Celebrating a timeless cinematic gem: 25 years of "Khoobsurat"
As the iconic romantic comedy Khoobsurat turns 25 this month, it remains etched in the hearts of audiences as one of Indian cinema's most charming and unforgettable films. Released on November 26, 1999, the film, directed and written by Sanjay Chhel, broke the mould with its refreshing storytelling, endearing performances, and music that still resonates across generations.
In a career-defining shift, Khoobsurat saw Sanjay Dutt shed his rugged, action-hero persona to embrace a romantic comedy role for the first time. His suave charm and handsome looks captivated audiences, showing a new dimension of the actor. Opposite him, Urmila Matondkar shone in a role that showcased her vivacity and emotional depth, creating a pairing that became the soul of the film.
Produced by Rahul Sughand, Khoobsurat was one of the top films of 1999, celebrated for its relatable humour and heartwarming narrative. The film enjoyed a Silver Jubilee run, completing 25 weeks in theatres, a remarkable feat in an era when multiplexes were just emerging.
The film boasted a powerhouse cast, including Om Puri, Farida Jalal, Ashok Saraf, Jatin Kanakia, Supriya Pilgaonkar, and Anjan Srivastav. Their impeccable comic timing and nuanced portrayals added layers to the story, making it a wholesome cinematic experience.
The film also marked a milestone for writer-director Sanjay Chhel. Known for his work on celebrated films like Rangeelaand Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Khoobsurat showcased his ability to weave humour and heart into an engaging narrative. Over his illustrious career, Chhel has contributed to over 30 films, but Khoobsurat remains one of his most celebrated directorial ventures.
The music of Khoobsurat has stood the test of time. Composed by Jatin-Lalit, with lyrics by the legendary Gulzar and Sanjay Chhel, the soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon. Iconic tracks like Aye Shivani” – Sanjay Dutt’s debut as a playback singer, which became a youth anthem and remains a wedding favourite, “Ghoonghat Mein Chand Hoga” – A duet by Kavita Krishnamurthy and Kumar Sanu that epitomized romance, “Bahut Khoobsurat Ho” – Sung by Abhijeet Bhattacharya and Neerja Pandit, a melody that continues to resonate.
Urmila Mantondkar says ” Khoobsurat will always be a special film for me because of its beautiful and relatable story. It’s not about an ugly girl becoming beautiful—it’s about a young woman discovering her inner beauty and confidence. I loved playing this underconfident, unsure girl who, with the help of Sanjay Dutt’s character, slowly finds herself and blossoms into someone strong and self-assured. For both Sanju and me, the roles were a departure from our usual images—Sanju, known for his macho action-hero persona, played a soft, romantic character with such charm. And at the peak of my glamorous career, I got to play someone vulnerable and lost, which was both challenging and exciting. Even today, people come up to me and fondly recall the film, its songs, and even quirky details like the dog’s name, Babu Bhai”
Music duo Jatin and Lalit Pandit quote saying ” Khoobsurat is a film that will always be special to us because of the music we created for it. One of the standout tracks is 'Mera Ek Sapna Hai,' sung beautifully by Kumar Sanu and Kavita Krishnamurthy. The song’s melody is simple yet soulful, and Sanjay Chhel’s lyrics add a touch of richness and depth. Another memorable piece was the song performed by Sanjay Dutt. It was unique because it blended a conversational, dialogue-like singing style with a rhythmic melody. We were amazed by Sanjay’s precision and tempo, which we later learned came from his drumming experience. The title track, 'Khoobsurat Ho,' holds a special place in our hearts. Gulzar Saab’s lyrics were poetic yet grounded in everyday language, creating vivid visuals. The composition has a classic touch, with slight influences from R.D. Burman, but it remained distinctly ours. Creating the soundtrack for Khoobsurat was a joy, as it allowed us to experiment with emotions, melodies, and styles. Even 25 years later, these songs remain close to our hearts, and we’re proud that they continue to resonate with audiences."
Director of the film Sanjay Chhel says ” Khoobsurat holds a special place in my heart because Sanjay Dutt believed in me and trusted me with this project. It was the first time he stepped out of his action-hero image to play a feel-good, romantic character, and he nailed it. His natural comic timing and charm made the film what it is. The song 'Aye Shivani' was a standout. Even today, I hear from so many Shivani’s who say they love the song. The idea for the track came from Sanjay himself. He said, 'Listen, bro, let's add this,' and he not only improvised but also lent his voice. I wrote the lyrics, and in just 15 minutes, he recorded the song at Jaliwar Studio—even though he wasn’t feeling his best that day. It became a massive hit and remains iconic. The film was a culmination of so many great elements—memorable performances, Paresh Rawal's hilarious dialogues, and an incredible soundtrack”
The album was widely acclaimed, earning nominations across major award platforms and becoming a staple of radio playlists and festive celebrations. Even after 25 years, Khoobsurat holds a special place in the hearts of its fans. The film’s humour, emotional resonance, and memorable music continue to make it a favourite across generations.