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14 years of My Name Is Khan: Kajol reflects on the journey of Rizwan and Mandira


In a moment of reflective celebration, the landmark film ‘My Name Is Khan’, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, has crossed the milestone of 14 years since its release. Directed by the acclaimed Karan Johar, the movie, which delved into a poignant narrative, marked an anniversary on Monday. Kajol, one of the lead actors, commemorated the memory by sharing an evocative post on Instagram. Her caption read, “Reflecting on the journey of Rizwan and Mandira, and the countless lives they’ve touched… Celebrating the enduring power of love and unity… #14yearsofmynameiskhan.”

This powerful movie, which hit theaters in 2010, quickly skyrocketed to the status of a blockbuster, earning accolades for its sensitive direction, compelling story, and the strong performances by its star-studded cast. Shah Rukh Khan was lauded for his portrayal of Rizwan Khan, an Indian Muslim man living in the United States who is diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Kajol, portraying the role of Mandira, a confident single mother, delivers a compelling performance that perfectly complements Khan’s character. Their portrayal of a life upheaved post the September 11 attacks underscores the narrative’s emotional depth.

‘My Name Is Khan’ is not only noted for its stellar performances but is also celebrated for its moving soundtrack, which includes hits like ‘Tera Sajda’, ‘Tere Naina’, and ‘Noor-e-khuda’. The combination of heartrending music and powerful storytelling left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

The on-screen chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, established over years of successful collaboration in classics such as ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘Dilwale’, and ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, has been instrumental in their portrayal of Rizwan and Mandira’s love story. In a candid interview with Times Now, director Karan Johar expressed his unwavering conviction that ‘My Name Is Khan’ would not have been the same without these two actors. Johar highlighted the triumph of human spirit as his favored cinematic theme, one that is profoundly illustrated through the film’s narrative.

Moreover, beyond the central duo of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the film’s success is also attributed to the talents of screenwriter Shibani Bathija, editor Deepa Bhatia, and cinematographer Ravi Chandran, each of whom brought their unique expertise to the movie’s creation. Karan Johar’s acknowledgment of their contribution emphasizes how collaborative efforts behind the scenes shape the making of a cinematic masterpiece.

Moving forward to the present, Shah Rukh Khan has dominated the box office in 2023 with a trio of successful films: ‘Pathaan’, ‘Jawaan’, and ‘Dunki’. While fans eagerly anticipate his next endeavors, reports speculate his involvement in an upcoming project by Sujoy Ghosh, which will also feature his daughter Suhana Khan, following her acting debut in ‘The Archies’.

In parallel, Kajol, whose work continues to be recognized and appreciated, has concluded shooting for her upcoming movie ‘Do Patti’, which also stars Kriti Sanon, marking their second collaboration after ‘Dilwale’.

As ‘My Name Is Khan’ commemorates 14 years of its journey, the film remains a relevant and powerful testament to the resilience of human spirit and love. The celebration of its legacy is not only a remembrance of the film’s initial impact but also a recognition of the continuous resonance it holds in the hearts of its audience. With a narrative that tackles complex themes and characters who embody courage against adversity, ‘My Name Is Khan’ persists as a defining film in the landscape of Indian cinema.