra’s Vision: Bringing Veer-Zaara to Life
Yash Chopra, often hailed as the “King of Romance” in Indian cinema, envisioned Veer-Zaara as a love story that transcended the typical Bollywood romance. He wanted to tell a tale that was not just about the passion of youth but also about the endurance and sacrifices that true love entails. In doing so, he made a deliberate choice to present Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta as older versions of their characters in the latter half of the film.
The decision to age the protagonists was risky, as Bollywood audiences were accustomed to seeing Shah Rukh Khan in his signature romantic hero avatar. However, Yash Chopra’s gamble paid off, as the portrayal of Veer and Zaara’s aging yet undying love resonated deeply with viewers. The film’s narrative, music, and dialogues combined to create an unforgettable cinematic experience, one that continues to be cherished two decades later.
The Music of Veer-Zaara: A Melodious Legacy
One cannot discuss Veer-Zaara without mentioning its soul-stirring soundtrack, composed by the legendary Madan Mohan and brought to life by his son, Sanjeev Kohli. The album features timeless songs like “Tere Liye,” “Main Yahaan Hoon,” and “Do Pal,” which became instant hits upon the film’s release. The lyrics, penned by Javed Akhtar, perfectly capture the essence of the story—love, longing, and the pain of separation.
The use of Madan Mohan’s unreleased compositions gave the film’s music a classic, timeless quality that set it apart from other Bollywood soundtracks of the time. The songs were not just musical pieces but integral parts of the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. Today, even after 20 years, the soundtrack of Veer-Zaara remains one of the most beloved in Bollywood history.
The Impact of Veer-Zaara: A Film That Stood the Test of Time
Upon its release, Veer-Zaara received widespread critical acclaim and was a massive commercial success. The film’s portrayal of a love that overcame cultural and national divides struck a chord with audiences around the world. It was praised for its sensitive handling of Indo-Pak relations, presenting a narrative of hope and unity at a time when tensions between the two nations were high.
Shah Rukh Khan’s performance as Veer Pratap Singh was lauded for its emotional intensity, while Preity Zinta delivered one of her finest performances as Zaara, the woman who sacrifices everything for love. Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of Saamiya Siddiqui, a modern, progressive lawyer fighting for justice, was equally well-received and added a powerful dimension to the film.
Two decades later, Veer-Zaara continues to be celebrated as one of Yash Chopra’s finest works and a milestone in Bollywood cinema. The film’s themes of love, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit remain as relevant today as they were in 2004.
Fans Celebrate 20 Years of Veer-Zaara
On the 20th anniversary of Veer-Zaara, fans took to social media to express their love for the film. The official handle of Yash Raj Films shared a special post commemorating the occasion, featuring a montage of memorable scenes from the movie. The caption read, “Two decades ago, we witnessed a love that defied all odds and stood the test of time… the legendary story of Veer-Zaara will echo forever… Celebrating #20YearsOfVeerZaara.”
The comments section was flooded with nostalgic messages from fans, with many calling it a “timeless classic” and reminiscing about the emotional impact the film had on them. One user wrote, “This movie will always be remembered,” while another added, “20 years of pure cinematic magic.”
A Timeless Classic: The Legacy of Veer-Zaara
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Veer-Zaara, it’s evident that the film’s legacy has only grown with time. It remains a benchmark for romantic storytelling in Indian cinema, a film that beautifully encapsulates the power of love and the human capacity for selfless sacrifice. For Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukerji, and the entire cast and crew, Veer-Zaara was more than just a film—it was a labor of love, a project that showcased their finest performances and brought out the best of Yash Chopra’s directorial brilliance.
In an industry that churns out countless love stories every year, Veer-Zaara stands apart as a story that transcends time, reminding us that true love knows no boundaries, whether of age, culture, or nationality. As we look back on two decades of this iconic film, one thing is certain: the love story of Veer and Zaara will continue to inspire and move audiences for generations to come.
