Anu Aggarwal, renowned for her iconic roles in the 1990s Bollywood hits “Aashiqui” and “King Uncle,” recently opened up about a rather startling issue she faced throughout her illustrious career. In an eye-opening conversation with Lehren, a snippet of which was shared on Instagram, the actress revealed that an overwhelming majority of filmmakers would approach her with offers, equipped with monetary incentives but astonishingly devoid of a script.
“I was shocked to see that people who didn’t have their scripts ready would still come to sign me up for a film,” said Aggarwal. “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,” she elaborated, recalling the peculiar and rather unprofessional practices of that era.
Aggarwal did not mince words when adding, “They would say the script will be made so you can sign. This was the way, and because I am an actor, I would like to see what my role and the story are. Everything is important. Nobody would have a script… 98 percent of people would not have the script.”
Aggarwal’s rise to stardom was meteoric thanks to her role in “Aashiqui,” directed by Mahesh Bhatt. The film, a musical romantic drama released in 1990, became an instant sensation, captivating audiences with its compelling storyline and unforgettable music. Aggarwal starred alongside Rahul Roy and Deepak Tijori, and their on-screen chemistry became the talk of the town.
The soundtrack of “Aashiqui,” composed by the brilliant duo Nadeem-Shravan, became legendary, establishing the composers’ careers. The album’s tracks, such as “Nazar Ke Saamne” and “Jaane Jigar” became household favorites, with the soundtrack album rated fourth by Planet Bollywood on their “100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks” list. Astoundingly, the album was the best-selling Bollywood album at the time of its release, setting a benchmark for subsequent musical releases in the industry.
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The influence of “Aashiqui” was such that it was remade in Kannada as “Roja” in 2002. Furthermore, a sequel titled “Aashiqui 2” was directed by Mohit Suri in 2013, featuring a new storyline and starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor. This sequel also achieved significant success, proving the timeless appeal of the “Aashiqui” brand.
Aggarwal’s candid revelations underscore a troubling trend in Bollywood during the 1990s—a time when financial incentives often took precedence over the artistic integrity of a project. “As an actor, it’s essential to understand one’s role, the narrative, and the message of the film. Everything is important,” she emphasized. This insight provides a window into the industry’s practices and the challenges faced by actors who yearned for meaningful and well-conceptualized roles.
Despite these hurdles, Aggarwal’s career flourished, and she continued to be a prominent figure in Bollywood. Her eight-year stint in the entertainment industry included notable performances in films like “King Uncle,” a 1993 family drama where she starred alongside Jackie Shroff and Shah Rukh Khan. The movie received positive reviews for its engaging storyline and superb performances, further cementing Aggarwal’s status as a sought-after actress of her time.
Aggarwal’s journey in Bollywood, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, is emblematic of the era’s unique dynamics and the evolving nature of the film industry. Her comments offer a reflective glimpse into the past, while also serving as a critique of practices that perhaps undermined the quality of cinema during that period.
While the industry has evolved significantly since then, Aggarwal’s experiences remain pertinent, throwing light on an era where the lack of scripted clarity was evidently a norm rather than an exception. As Bollywood continues to grow and innovate, it is crucial to learn from these insights, ensuring that artistic merit and thorough preparation become foundational pillars for filmmaking.
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