Celebrating 21 Years of Kyun! Ho Gaya Na: A Journey of Dreams and Destiny
Reflecting on Two Decades of Kyun! Ho Gaya Na
Where should I start? A twenty-one gun salute signifies many things: at twenty-one, a young man can marry, and in blackjack, it’s a jackpot. But for me, twenty-one years of Kyun! Ho Gaya Na marks the realization of a dream. Two decades ago, I never envisioned celebrating this day, filled with joy and cherished memories that will last a lifetime. My debut film, Kyun! Ho Gaya Na, is like my first child—extraordinarily special and forever dear to me.
When I arrived in Mumbai, I had nothing but a script and an unwavering belief in my filmmaking aspirations. Little did I know that fate had something extraordinary in store for me, leading me to collaborate with some of the finest talents in Indian cinema, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Om Puri, Rati Agnihotri, Tinu Anand, and Dia Mirza.
My Experience with Mr. Bachchan
Since my childhood, I have admired Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. His films, dialogues, and charisma have left a lasting impression on me. While studying International Relations in the US, I once shared with a friend over tea, “My dream is to sit and have tea with Bachchan Saab.” Making a film seemed far-fetched, but I often wondered if dreams could come true. For me, it did—Kyun! Ho Gaya Na made it a reality. Transitioning from International Relations to filmmaking is a story in itself.
Destiny was quietly orchestrating my dream. As I began to set up Kyun! Ho Gaya Na, I reached out to Mr. Bachchan’s office, hoping for a chance to present my script. One lazy afternoon, I received a call from his secretary, Rosy Ma’am, informing me that Mr. Bachchan would meet with me. It felt surreal.
Experiencing the generosity of a legend who offered a novice a chance was a dream come true. Upon entering his office for the first time, I was awestruck by the photographs and memorabilia from his illustrious career. Then, there he was—the legend himself. When he asked what I would like, I eagerly requested, “Sir, I would love a cup of tea.” As I shared my story, the tea grew cold. When I finished, Mr. Bachchan stood, shook my hand, and said words that still resonate with me: “Samir, I am doing this film.” He smiled and left, leaving me with nothing but joy and a cold cup of tea. Even now, recalling that moment brings tears to my eyes.
Working with Aishwarya Rai
Collaborating with Aishwarya Rai was a delightful experience. After her role in Devdas, working with her felt like another dream realized. She is incredibly professional, elegant, and genuinely down-to-earth. While I wrote the script, it felt as if destiny was crafting it alongside me.
The Soul of the Film: Music
The music of Kyun! Ho Gaya Na was integral to the film, with Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy composing melodies that continue to resonate with audiences. Javed Akhtar’s lyrics remain popular, with 'Aao Na' becoming an anthem for love, capturing the essence of first romance with its simplicity and heartfelt words. Even today, the opening notes transport me back to those magical shooting days, where music breathed life into our story. Kyun! Ho Gaya Na was my entry into the industry and the start of lifelong relationships that feel more like family.
Suniel Shetty, the late Om Puri, and Tinu Anand Sir have been steadfast companions on my journey. I am profoundly thankful to Mr. Boney Kapoor, who was a guiding light for me. He partnered with me as a producer, elevating the project to new heights. It’s remarkable that the film’s first day of shooting coincided with Boney Kapoor’s birthday on November 11, and it premiered on Sridevi Ma’am’s birthday, August 13.
It seems that fate aligned all the stars to make this film a reality. Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunities and the people who supported me. Twenty-one years later, I still hold onto that same dream and passion. My journey has taught me that dreams require hard work and belief. Just as water finds its path, destiny will also find its way to you—sometimes, perhaps, over a cup of tea.