Then and Now: Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!

A simple story, memorable music and an absolute entertainer, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! is an endearing film that still evokes nostalgia even when you watch it for the 100th time on TV. Right from the amazing pairing of Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan to the people that make up that one big happy family in the end, this 1994 film by Sooraj Barjatya is a treat for any and every 90s fan. And so we wonder, 21 years after the release of this film, where can we see the adorable cast now?

Madhuri Dixit

Having done this film 10 years into her career, Madhuri’s career graph only went up from here on. She continues to deliver great performances and hit films even today. The chirpy Nisha of Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! went on to star in films like Koyla, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Lajja, Devdas and most recently, Dedh Ishqiya and Gulab Gang. Madhuri also tied the knot with Dr. Sriram Nene in 1999 and became a mother of two. She moved to Colorado but made her film comeback with Aaja Nachle in 2007. Today, she still remains one of the most popular female actors of Bollywood. TV ads, events, films, stage shows, online dance courses and now, even her own clothing line... She’s at it.

Salman Khan

The crush-worthy Prem has only gone from strength to strength since Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! He has done a range of roles, right from hilarious portrayals in Andaz Apna Apna, Judwaa to action-packed films like Dabangg, Jai Ho, Kick and even more serious roles in films like Khamoshi and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. But his association with director Sooraj Barjatya is as strong as ever and they’re currently shooting together for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo which is due to release this Diwali. From being just another actor in 1994, Salman is the biggest superstar of the country in 2015. His ongoing hit streak is only growing as he just delivered one of the biggest hits of all-time, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which is heading for the 300-crore mark in the domestic market.

Mohnish Bahl

After playing the reticent Rajesh in this film, Mohnish didn’t make it big in films. He played small roles in films like Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, LOC: Kargil and Vivaah and forayed into television with shows like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki and Kuch Toh Log Kahenge. His last outing was a miniscule part in Salman Khan’s Jai Ho.

Renuka Shahane

The sweet and ‘susheel’ Pooja of Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! didn’t make it big either in the movies front. But she became a popular face on television with shows like Kora Kaagaz and Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. The actress also directed a Marathi film called Rita, based on her mother Shanta Gokhale’s book. Currently, she’s enjoying marital bliss with actor Ashutosh Rana and the couple has two children. 

Alok Nath

Alok Nath has immortalized the character of a ‘sanskaari’ man of the house, especially within the Sooraj Barjatya film franchise. With performances in Hum Saath Saath Hain, Vivaah, Ek Vivaah…Aisa Bhi and other performances in Taal and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, he embodies the ‘babuji’ figure with ease. Recently, this image became the butt of many jokes and memes on the internet and the actor more than easily took it in his stride, so much so that he even essayed the same character in an online spoof by AIB! From being a respected man in 1994 to becoming a popular meme, trending topic and a joke in 2015, Alok Nath has had an interesting journey.

Anupam Kher

The veteran actor has come a long way since playing Nisha and Pooja’s father in the film. Not only has he explored a plethora of roles in Bollywood over the last two decades, he has also acted in international projects, most recent being Silver Linings Playbook. With a strong presence on stage and screen, Anupam Kher is well-loved and respected. And now he even has his own acting school called An Actor Prepares! Actor, producer, director and mentor, Anupam Kher is a powerhouse of talent.

Reema Lagoo

The loveable mother in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! has since gone on to maintain a motherly presence in cinema and on television. Whether it was the bickering and playful mother-in-law in the hit show, Tu Tu Main Main or the strong maternal figure in films like Vaastav and Kal Ho Na Ho. Today she’s a prominent force in the Marathi industry.

Bindu

Known as a siren of the 70s, Bindu showcased her comic side Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! But post this mega hit, she didn’t do many films. We loved her in Main Hoon Na as the hilarious Hindi teacher and even in Om Shaanti Om as Kamini ji, the veteran actress. At 63, she’s enjoying a happy family life and is helping her husband in his business.

Ajit Vachani

After playing Bindu’s sensible husband in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Ajit Vachani went on to do a number of films, right from Hu Tu Tu to Hum Saath Saath Hain. He also acted on stage in Gujarati and Marathi plays and did a popular Hindi TV show, Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka. The actor died in 2003 following a prolonged illness. 

Satish Shah

Doctor chacha Satish Shah has gone on to star in a number of films since 1994 and has established himself as a comic actor. Whether it was films like Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Kal Ho Na Ho, Main Hoon Na or television shows like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, his comic timing is incredible.  Till today he’s seen small comical roles and his last film was Humshakals in 2014.

Himani Shivpuri

After playing the adorable chachi-jaan, Himani Shivpuri has acted in a host of films and TV shows. Known for her character roles in films like Pardes, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, she has also acted in TV shows like Sasural Simar Ka and series like Gubbare and Dollar Bahu. Currently, she’s reduced on film work and is only concentrating on television.

Laxmikant Berde

With a number of performances to his credit since Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Laxmikant Berde’s role as Lalloo is the most cherished one. After this film, he even married his on-screen love interest, Priya Arun, who played the role of Chameli in this film. The actor also floated his own production house, Abhinay Arts and was an excellent ventriloquist and guitar player.  Unfortunately, he passed away in 2004 due to kidney failure. 

Priya Arun

The simple househelp Chameli in this film, Priya Arun is now a known face in the Marathi film industry as an actor and a singer. She was married to the late Laxmikant Berde and has two children.

Dilip Joshi

Dilip Joshi, who played the lovestruck writer in the 1994 film, has since become a comic star on TV. His most popular role is of Jethalal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma, which is one of the highest rated shows. His unique comic timing and energy make him great fun to watch.

Sahila Chaddha

After playing Rita, who was smitten by Prem in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Sahila Chaddha was seen on screen in minor roles in films like One Two Ka Four. She is now married to actor Nimai Bali, known for his negative portrayals in films and on television and the couple have a daughter.

Dinesh Hingoo

Known for making small but memorable appearances in films like Judaai, Jaani Dushman and Phir Hera Pheri, Dinesh Hingoo’s role as Manager chacha is still etched in our minds. He continues to do small parts in various movies but we miss his signature cough from Hum Aapke Hain Koun!

Tuffy

Of all the cast members of this film, the one we cherish the most is Tuffy. Not only did he save the day in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! by uniting Nisha and Prem, he has always been loved by all in the film. The Indian Spitz, Redo, who was the dog of an assitant director on the film, was adopted by Madhuri Dixit and passed away in 2000. But for us, Tuffy remains immortal and will always be at the top of our list when we remember why we love Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!