Who hasn't seen DDLJ? Raise your hand

I don’t think there is anyone who has not seen Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge or has not cried while watching the film. There is nothing that can recreate the magic of the film. It gives me a sense of pride that I was part of the timeless feature film. The only other film that I can think matched its timelessness is Sholay.

DDLJ had all the ingredients to make it a blockbuster then and embark on the journey to celebrate 1,000 weeks — star cast, music, direction and story line. It was a film that struck a chord with young and old alike. People loved the values shown onscreen — Raj refused to follow the easier course of running away with Simran, instead he took it upon himself to win the hearts of everyone in her family, particularly "Bauji". The onscreen chemistry between Shah Rukh and Kajol brought this to life. It was fascinating how father-son and father-daughter relationships were portrayed in the film, contrasting-yet-endearing. Farida Jalal beautifully plays a balancing act in the character of Simran’s mother, who not only moderates clashes between a young London-bred daughter and a conservative Indian father, but also supports her when she is head over heels in love with a boy her father disapproves of.

Going back 19 years ago, the only thread that bound the entire quite disparate cast was the complete absence of hierarchy on the sets. Being a relatively new artist in the field of commercial cinema, I was always made comfortable by the entire production team. Growing up in south Bombay and already six months into the television series Shanti, I was not awe struck by the star cast of the film, but was definitely humbled by the family atmosphere that we all shared while shooting for the film. In fact, this even spoiled me to an extent!

I recall how a whole new world unfolded before me on the first day of the shoot for the film for a variety of reasons. First, because it was commercial cinema; second, the character I played in the film; and third, the most significant one of all: practising the dance moves for a song. For someone who only moves shoulders while dancing, it was a big challenge to dance with a troupe and get the steps right.

To my surprise, one afternoon I was welcomed by Karan Johar over lunch at my home who helped to get me to dance. He is responsible for how I look and dance on-screen. Of course, Saroj ji approved it too. Also, my character as Preeti taught me how to play coy, something that was in complete contrast to my earlier roles. As I fondly hold memories of DDLJ close to my heart, all I wish Is that I had had a longer role in the film.