The curse of Mohabbatein
WHY 21 YEARS OF THE FILM ISN’T WORTH CELEBRATING
The film is overrated and long
THIS week marks the 21st anniversary of Mohabbatein, which became one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema history before its release on October 27, 2000.
The Bollywood musical generated great excitement because it was the second film from record-breaking Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge director Aditya Chopra, along with being the first to bring together mega-stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. Although the eyecatching romance clocked up impressive figures at the box office, it ultimately doesn’t stand the test of time and seemingly jinxed many of those involved.
The film was criticised for romanticising suicide, when the leading lady takes her own life because she can’t be with the man she loves and at over three hours has plenty of pointless scenes. The disappointing film also tried to unsuccessfully ape 1989 Hollywood film Dead Poet’s Society and had multiple continuity errors that were highlighted in subsequent years.
While its multiple flaws have been discussed, what hasn’t been highlighted is how seemingly cursed it became and the negative impact on those associated with it.
Music directing duo Jatin-Lalit were undisputedly number one in Bollywood when the film released, but six years later, they had split up and never reached great heights again. Aditya Chopra would only direct two more films, which were 2008 release Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and 2016 stinker Befikre.
Just a few years later there would be a major falling out between the lead pair when Shah Rukh Khan fired Aishwarya Rai from his home production Chalte Chalte (2003), after an altercation with Salman Khan and replaced her with fierce rival Rani Mukerji.
But the biggest casualties were the newly launched six young newcomers, who were supposed to be the next big stars of Bollywood but were unable to capitalise on the global platform given to them and mostly descended downwards. Most were crushed by expectations and saw their respective careers plummet after the film released. Beyond supporting roles in the three Dhoom films produced by his family banner, Uday Chopra only starred in a tiny handful of forgettable releases and then had a failed attempt to crack Hollywood as a producer.
Former child star Jugal Hansraj also didn’t have any producers wanting to elevate him to leading man status and acted in a small number of films before trying his hand at directing. Shamita Shetty, Kim Sharma and Preeti Jhangiani did career-killing films that bombed, and none were able to make a frontline place for themselves in Bollywood. All three had a downwards descent.
Although talented actor Jimmy Shergill never found the huge success as a leading man, smarter choices enabled him to play supporting roles in successful films, but they were sadly outweighed by unsuccessful efforts. So, while some corners will celebrate Mohabbatein turning 21, I see it as an overrated film that had questionable messaging, was badly made, far too long and launched six new stars that had their careers cursed.