Rakesh Roshan and the Legendary 'Karan Arjun'
In the realm of Indian cinema, very few films have resonated with audiences the way 'Karan Arjun' did. The year was 1995 when this movie, with its gripping storyline and an ensemble cast, struck a chord with millions. As the film gears up for a grand re-release in 2024, director Rakesh Roshan shared his thoughts with Pinkvilla, giving audiences a heartfelt reflection on the movie and its iconic stars, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. In his candid interview, Roshan didn’t hold back on his admiration for these actors, who, he said, continue to work with the same fervor and humility that they showed decades ago.
The Dedication of Bollywood Icons
Both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan need no introduction in Bollywood or worldwide. Their journey from novices to renowned superstars is a topic of fascination, not just for fans but for everyone associated with the industry. According to Rakesh Roshan, despite their overwhelming success, the two have retained their humility. During the making of 'Karan Arjun', Roshan observed that both actors were hungry to learn. They were young, full of energy, and without the airs of their impending stardom. Today, they are at the apex of their careers but have never taken their success for granted, continuing to showcase the same dedication towards every project they undertake.
Kajol: The Epitome of Endurance
When you talk about enduring talents, Kajol undoubtedly tops that list. Her contribution to 'Karan Arjun' was pivotal, and Rakesh Roshan spared no effort in praising her long-lasting career. He attributed her success to her mental fortitude and keen attention to both physical and emotional well-being. Kajol's ability to adapt and remain relevant despite changing industry trends has been integral to her illustrious career. It's not just talent that has kept her afloat, but a strong will and the capacity to reinvent herself continually.
A Nostalgic Peek Behind the Scenes
The making of 'Karan Arjun' was an experience set in the simpler times of filmmaking, as Rakesh Roshan vividly remembers. The anecdotes he shared paint a picture of camaraderie and an informal, family-like atmosphere that is often missing in today's fast-paced industry. Shah Rukh and Salman shared more than just screentime; they shared small, somewhat cramped living spaces and engaged in everyday activities, such as having meals together and enjoying the company of a shared crew. It was a setting where there was little room for egos and plenty of space for friendships to flourish.
Hrithik Roshan: A Pivotal Contributor
While the spotlight was on the lead actors, Rakesh Roshan took a moment to recognize the significant contributions of his son Hrithik Roshan during the making of 'Karan Arjun'. Even at the outset of his career, Hrithik was an essential cog in the film's production as an assistant director. His insights on scenes, script adjustments, and shot compositions were invaluable. Hrithik himself often reminisces about the film, perhaps none more fondly than the moment when the visionary line 'Bhaag Arjun' was coined during a brainstorming session he attended. This creative input was a testament to his early prowess and understanding of cinema.
The Anticipated Re-release
As the clock ticks down to the re-release of 'Karan Arjun', a mix of nostalgia and anticipation fills the air. The film not only etched its place in Bollywood's history through its box office success but also through emotional storytelling that resonated with audiences. Rakesh Roshan is eager to gauge whether the narrative and emotions that captivated audiences nearly three decades ago still have the same impact. The re-release is not just about revisiting a classic, but also about awakening sentiments and memories associated with it. The Bollywood landscape has evolved significantly, yet the timeless story of 'Karan Arjun' might just echo with today's audience as it did back then.
A Timeless Bond
At the heart of 'Karan Arjun' was not just a riveting story, but the evident and genuine bond between the stars. Rakesh Roshan recalls how, devoid of any rivalry or insecurities, Shah Rukh and Salman shared an undeniable chemistry and friendship. Their willingness to understand the depth of their characters and deliver performances that balanced emotional appeal with typical Bollywood drama became a hallmark of the film's success. Their journey, from co-actors to co-stars sharing a profound bond, is something both have carried forward in their careers, impacting Bollywood at large.
As the re-release date approaches, Rakesh Roshan’s reflections not only offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past but also an insightful witness to the incredible evolution of its stars. The film, once again, stands to remind audiences why 'Karan Arjun' continues to be hailed as one of Bollywood's most treasured cinematic pieces.
Sihle Tana
I am a journalist with a passion for covering daily news in Africa. My work has taken me across the continent, reporting on significant events and stories that impact communities. I strive to bring insightful and comprehensive news coverage to my readers.
omg i cried when i watched karan arjun again last week like seriously why do they make movies like this anymore?? the bond between srk and salman was pure magic and kajol just owned every scene like she was born to be in it
The synergistic dynamics between the lead actors in Karan Arjun exemplify a pre-digital era of collaborative auteurship, where actor-director alignment was predicated on affective labor and non-hierarchical production ecology. Roshan's stewardship fostered a transitive emotional substrate that enabled performative authenticity-something algorithm-driven contemporary cinema lacks due to commodified star personas.
This is what Indian cinema used to be about-real people, real emotions, no filters. Today everything’s packaged for TikTok, but back then you could feel the sweat, the laughter, the late-night chai sessions between takes. That’s the soul you can’t CGI.
I just... I can't believe how much Hrithik contributed behind the scenes even before he was famous... I mean, seriously, the 'Bhaag Arjun' line?? That's the kind of genius that doesn't get credited enough... And honestly, the way SRK and Salman just... lived together? No ego? No drama? That's just... impossible today... I miss that era so much... I really do...
Let’s be brutally honest-this isn’t nostalgia, it’s cultural amnesia. The ‘90s weren’t golden-they were just unpolished. SRK and Salman were raw, yes, but so was the entire industry: no VFX, no social media, no branding gurus, just desperate men with charisma and a script. Kajol? She was the only one with actual technique. And Hrithik? He wasn’t an assistant director-he was a privileged nepo-baby with a camera. Don’t romanticize mediocrity wrapped in emotional blackmail. This film worked because it was loud, simple, and sold tickets-not because it was art. The re-release? A cash grab dressed as heritage.