Subhash Ghai recalls asking Shah Rukh Khan to 'avoid his romantic side' in Pardes: ‘Kept reminding him in every scene'

Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pardes has completed 25 years. The director Subhash Ghai has recalled how he had to request the actor to avoid his ‘romantic side’ to justify the character of a simple boy next door. The film also starred Mahima Chaudhry and Amrish Puri.

How time flies! It's been 25 years since the romantic drama Pardes was released and to date, it's being watched by people -- especially due to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Mahima Chaudhry and late Amrish Puri's stellar performances.

Shah Rukh Khan and Mahima Chaudhary in a scene from Subhash Ghai's Pardes.

Recalling helming the film, Subhash Ghai said, "Pardes is a very dear film to me. I would like to congratulate the entire cast and crew and especially the audience for continuing to shower their love even after 25 years. My team tells me that people keep on showering their love, keep recalling the iconic scenes in the digital arena even today."

Apart from the plot, credit also goes to songs such as Yeh Dil Deewana and Meri Mehbooba for making Pardes one of the evergreen films of Bollywood. The music launch of the film was graced by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Sharing details on the same, Ghai added, "Pardes celebrated the rich culture of our country. I approached late Arun Jaitley ji to invite Vajpayee ji to our music launch. Also, the song, I love my India was released ahead of India's 50th Independence Day. It was a big coincidence. My heart goes out to India, I can go on and on describing the grandeur of this glorious nation. It is another coincidence that today I am writing and composing a song for a video Ghar Ghar Tiranga to celebrate the 75th year of our independence."

"I still remember people clapping and humming I Love my India while it was being played on the screen. What's more memorable is their reaction to my cameo wherein I can be seen singing I Love my India on screen, it embarrassed me, but it is a moment that I shall always cherish," he said.

The filmmaker also spoke about his experience working with Shah Rukh Khan. "I kept reminding him in every scene and song that he has to avoid his compelling, romantic side to justify Arjun's character. It was challenging for him but he nailed it! I am overjoyed over the fact that my baby is celebrating its silver jubilee and continues to receive unwavering adulation from the audience even after 25 years. I pour my heart and soul into every film of mine. Filmmaking is indeed a business but a business of the heart wherein you pour out all that you have for the audience to rejoice and relish," he said.

Pardes also featured Apurva Agnihotri, Alok Nath and Himani Shivpuri in pivotal roles. The film revolved around the idea of values in Indian and Western culture. Shah Rukh played the lead role in the blockbuster hit and Mahima played his love interest. Khan played the role of Arjun, a man who is settled in a foreign land but still believes in the cultural values of his country. (ANI)