Today marks the 13th anniversary of the beloved film ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ (ZNMD). Released in 2011, this Zoya Akhtar directorial continues to resonate with audiences for its exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams. Featuring an ensemble cast of Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, and Kalki Koechlin, ZNMD has become a modern classic in Indian cinema. With an IMDb rating of 8.2/10, the film’s lasting popularity and cultural impact are undeniable.
For those who consider themselves die-hard fans of ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,’ here are some tidbits and trivia you might not know about this iconic film:
Imran, played by Farhan Akhtar, is portrayed as having a fear of skydiving in the movie. However, in reality, Farhan is a certified skydiver. On the other hand, Hrithik Roshan, who played Arjun, is a certified scuba diver but his character’s greatest fear is water. This interplay of real-life skills and on-screen phobias adds an interesting layer to their characters.
The La Tomatina festival, a central and memorable scene in ZNMD, was re-created in Bunol, Valencia, Spain. For authenticity, almost 16 tons of tomatoes were specially flown in from Portugal, adding to the vibrant authenticity of the film.
Those poetic lines that Imraan recites throughout the movie? They were penned by none other than Farhan Akhtar’s father, the acclaimed lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar. These verses beautifully encapsulate the film’s deeper themes and bring a unique poetic charm to the storyline.
Most fans may not be aware, but veteran actor Anupam Kher played the role of Imran’s adoptive father, Faisal or Abu, in a flashback scene. Unfortunately, this flashback was cut from the final version of the film. Though audiences didn’t get to see this portrayal, it’s noteworthy when considering the depth of the character development.
Promoting the film was no ordinary affair. The cast embarked on an actual road trip from Mumbai to Delhi, passing through Gujarat and Rajasthan. During this journey, Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif indulged in some roadside dhaba food, played pranks on ordinary people, and had various real-life adventures similar to their on-screen antics.
As the film completes 13 years today, the makers, Excel Entertainment, shared a sentimental note along with some behind-the-scenes pictures on their social media platforms.
. They stated, “Here are some behind the scenes gems from #ZindagiNaMilegiDobara #13YearsOfZNMD.”
Below are the Instagram posts:
ZNMD’s narrative revolves around three friends on a road trip who each choose thrilling activities to undertake together. These adventures involved partaking in the La Tomatina festival, skydiving, scuba diving, and the adrenaline-pumping run with the bulls. The film’s unique blend of humor, emotion, and adventure made it a huge success, both critically and commercially.
In a recent interview, Farhan Akhtar discussed the much-anticipated ZNMD sequel. He mentioned, “We all want the sequel to happen as it’s a loved film. We are often asked about part two of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara as the audiences have owned the film. We all hope that Zoya will come up with something for the sequel. It’s her brainchild, so we hope.”
Zoya Akhtar has also addressed the sequel buzz. When asked if she is planning to make a sequel of ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, Zoya Akhtar told ANI, “Yes, this comes up all the time and everybody is interested. The producers are interested, the actors are interested, and we are interested. That movie meant a lot to us. So, if we find that soul for part two, we will make it. We don’t want to do it just for money. When the audience comes to watch the second part they will have a certain expectation and we must give it to them, otherwise they won’t be happy.”
ZNMD remains embedded in the hearts of many for its radical approach to storytelling, combined with impeccable cinematography and a soundtrack that is still cherished today. As audiences continue to celebrate the film, the hope for a worthy sequel keeps the spirit of ZNMD alive.
This 13-year celebration is not just a look back but also a strong reminder of the film’s enduring appeal and its profound impact on the world of cinema.
