The 1995 cult classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) came close to not being the masterpiece that it is! A lot went on behind the scenes that could’ve set the film on a completely different path altogether. What became a chapter of love for an entire generation and still continues to rule the hearts of many more, is soon going to have a full length documentary about its making.
Natasha Rathore, a student at the London Film School is making a feature length documentary on the iconic film, attempting to take DDLJ fans on a nostalgic trip through never seen before footage and secret incidents that took place on the film’s sets. The trailer of this ambitious docu project just came out and because we can’t wait till the docu is ready, here’s a quick look at what went into the making of the masterpiece.
Saroj Khan Was Replaced by Farah Khan as Choreographer
Saroj Khan had several tiffs with director Aditya Chopra on the film’s sets and was eventually replaced by Farah Khan. Apparently several sequences had been choreographed by Saroj Khan by then, but Adi Chopra had made up his mind. Saroj Khan reportedly apologized to him after the film’s release for having underestimated him.
Interestingly, some of the scenes filmed never made it to the final cut. And thank god for that!
Deleted Scene No. 1
Apparently, according to the original plot Raj tries to win Kuljeet’s confidence by getting him beaten up, following which Kajol applies medicine to his wounds. An ultimate cross connection was the plan- Simran with Kuljeet and Preeti with Raj.
Hmmm, we wonder where this would’ve led the story?
Countless Re-takes
Remember the scene when the sati savitri Simran realises that she might have done the unthinkable with Raj in her drunken state? Well, the scene played out very differently off camera. Both Kajol and SRK couldn’t stop laughing every time the zip of his jacket screeched open.
Kajol Turned Make-Up Artist
Is that Kajol doing Uday Chopra’s make-up? Really?! That happened!
DDLJ or a Fairness Cream Commercial?
Thank god this scene didn’t make it to the final cut! This was supposed to be Kajol’s introduction scene. Kajol’s giving herself a steam facial, when her on-screen mother Farida Jalal comes in and lectures her about her not-so-fair complexion. Whaaaat?!?! That makes no sense! Good idea to have dropped this one!
‘Palat’ Scene is Not an Original!
Yup. It’s true. One of DDLJ’s most iconic scenes was copied from a 1993 Clint Eastwood starrer In The Line Of Fire. Well, who cares right?! It works beautifully in DDLJ.
Aren’t you eager to see the documentary trailer now?! Here it is:
Also, check out the crowd-funding campaign that’s underway to make this documentary a solid success.
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