In one of his most youth centric and modern films, Yash Chopra weaved magic on screen with Dil To Pagal Hai. A film packed with dance, drama, romance and some of the most memorable songs that we sing along to even today, Dil To Pagal Hai made us all believe that someone, somewhere, is made for all of us. Almost 18 years since the film’s release, we wonder where the members of this cult film are today...
Shah Rukh Khan
Since he immortalised the name Rahul (naam toh suna hoga?) with this film, Shah Rukh Khan has gone on to become one of Hindi cinema’s most successful actors. The King Khan has not only ruled hearts all over the world with his romantic portrayals but has won us over with every one of his performances. Whether as the tapori in Josh, the lovelorn alcoholic Devdas, the socially aware Mohan in Swades or even as Major Samar Anand in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, he’s proved time and again that he is indeed the king of all seasons and for all reasons.
Madhuri Dixit
After playing the dreamy Maya in Dil To Pagal Hai, Madhuri Dixit went on to star in a number of films before tying the knot with Dr. Sriram Nene in 1999. Though she continued to act till 2002, she took a break and moved to the USA with her family. But the gorgeous dancer and actor was back to Bollywood with a bang with yet another dance based film with YRF, Aaja Nachle in 2007. Since then, she has made memorable appearances on screen as well as on television as a reality show judge.
Karisma Kapoor
Karisma’s layered portrayal of her character Nisha in Dil To Pagal Hai won her the National Award in the following year for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She went on to act in a number of films that left a mark on the audiences. Right from the bold Fiza to the graceful Zubeida, she explored a large range of roles. Though she took a break from films in 2003, she continued to make appearances on reality shows and in endorsements, as well as supporting social causes. A mother of two, she made her comeback with Dangerous Isshq in 2012 and we hope to see her on screen again.
Akshay Kumar
The Khiladi Kumar, known for his action packed roles was seen in an endearing and charming role as Ajay in Dil To Pagal Hai. Today, he straddles the genres of action and comedy with equal ease. Right from his effortless comic timing in Hera Pheri and Housefull, to his powerpacked performances in films like Khakhee and the more recent Baby. He has also charmed us with his dramatic performances in films like Aitraaz, Namastey London and Special 26. And with a number of films like Gabbar Is Back and Brothers this year, we can’t wait to see what he does next.
Farida Jalal
She played the loving mother to Akshay Kumar and foster parent to Madhuri Dixit’s character in Dil To Pagal Hai. Known for her compassionate maternal portrayals on screen, she continued to bring the same level of warmth and even an element of playfulness in films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and the more recent Student of the Year, where she played grandmother to Sidharth Malhotra. She even made her foray into television with shows like Shararat, where she played a grandmother with magical powers. Though she continues to act in television shows, we would love to see her on the big screen again.
Deven Varma
Veteran actor Deven Varma was known for his impeccable comic timing, which is what he brought to the screen in his loveable role as Ajay’s father and foster parent to Madhuri’s character Maya. Deven Varma worked for five years after Dil To Pagal Hai and then proceeded to retire from films in 2002. Unfortunately, the actor passed away in 2014 due to a heart attack.
Aruna Irani
She plays the all-knowing Tai, Maya’s dance teacher in the film. Even though it was a small appearance, her character played a pivotal part in bringing the two protagonists together in the end. Since then, Aruna Irani has been an active presence both in film and television, acting in shows like Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chaand and the more recent Sanskaar – Dharohar Apno Ki. Owing to her immense contribution to cinema, she was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
Shivani Wazir
After playing Maya’s friend Anjali in the film, Shivani Wazir continued to act in a number of plays such as Dance Like A Man, and the more recent Ladki Seedhi Rahegi. She also hosted a number of live shows and events and even produced and directed her own short film I Am The Tiger, in 2012, a film to raise awareness about the national animal.
Suresh Menon
In a small part as one of the friends of Rahul and Nisha, Suresh Menon continues to act and make appearances in a number of films such as Asoka, Housefull and Ra.One. He is also a prominent personality on television and has starred on the hit comedy show, Comedy Circus.
Murad Ali
As one of Rahul and Nisha’s friends, Jimmy, Murad Ali played a small role in the film. He followed this up with a few minor parts in films like Ahista Ahista and Guru but his career never quite took off.
Balvinder Singh Suri
As the happy go lucky friend Ballu, Balvinder Singh Suri made a small appearance in the film. Following this, he took on not only a few small parts in films, but also took to writing and direction. He not only worked on the dialogues for the hit comedy Dhamaal, but also went on to direct his own Bhojpuri film, Chhodab Na Sang Tohaar.
Rajesh Tandon
As the geeky friend to Rahul and Nisha, Rajesh Tandon played a small role in the film. He went on to do a number of such appearances, notably in Kaho Na Pyaar Hai and Agneepath.
Shruti Ulfat
Shruti was also part of the large gang of friends in the film. She continues to act even today, both on the big screen as well as on television. She has hosted a number of shows such as Chalti Ka Naam Antakshari and stars in a show called Mahakumbh currently.
Priya Varma
In a small part as one of the friends to Rahul and Nisha, Priya Varma was seen as part of the cast of Dil To Pagal Hai. But her film career didn’t take off and she was last seen in a Bhojpuri film in 2013.
Tanya Mukherjee
After playing a small part as a friend in the film, Tanya also acted in the musical film, Taal in 1999. Since then, she has gone on to become a part of the Australian television industry as a script coordinator and editor on shows like McLeod’s Daughters (2003) and Fireflies (2004).