Anu Aggarwal, the stunning actress who achieved iconic status in the 1990s with her role in the musical romantic drama “Aashiqui,” has recently opened up about a past practice in Bollywood that may astonish many. The seasoned actress, known for her striking performances in both “Aashiqui” and “King Uncle,” reminisced about an era when the approach by filmmakers was more casual and less professional than it is today.
In an Instagram conversation with Lehren, Anu shared her disbelief at how filmmakers, in the 1990s, would approach her with lucrative offers but without a crucial element—a script. She divulged that during those times, it was commonplace for directors and producers to have financial arrangements ready but not the storyline or screenplay. “I was shocked to see that people who don’t have their scripts are not ready when they would come to sign me up for a film. They would have the money ready, and I would say I don’t want to sign with the money. I would like to hear the script,” Anu stated.
Her revelation reveals a significant aspect of the film industry’s operational essence during her peak years. Anu found it astonishing that these filmmakers would say, “the script will be made so you can sign,” expecting her to commit based purely on monetary compensation and vague promises.
“This was the way, and because I am an actor, I would like to see what my role, story is. Everything is important. Nobody would have a script… 98 percent of people would not have the script,” she added, elaborating on the nonchalant attitude prevalent among the majority of filmmakers approaching her.
Anu Aggarwal’s portrayal in “Aashiqui” directed by Mahesh Bhatt is still remembered fondly, and it catapulted her to immense fame. The film, featuring Rahul Roy and Deepak Tijori alongside Anu, was not only a commercial success but also critical for its musical landscape. The score composed by the celebrated duo Nadeem-Shravan became a runaway hit, establishing their careers as some of the most sought-after music directors in Bollywood. The soundtrack album was a cultural phenomenon, rated fourth by Planet Bollywood on their list of the “100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks,” and it was the best-selling Bollywood album at the time of its release.
The legacy of “Aashiqui” extended beyond its initial release, standing as an influential piece in cinematic history. It was remade in Kannada as “Roja” in 2002, carrying the same emotive essence but catering to a different linguistic audience.
. Further cementing its imprint, a sequel titled “Aashiqui 2” was released in 2013. Directed by Mohit Suri and starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor, “Aashiqui 2” embraced a whole new theme while honoring the original’s legacy.
Anu’s account is not just a trip down memory lane but also a commentary on the professional dynamics within an industry that has seen significant transformation over the decades. Today, scripts are often meticulously crafted, and actors are involved in discussions about their roles and the storyline, a stark contrast to the scenario Anu describes.
Her experience underlines a shift in the filmmaking process and the importance of script integrity in modern cinema. While some may romanticize the old-school methods of the 90s, Anu’s recounting serves as a testament to the evolution the industry has undergone in terms of professionalism and accountability.
The changes over time have certainly been influenced by the experiences of actors like Anu Aggarwal, who highlighted the importance of script, story, and character depth over mere financial enticement. Her stance could have been catalytic in promoting a more structured and respectful approach towards the filmmaking process, emphasizing the creative foundation over commercial aspects alone.
As the industry continues to evolve and adapt, stories from veterans like Anu Aggarwal are indispensable for understanding the journey of Bollywood. They reflect on past practices and pave the way for more progressive, inclusive, and professionally satisfying engagements for future generations of actors, filmmakers, and audiences alike.
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Anu Aggarwal, the stunning actress who achieved iconic status in the 1990s with her role in the musical romantic drama “Aashiqui,” has recently opened up about a past practice in Bollywood that may astonish many. The seasoned actress, known for her striking performances in both “Aashiqui” and “King Uncle,” reminisced about an era when the approach by filmmakers was more casual and less professional than it is today.
In an Instagram conversation with Lehren, Anu shared her disbelief at how filmmakers, in the 1990s, would approach her with lucrative offers but without a crucial element—a script. She divulged that during those times, it was commonplace for directors and producers to have financial arrangements ready but not the storyline or screenplay. “I was shocked to see that people who don’t have their scripts are not ready when they would come to sign me up for a film. They would have the money ready, and I would say I don’t want to sign with the money. I would like to hear the script,” Anu stated.
