Anil Kapoor: 'I Was Treated Like the Leading Lady'

Anil Kapoor has shared his initial reservations about starring in the 1994 romantic drama '1942: A Love Story.' He initially felt the role required a younger actor and even proposed Bobby Deol or Aamir Khan for the part. Kapoor's perspective shifted significantly after experiencing the film's music. He stated that the soundtrack was a major turning point, convincing him to accept the role as he felt an attachment to the songs and wanted to perform them himself.

During the filming of the iconic song 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga,' Kapoor expressed surprise at his limited on-screen presence, despite the song being from his character's viewpoint. He felt Manisha Koirala, as Rajjo, was the central visual element, making him feel like the film's 'leading lady' while Koirala was the 'hero.' He credited the filmmakers, including Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Farah Khan, for the magical picturization that highlighted Koirala's beauty and emotional depth.

'1942: A Love Story' is scheduled for a theatrical re-release on August 21, 2026, in an upgraded format. The film, released in 1994, remains a memorable romantic drama from its era, featuring a notable cast including Jackie Shroff, Danny Denzongpa, and Pran.