Then and now: Rang De Basanti

by | January 26, 2016, 19:09 IST

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Then and now: Rang De Basanti

A film that impacted a generation and instilled patriotism where there was disillusionment, Rang De Basanti was a film of a lifetime. From memorable one-liners to gripping monologues, the writing was as powerful as the brilliant acting performances by a young cast playing college students that face a socio-patriotic awakening. Not only a super hit in the domestic market, the film made waves internationally and was even nominated for a BAFTA Award the following year. Today, exactly a decade since the film’s release, we tell you where the cast of the film is now…

 

Aamir Khan

 

Aamir Khan

 

A rising superstar ten years ago, Aamir Khan is one of the most admired and respected actors today, with domestic and international box-office records to his credit. But we’ll never forget him as the carefree Daljit DJ Singh.

 

Siddharth

 

Siddharth


Already making a name for himself in the South, Siddharth made his Hindi film debut with Rang De Basanti. And today, he has a successful career in Tamil and Telugu films, his last Hindi release being Chasme Baddoor (2013).

 

Sharman Joshi

 

Sharman Joshi


Playing the bumbling Sukhi got Sharman Joshi his first big hit 10 years ago and today he has films like 3 Idiots and Golmaal to his credit, his last release Hate Story 3 being a successful one too.

 

Atul Kulkarni


Atul Kulkarni


With a slew of films behind him, Atul Kulkarni added another success to his roster with Rang De Basanti. Today, he not only has carved a niche for himself in Hindi cinema but has also established himself in the Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam industries. Phew!

 

Kunal Kapoor

 

Kunal Kapoor

 

Then just one film old, Kunal Kapoor won hearts with his performance as Aslam in Rang De Basanti. Today, he has a number of releases behind him and recently tied the knot with Naina Bachchan.

 

Soha Ali Khan

 

Soha Ali Khan


Soha Ali Khan, then a few films old, made an impact with her role in Rang De Basanti, her first super hit film. Today, she not only has over 20 films to her credit, her upcoming film being Ghayal Once Again with Sunny Deol, but is also happily married to longtime beau Kunal Kemmu.

 

 

Alice Patten


Alice Patten


British actress Alice Patten’s maiden and only role in a Hindi film as the steadfast Sue McKinley was appreciated all around. Today she is a prominent face in British theatre and television and was last seen in a guest appearance on the hit show, Downton Abbey.

 

 

R Madhavan

 

R Madhavan


A successful star in Tamil cinema before playing Flight Lieutenant Ajay Rathod in Rang De Basanti, the film kickstarted his Hindi cinema career for good and he has a number of hits to his name in both industries.

 

Waheeda Rehman

 

Waheeda Rehman


One of veteran actress Waheeda Rehman’s last few on screen appearances before she decided to take a backseat from acting for a bit, she played R Madhavan’s mother in the film and was much loved as always. 10 years down the line, she will be seen in the spy thriller Vishwaroopam 2.

 

 

Anupam Kher

 

Anupam Kher


Playing the shrewd businessman Rajnath Singhania in 2006, Anupam Kher has many a role in Hindi as well as international cinema to his credit today and now, even a Padma Bhushan.

 

 

Kirron Kher

 

Kirron Kher


Playing the typical Sardarni mother to Aamir Khan, Kirron Kher’s small appearance left a big impression on many. Today, she’s making her mark not just as an actor and reality show judge but also a Member of Parliament.

 

 

Om Puri

 

Om Puri


In a small part as Kunal Kapoor’s staunch and conservative father, veteran actor Om Puri has not only forayed into Hollywood with greater fervour in the last ten years but is also reportedly set to make his debut in Pakistani cinema soon with Actor In Law.

 

 

Cyrus Sahukar

 

Cyrus Sahukar


Playing the freeloading RJ in the film, VJ turned actor Cyrus Sahukar made his first prominent appearance in a Hindi film with Rang De Basanti. He went on to do roles in films like Delhi 6 and Aisha, and was last seen on the silver screen in Khoobsurat.

 

 

Mohan Agashe

 

Mohan Agashe


Mohan Agashe played the despicable Defence Minister 10 years ago and he continues to have a flourishing acting career in Marathi and Hindi cinema today.