Silver jubilee celebrations
Seems like yesterday I was at the trial screening of what became a cult movie Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, absolutely riveted by the incredible performances of two rank newcomers to the world of Bollywood! I sat rapt to the end — also wowed by the performances of two stars that were born those twenty-five years ago who became friends soon after. Ameesha, a close friend until this day, and Hrithik, always the picture of perfect warmth and affection!
This week I found myself at the special preview party hosted by actor Ameesha Patel at the relaunch rewatch party with an electric atmosphere of nostalgia and cult joie de vivre! The energy was palpable — especially when the iconic songs came on. Ameesha danced down the aisle, hands flying in the air, with her love for her first film intertwined with the camaraderie she felt for co-superstar Hrithik Roshan.
She once again won hearts with her spontaneity at the screening party, and we sang raucously along until the happy end! That famous hook step of Ek Pal Ka Jeena by Hrithik Roshan had audiences hooting and whistling in euphoric nostalgia, dancing on their seats, reliving that hysteria, creating what turned out to be a magical evening.
Twenty-five years later, the choreography still captivates audiences, proving that some dance moves truly become timeless. The electric energy in the theatre that evening matched the fever pitch of the original release, a testament to the film’s enduring appeal and the lasting impact of both stars’ debuts.
Watching it all over again was magical, especially having Ameesha sitting right next to me, affectionately sharing tiny vignettes about the movie — which outfits were her own, which locales they shot at, some anecdotes! So much time has flown by, and yet this movie stays contextual.
TEDx talk
A big piece of news was the TEDx talk I was invited to do! It’s been a big platform that’s lauded worldwide, and I’ve been wondering when I’d be called. Many times I’ve been asked by the India head that I should, but this formal invite from Sidhganga Institute of Technology was intriguing. The brief was self-realization and inspiration through my life’s journey which also came into further limelight because Lord Jeffrey Archer wrote my life story in his book And Thereby Hangs A Tale, which became a worldwide best seller.
When I scripted my talk, it all came pouring out in one shot. Now the big challenge was to reproduce it on stage as per the norms of TEDx. If I may be immodest, I’m very comfortable on stage extempore and very spontaneous when I share life experiences, as this column will tell you. So I must make the admission that I was concerned about following the script verbatim even if it’s my own script.
But going into that quaint town with adoring engineering students, clapping and cheering, it was a memorable experience, and I’m hoping the you tube recordings capture the magic that was created in the small town of Tunkur that morning. What a fabulous platform and concept — kudos to the founders of TEDx, Lara Stein and Richard Saul Wurman, who saw merit in life experiences inspiring people worldwide.
And until next week I hope you are enjoying the new year and my meanderings though my slice of life column. Write in and let me know.
(Write to Nisha at [email protected])
