Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel recently sent waves of nostalgia across the internet by sharing a rare and cherished throwback picture from the early 2000s, a time when glamour, grandeur, and gripping thrillers dominated Hindi cinema. Taking her fans on a walk down memory lane, the Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai star posted a vintage photograph featuring her Humraaz co-stars Bobby Deol and Akshaye Khanna. The picture, taken during the film’s press conference ahead of its grand London premiere, offered fans a glimpse of the camaraderie and style that defined that cinematic era.
The trio Ameesha, Bobby, and Akshaye were seen posing together at Piccadilly Circus in London, just before the movie’s red-carpet premiere. In her caption, Ameesha fondly recalled the memory:
“Throwback Sunday, a sweet moment with Bobby Deol and Akshaye Khanna from our press conference in London, just before the grand premiere of Humraaz at PICCADILLY CIRCUS theatres.”
In the picture, Ameesha Patel and Akshaye Khanna coordinated in stylish yellow outfits, exuding early 2000s charm. Bobby Deol stood out with his relaxed charm in a denim jacket, effortlessly adding a retro yet stylish vibe to the frame. The nostalgic moment resonated with fans, with many of them recalling the fun they had watching Humraaz in cinemas, further establishing the film’s status in Bollywood’s popular consciousness.
A Stylish, Suspenseful Ride
Released on 5th July 2002, Humraaz was helmed by the then-popular thriller makers Abbas–Mustan, who were famous for their cliffhanger narratives. The movie featured Bobby Deol as Raj, a successful businessman; Akshaye Khanna as Karan, a sly stage artist; and Ameesha Patel as Priya, torn between loyalty, love, and trickery. With the blend of suspense, romance, and turns, the film presented audiences with something new, something away from the then-formulaic love stories.
The intricate plot and sleek production of the film made it one of the most iconic thrillers of the era. The performances of the trio were well-received, and the chemistry of the leads lent depth to what was already an engrossing plot. Humraaz was a box office hit, being the seventh highest-grossing Hindi film of 2002.
Inspirations from the West
The Humraaz story has been said to have been inspired by A Perfect Murder, a 1998 Hollywood movie that was itself a contemporary remake of the classic Alfred Hitchcock film Dial M for Murder. The movie was inspired by the acclaimed stage play penned by Frederick Knott. Abbas-Mustan brought this dark tale of betrayal and murder into the Bollywood space with their signature flair, complete with emotional drama, stylish sequences, and an unforgettable soundtrack.
Produced by Ganesh Jain, Ratan Jain, and Champak Jain, Humraaz was not only rich in visual storytelling but also boasted a fantastic music album. Written by Himesh Reshammiya, songs such as “Bardaasht Nahin Kar Sakta” and “Tune Zindagi Mein Aake” were chartbusters, adding more to the cultural reach of the movie.
Ameesha on Ahaan Panday and the Saiyaara Comparison
While her fans enjoyed her retro post, Ameesha Patel also commented on another hot topic: comparisons made between Saiyaara actor Ahaan Panday and her former co-star Hrithik Roshan, with whom she made her debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai.
Responding to the buzz around Saiyaara and its supposed similarities to her own debut era, Ameesha shared a balanced take.
“To begin with, I’d like to extend my best wishes to both these debutants for a successful journey ahead. And I hope they go on to create ‘Gadar’ at the box office,” she said, referencing the iconic success of Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, another milestone in her career.
She added, “Honestly, I haven’t seen the film, nor have any of my friends. No one I know has watched it. It wouldn’t be fair to comment on the film itself. However, I’ve noticed the comparisons not just recently, but even before its release. Even before the release, social media and PR teams were already making comparisons to Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai.
Her remarks reflected not only her honest opinion but also her grace and goodwill toward newcomers in the industry.
A Time Worth Remembering
Ameesha Patel’s heartfelt throwback post did more than just stir memories; it reminded fans of a unique time in Bollywood when premieres were grand, performances were layered, and stories were bold and ambitious. The early 2000s era, filled with fashion-forward statements, experimental plots, and fresh soundtracks, holds a special place in the hearts of cinema lovers.
As the photo continues to circulate online, one thing is certain: films like Humraaz and moments like these never truly fade. They remain etched in the industry’s history and in the hearts of fans, always ready to be revisited and celebrated.