As the iconic ‘Karan Arjun’ prepares for a grand re-release on November 22, director Rakesh Roshan shared a memorable anecdote about Salman Khan’s father, veteran screenwriter, Salim Khan, and his reaction during the first screening of the film.
Speaking to Pinkvilla, Roshan revealed how Salim Khan’s words gave him confidence about the movie’s potential to become a blockbuster.
Roshan recounted how, before the film’s release, even young Aditya Chopra had shown faith in Karan Arjun, calling it a “spectacular film.” However, Roshan initially dismissed it as youthful enthusiasm. “Toh mein sochta tha, bachche hain aise hi bol rahe hain khush karne ke liye. Every film has its destiny,” he said.
Things changed when Salman Khan’s family was invited to the first screening at Raj Kapoor Studio. Recalling the event, Roshan shared, “During the interval, Salim sahab came out and said to me, ‘Aap soch hi nai sakte hai ki aap ne kya banaya hai (You can’t even imagine what you’ve made.)’ He added, ‘Aap ne mere hosh uda diye (You’ve blown my mind.)’ Those words gave me the confidence that the film might truly resonate with the audience.”
Salim Khan’s reaction, coming from an industry veteran and legendary writer, was a pivotal moment for Roshan. The reassurance provided a much-needed boost ahead of the film’s release. Karan Arjun went on to become one of the biggest hits of the 1990s, cementing its place as a Bollywood classic.
‘Karan Arjun’, released in 1995, is a classic Bollywood film that revolves around the theme of reincarnation and revenge. It stars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan as two brothers, Karan and Arjun. The film is packed with memorable dialogues, high-energy action, and emotional drama. Rakhee’s iconic line, “Mere Karan Arjun aayenge,” has become one of the most remembered lines in Bollywood history. Even after almost three decades, the film remains close to the hearts of fans, making its re-release highly anticipated.
The movie is all set for a re-release on November 22.