Mumbai, October 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Filmmaker Jackky Bhagnani has looked back on the making of Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM) as the romantic drama completed 25 years on October 19, recalling how the film brought together R. Madhavan, Dia Mirza and Saif Ali Khan and eventually became a cult favourite.
Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and produced by Jackky’s father, Vashu Bhagnani, the film marked Madhavan’s entry into Hindi cinema in a leading role and introduced Dia Mirza to Bollywood. Jackky worked as an assistant on the project and also made a brief appearance as a delivery boy in a sequence featuring roses sent by Madhavan’s character, Maddy, to Reena, played by Dia.
Reflecting on the film’s enduring appeal, Jackky said its lasting connection with audiences was something that could not be manufactured through marketing or a release strategy.
He recalled how his father recognised the potential of the Tamil film Minnale and wanted to bring its story to Hindi-speaking audiences. Madhavan, he said, played an important role in bringing Menon on board to direct the Hindi adaptation.
Jackky also credited Dia’s casting as a key part of the film’s journey, describing her as a “wonderful discovery”. He said Vashu Bhagnani believed she had the potential to play Reena and that her innocence and grace helped make the character memorable.
The producer’s son noted that the team could not have anticipated the affection audiences would continue to feel for the film a quarter-century later.
The music has been central to that legacy, with songs such as Zara Zara and Sach Keh Raha Hai continuing to attract listeners across generations.
Jackky said a new generation had discovered the film and connected with its music and central characters despite not having experienced the era in which it was made.
For him, the film’s 25-year journey reflects how a movie’s relationship with its audience can endure long after its original release.
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