You could probably credit Hum Tum for really kicking off the “romcom” genre in Bollywood, and it remains, till date, one of my favourite films to kick back and watch – especially for that lovely arranged marriage scene featuring Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji.
The film has now completed 12 years (wow!) and to celebrate, director Kunal Kohli has taken to Twitter to share a bunch of facts about the film you probably didn’t know.
The America and Paris portions were shot in Amsterdam…
#12yearsofHumTum because of budget issues we shot America & Paris portions in Amsterdam itself
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) May 28, 2016
Prasoon Joshi was supposed to write the dialogues, but he liked the ones Kohli had written himself…
#12yearsofHumTum we approached Prasoon Joshi to write the dialogues.He said the ones by me are most apt & offered to write lyrics instead
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) May 28, 2016
Yash Chopra wasn’t convinced about this film, but Aditya Chopra stood behind Kunal Kohli…
#12yearsofHumTum initially Yashji wasnt convinced of the film.Adi stood by me.Finally when Yashji saw it he loved it.I cried in relief n joy
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) May 28, 2016
Bombay Times featured daily Hum Tum comic strips…
#12yearsofHumTum @bombaytimes had Hum Tum cartoon strips daily #IndiaToday put us on d cover.A small film got a lot of prerelease buzz
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) May 28, 2016
They kicked off the “promotional video” concept…
#12yearsofHumTum Rishi Rich & Veronica did a single that created quite a stir,I think we started the promotional video concept
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) May 28, 2016
Kirron Kher was onboard as soon as she heard the script…
#12yearsofHumTum Kirron kher loved the script from the time I narrated it to her & added so much to the film. Thank you KK
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) May 28, 2016
Many people thought the animation portions weren’t necessary…
#12yearsofHumTum the animation was a 1st as part of a narrative in a Hindi film. Many felt it wasn’t needed.Adi n me believed it would work
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) May 28, 2016
Here are some more facts you probably didn’t know, according to IMDb:
- Saif’s role was offered initially to Vivek Oberoi, Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan – all three declined.
- Kajol was supposed to do this film initially, but Rani Mukerji was brought on board once she opted out.
- The film was titled Na Jaane Kab Pyaar Ho Gaya at first.
- The camo-print pants Saif wears in Ladki Kyon are his own.
- The iconic “this is my Tom Cruise look” line came about when one of the assistants on sets remarked that Saif’s hair was Tom Cruise’s style. Kohli liked it and included it in the script, but had to convince Saif to use it since the actor wasn’t convinced at first.
And now I’m definitely planning a Hum Tum rewatch 🙂