In a sentimental nod to his cinematic roots, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan graced an evening event to unveil the new version of the song ‘Papa Kehte Hain’ from his landmark debut film ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’. Elevating the occasion, the reimagined track—now called ‘Papa Kehte Hain 2.0’—echoed through the hallways, not from the 1988 classic, but from the upcoming movie ‘Srikanth’, starring Rajkummar Rao. A special guest at the event, Udit Narayan, the original voice that lent soulfulness to the age-old classic, shared the stage with Aamir.
Taking a moment to share personal insights from his journey, Aamir Khan reminisced about his early foray into Bollywood with ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’, which saw him star opposite Juhi Chawla. With a mixture of sentiment and hindsight, he revealed how during the film’s production, and even upon watching the finished product alongside his cousin and the film’s director, Mansoor Khan, he could only pinpoint its imperfections.
“Witnessing our own creation, we failed to see anything but its errors,” Aamir confided. He prominently noted the collective inexperience on set, mentioning notable firsts for several of the film’s team, including director of photography Kiran Deohans, music duo Anand-Milind, singer Alka Yagnik, and, of course, Juhi Chawla herself. Despite the uncertainties and burgeoning careers, they were supported robustly by producer Nasir Hussain, Aamir’s uncle.
The actor reminisced, “We didn’t know if we were crafting a hit or a miss. Yet, the film’s release marked a day of collective triumph and the dawning of a new era in Indian cinema.” Aamir went on to express his belief that ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ was more than just a film; it was a cinematic milestone that heralded a palpable shift in the industry, with Mansoor Khan pioneering this new wave.
A highlight of the launch was the performance of ‘Papa Kehte Hain’, played by a visually impaired band alongside Udit Narayan, which was heartily enjoyed by Aamir and Rajkummar Rao. This performance was not only a tribute to the classic hit but also a bridge connecting it to the theme of ‘Srikanth’, which chronicles the life of Srikanth Bolla, an entrepreneur who founded Bollant Industries. This entity is remarkable for harnessing the potential of the unskilled and differently-abled, a testament to the power of inclusion and vision beyond sight.
Rajkummar Rao, who stepped into the shoes of Srikanth Bolla, engaged with ANI about his role, sharing the inspirational weight it carried. Speaking with reverence, Rao described Srikanth’s ascent from underprivileged beginnings to establishing a million-dollar enterprise—all while being visually impaired. Accepting the role held a dual appeal for Rao: the inspiring real-life story and the actor’s personal quest for roles that challenged and pushed him into uncharted territory.
T-Series, in conjunction with Chalk N Cheese Films Production LLP, is at the helm of producing ‘Srikanth’, under the directorial eye of Tushar Hiranandani and the scriptwriting finesse of Jagdeep Sidhu and Sumit Purohit. Fans of the actors and the compelling story can eagerly anticipate the movie’s theatrical release set for May 10, 2024.
As Aamir Khan triggers nostalgia with his reflection and jovial presence at the launch of ‘Papa Kehte Hain 2.0’, it is clear that the attic of memory holds not just the discarded flaws of yesterday’s endeavors, but also the enduring triumphs that shape the narratives of today’s cinema.
