28 years of Raja Hindustani: Revisiting Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor's unforgettable romance

28 years have passed since we saw one of the most romantic and electrifying chemistry between the leads. Yes, we are talking about Dharmesh Darshan's Raja Hindustani, which featured Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor in the lead roles. Jab Jab Phool Khile, which starred Shashi Kapoor and Nanda in 1965, served as story points for this one. Music by Nadeem-Shravan and lyrics by Sameer were used in the film.

Plot overview and central love story

In the 1996 love drama, a humble cab driver from a tiny village finds love with a wealthy young woman in this novel. The film has Shalini (Archana Puran Singh) hoping to inherit Aarti (Karisma Kapoor) father's (Suresh Oberoi) fortune. Aarti employs the services of Raja Hindustani (Aamir Khan), a driver who happens to be available, when she travels at Palankhet for a holiday with the intention of uncovering memories of her late mother. A passionate, accidental kiss forms the relationship that leads to love. They defy Bakshrath's orders and get married nonetheless; he comes to return Aarti to Mumbai, but he refuses to accept Raja as his son-in-law. Eventually, he gives in to their love and takes them to Mumbai.

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Shalini tries to divide Raja and Aarti by setting a trap for them so she may take over all of Bakshrath's property. Aarti chooses to tell Raja the news and get back together with him once she finds out she's pregnant. She should not travel, according to the doctor. It is requested that Shalini travel to Palankhet in order to notify and persuade Raja to return to Mumbai. But first she tells him Aarti wants a divorce, and then she tells Aarti that Raja hates her. Because of this, they end up drifting apart due to misunderstandings.

The birth of Aarti's son fills her with immense joy and love. After learning that she is pregnant with his child, Raja assumes that she plans to restrict him from seeing it. Because Raja is afraid he may never see his son again, he abducts him. The truth about Shalini's deceit and falsehoods becomes apparent. After Aarti breaks the news to Raja, who is devastated, the two of them become one.

Box office success and historical ranking

When looking at the net gross for Hindi films made in the 1990s, Raja Hindustani ranked third. The film became the highest-grossing film of the year and the fourth highest-grossing film in India of the 1990s, after Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, despite being made on a budget of ₹5.75 crore. It went on to gross ₹76.34 crore globally. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, together with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

One of the best-selling Bollywood soundtrack albums of all time, the album sold over 11 million copies, thanks to the popularity of the film's music. In the '90s, it ranked behind only Aashiqui (1990) and Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) in terms of album sales.

Karisma Kapoor's career-defining role

Karisma Kapoor received rave reviews for her portrayal of Aarti, a wealthy, attractive, emotionally fragile, and aspirational young woman. At a turning moment in her career, it became Kapoor's most financially successful film to date and widely considered one of her finest performances. There was a kissing moment that went viral, and critics raved about the chemistry between Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor. 

Originally released in 2002 under the title Naanu Naane in Kannada, the film featured Upendra and Sakshi Shivanand in the lead parts before getting a Telugu dub as Prema Bandham.

When Juhi Chawla was approached about playing the major part, she politely declined. Aishwarya Rai and Pooja Bhatt were also in the running for the part. The film's fictional setting, Palankhet, is a combination of the names of two actual hill stations, Palampur and Ranikhet.

Raja Hindustani is available to stream on JioCinema (OTTplay Premium), Prime Video, and ShemarooMe (OTTplay Premium).

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