Audience still madly in love…

October 20, 1995 was the red letter day in the history of cinema. Aditya Chopra urged every Indian to ‘Come fall in love’ by making Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). Yesterday, the film completed its 14 year-run and still set the screen on fire.

Surprisingly, the theatre still records a houseful sale on weekends, festive holidays such as Id, Diwali, Holi and other public holidays. There was 90% attendance for the screening on a working Tuesday.

Most people watching the film had no clue that the movie had been running for the past 15 years.

Kamlesh who was watching the film for the 26th time believes that it’s the best love story ever made. “It’s the perfect film, I have seen in my life. I never get bored even after watching it so many times,” says Kamlesh.

He adds, “I have to admit that it’s Kajol who draws me back time-and-again. I’m a big Kajol fan and  confident that the film will continue for another fifty!”

People were cheering and hooting, as if they had come to watch a film just been released. The theatre was really alive with loud cheers during scenes when Raj says ‘palat’ (turn) and Simran turns around to catch a glimpse. The crowd goes berserk when the couple hug for the first time, after separating, in the mustard fields. Later when Simran finally catches Raj’s extended hand and gets onto the running train in the end, the audience is in raptures.

On her first visit to India, Elle James, a tourist from England, came to watch the film. “Shah Rukh Khan is a famous star. I have heard a lot about him in my country and seen him in many TV commercials,” says Elle James.

She adds, “But it’s the first time I have seen him in a movie. And I simply loved it. We don’t have films where you have such strong characters like Simran’s father (Ambarish Puri). Moreover the romance made my heart melt.”

James wants to get a DVD of the movie, with English subtitles and found it difficult to believe the fact that the film has entered its 15th year. Another DDLJ buff, Dilshad, who came to watch the film for the 12th time says, “I live nearby and whenever I have time, I come to watch DDLJ, in the afternoon. The movie sets the screen on fire,” says Dilshad.

The impishness of Raj, Simran’s coyness and Puri’s blazing eyes have worked their magic on this generation also. “It was great to watch Raj, a loafer, jumping continents to find his love. Elements like casting, locales, script, music are just perfect. For those who had just entered their teens then, this movie will always remain their first love,” says Rachit Vats.