It’s been 20 years since 1996. The year Bollywood took some steps forward, but mostly remained stuck to the song and dance entertainers everybody loved. The stars weren’t so shy of shooting their mouths off and Hollywood wasn’t aware that we made two movies out of one of their successful films. On that note, let’s have a look at some of the cool things that happened 20 years ago and let’s feel really, really, really f*cking old.
1) Two Bollywood releases in 1996 were inspired by the Hollywood hit – Sleeping With The Enemy
Agni Sakshi and Daraar. The former had Nana Patekar play the role of the abusive husband, Manisha Koirala the battered wife and Jackie Shroff, her savior. The other had Juhi Chawla and Rishi Kapoor as good people, while Arbaaz Khan made a promising debut as a baddie. Both were blatant Bollywoodized versions of Julia Roberts‘ Sleeping With The Enemy.
2) Sushmita Sen made her Bollywood debut
The movie was called Dastak and this is when the former Miss Universe and the then-married director of the film, Vikram Bhatt started seeing each other.
3) India got its first movie based on a lesbian relationship
Starring Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das, this Deepa Mehta movie was banned from theaters in India because it showcased a same sex relationship. Which is still (after 20 years) illegal in our country.
4) Sanjay Leela Bhansali made his first movie
It’s been 20 years of SLB in Bollywood, you guys!
5) We were blessed with this song
Try getting this out of your head now.
6) Akshay Kumar & Raveena Tandon were still dating
7) Omkar Kapoor sang – chota bachcha jaan ke humko na samjhana re
He made his official debut (as a grown up) this year with Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2!
8) This kiss happened
This one is still the benchmark for the hottest kisses in Bollywood.
9) A sequel to the 1967 classic Jewel Thief released
It was called Return of Jewel Thief and it starred Dev Anand. Many people chose to forget the sequel though.
10) And finally, Rani Mukerji starred in her first ever Bollywood movie – Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat
Started from the bottom and now she’s here.
Feel old yet? I definitely do!