The untold story of Ishq: How Aamir Khan’s injury reshaped its release and how it nearly featured Amitabh Bachchan in a hit song

November 28, 2024 - 3:00 PM IST

Ishq wasn’t just another Bollywood release in 1997 - it was an ambitious comedy-drama with a star-studded cast and high expectations. However, the journey to its release on 28th November 1997 was anything but smooth. Initially planned as a Diwali offering on 31st October 1997, the film’s release had to be delayed by four weeks due to unforeseen challenges that added layers of drama even before the audience saw it on the big screen.

The untold story of Ishq: How Aamir Khan’s injury reshaped its release and how it nearly featured Amitabh Bachchan in a hit song

Aamir Khan’s injury and the crucial song delay

A major reason for the postponement was Aamir Khan’s injury. While shooting for his other film, Mela, Aamir hurt his leg and hand, rendering him unable to participate in the filming of the song Mr. Lova Lova. This wasn’t just any song - it was a central sequence requiring the participation of the film’s four leads: Aamir Khan, Juhi Chawla, Ajay Devgn, and Kajol.

The decision to delay the shoot and prioritize Aamir’s recovery was a strategic move by producer Gordhan Tanwani and director Indra Kumar. They wanted the song to be shot with full energy and perfection, rather than compromising its quality by rushing the schedule.

The lost cameo - Amitabh Bachchan’s exit

Adding to the intrigue, Ishq had originally planned to feature Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan in Mr. Lova Lova. The idea of Big B sharing screen space with the younger stars had generated significant buzz. In fact, Sudesh Bhosle had already recorded portions of the song in Amitabh’s iconic voice, imitating him flawlessly. However, due to scheduling conflicts and creative adjustments, the final version of the song excluded Bachchan entirely, focusing instead on the four main leads.

Mr. Lova Lova - The song that was worth the wait

Despite the delays and changes, Mr. Lova Lova emerged as one of the most memorable tracks of 1997. With its catchy beats, quirky lyrics, and Sudesh Bhosle’s dynamic vocals, the song became an instant hit among audiences. Its infectious energy complemented the comedic tone of the film, ensuring that Ishq was not just a visual treat but also a musical delight.

The Payoff - Ishq becomes a Blockbuster

When Ishq finally released on 28th November 1997, it was met with thunderous applause from audiences. The film struck the perfect balance between laugh-out-loud comedy, heartfelt romance, and high-octane drama. Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn’s comedic timing, paired with Kajol and Juhi Chawla’s charm, proved to be a winning formula.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Anu Malik, became a defining feature, with songs like Neend Churayi Meri and Humko Tumse Pyar Hai joining Mr. Lova Lova in capturing the imagination of the 90s generation.

A Legacy of Laughter and Love

Over 27 years later, Ishq remains a cherished gem of Bollywood’s golden era. The film’s journey, from its delayed release to its box-office triumph, is a testament to the resilience and vision of its creators. And while the thought of Amitabh Bachchan in Mr. Lova Lova remains a tantalizing "what if," the film’s final version proved that even without Big B, Ishq was destined for greatness.

Also Read: Aamir Khan recalls getting attacked by a chimpanzee on Ishq set; Ajay Devgn says: “He was spraying water on it and then ran around, shouting ‘bachao bachao’ like a girl”