Anees Bazmee Celebrates 27 Years of Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, a Classic That Redefined His Career

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee took to social media to mark 27 years since the release of Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, a romantic drama that remains close to audiences' hearts. Sharing the film’s poster, Bazmee wrote, “Still can’t believe how much love this film continues to receive. Forever grateful to the audience for making it what it became.” The 1998 hit, starring Ajay Devgn and Kajol, became a defining moment in Bazmee’s career and one of Bollywood's most beloved romantic comedies.

 

Loosely adapted from the Hollywood film French Kiss, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha connected deeply with Indian viewers through its emotional storytelling and charismatic lead pair. The film grossed over ₹300 million at the time—around $40 million USD—and cemented Bazmee's place in mainstream cinema after his debut film Hulchul (1995) underperformed. With its mix of humor, love, and drama, the film became one of the top earners of 1998.

 

Kajol's performance as the naive yet strong-hearted Sanjana received particular praise, contributing to her fifth Filmfare Best Actress win—tying her with industry legends at the time. Her chemistry with Ajay Devgn, both on and off-screen, added a layer of authenticity that resonated with viewers and still drives nostalgic affection for the film. The soundtrack, composed by Jatin-Lalit, also became iconic, with songs like "Jab Kisiki Taraf Dil" remaining evergreen.

 

The enduring popularity of Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha reflects a wider cultural nostalgia among fans of 90s Bollywood, where emotional connection and simplicity in storytelling left a lasting impact. While there are no formal studies linking films like this to long-term viewer loyalty, its continued celebration—nearly three decades later—underscores the emotional power of cinema that speaks to the heart.

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