Rediscovering the Magic - A Timeless Romance of a Journey of Love, Laughter and Coincidence.
The 1998 Indian film “Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha” is a reimagining of Lawrence Kasdan’s “French Kiss,” which starred Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline.
Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha is a romantic comedy drama that centers on two main characters, Sanjana and Shekhar, who are portrayed by Kajol and Ajay Devgn. Anees Bazmee is the writer and director of Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, an Indian version starring Kajol and Ajay Devgn.Sanjana (Kajol) lives in France with her uncle played by Harish Patel and is engaged to Rahul played by Vijay Anand, but he leaves for an Indian business trip not long after their engagement.
Due to her extreme fear of flying, Sanjana is unable to accompany Rahul on his trip and ultimately decides to stay in France. Rahul ends up dumping his fiancé Sanjana in favor of Nisha, a character portrayed by Kashmira Shah.
Being unable to give up easyily, Sanjana confronts her anxieties and boards an aircraft for India, where she bumps into Shekhar, played by Ajay Devgn, who is a small time crook. He helps her overcome the trauma, even though he dislikes flying. He follows her around, attempting to retrieve stolen diamond jewelry that he has hidden in her luggage.
They take an unexpected turn on the way to Shekhar’s family’s village, where their lighthearted conversation gradually develops into friendship and, eventually, love. Sanjana’s fiancé wanted her back during all of this, but their feelings were no longer mutual.
The scene then plays out like a traditional Hindi film climax, with Shekhar overcoming traffic jams, a flaming car, and her takeoff to prevent her from knowing he loves her. The happy climax comes next. Kajol shines as Sanjana, bringing her trademark bubbliness and emotional depth to the character. Her chemistry with Ajay Devgn’s Shekhar is palpable, creating moments of genuine warmth and humor that resonate with audiences of all ages.
The supporting cast adds layers of quirkiness and charm, enhancing the overall appeal of the film and making each character memorable in their own right, with Sham Deshpande, Satish Kaul, Poornima Bhave, Reema Lagoo, Mushtaq Khan, Tiku Talsania, Anjan Shrivastava, Om Puri, Kashmira Shah, Vijoy Anand, and Anant Mahadevan providing support.
One cannot talk about ‘Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha’ without mentioning its soul-stirring music and breathtaking cinematography. The melodious soundtrack composed by Jatin-Lalit strikes a perfect balance between peppy numbers and soulful melodies, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes. The scenetic locations captured on camera transport viewers to a world of beauty and romance, adding an extra layer of magic to the storytelling.
The album, released by Baba Music, was the fourth best-selling album of 1998, behind Soldier, Dil Se, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (both by Jatin-Lalit). It was nominated for Best Music Direction by Jatin-Lalit at the Filmfare, Star Screen, and Zee Cine Awards. Popular tracks were “Aaj Hai Sagai”, “Pyar To Hona Hi Tha”, “Ajnabi Mujko Itna Bata”, and “Jab Kisi Ki Taraf”and “Jab Kisiki Taraf Dil” were written by Sameer and Vinoo Mahendra. Title song song Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha by Jaspinder Narula and Remo Fernandes is still a treat to hear till date while other songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosale, and Kumar Sanu are mesmerizing.
Even after more than two decades since its release, ‘Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha’ continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Bollywood fans worldwide. Its timeless themes of love, destiny, and self-discovery resonate with audiences across generations, making it a perennial favorite for movie buffs looking for a dose of feel-good entertainment. The film’s success also paved the way for more collaborations between Kajol and Ajay Devgn
In conclusion, ‘Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha’ remains a shining example of timeless romance done right in Bollywood. With its engaging storyline, memorable performances, soulful music, and eye catching visuals, this film continues to enchant audiences with its magic and charm. So, if you’re in the mood for a heartwarming tale that celebrates love in all its forms, look no further than this cinematic gem from 1998 – a true classic that stands the test of time.ily