In Pics: Shah Rukh Khan-Mahima Chaudhry's 'Pardes' clocks 21 glorious years

Wednesday marks 21 years of the 1997 popular musical drama film Pardes, which starred Shah Rukh Khan, Amrish Puri, Alok Nath and debutants Apurva Agnihotri and Mahima Chaudhry. Helmed by Subhash Ghai, the film was a commercial, critical and musical hit. 

Apart from the story and the lead pair, what still strikes a chord with the audience is the remarkable and impressive music composed by the talented duo Nadeem-Shravan with the beautiful lyrics that can be credited to Anand Bakshi. 

During the promotions of the film at that time, King Khan in an interview had said, "To say that the music of the film is nice would be an understatement. Nadeem-Shravan and Anand Bakshi are masters of music. I think it's marvellous and every song tells a story." 

The actor also went on to say that, "The strongest point of the film is the music."

Rightly so! The tracks Do Dil Mil Rahe Hai, I Love My India, Meri Mehbooba, Yeh Dil Dewaana and Jahan Piya were immensely popular then and are hummed till date. 

Shah Rukh Khan was a few films old and already a star when Pardes came his way, but Mahima Chaudhry marked her debut with the film and we must say that she made a mark on each one's heart with her performance. 

Mahima who won the Best Newcomer Award for her performance in the film, however wasn't the first choice for the role. 

Juhi Chawla was considered for the role of Ganga, but Subhash Ghai was so impressed with Mahima that he offered her the role then.

Mahima on working with Shah Rukh Khan, once during an interview had said, “I don’t remember ever saying my lines in front of him. But obviously when you look at the film, I have performed. I must have been so nervous that I don’t remember when I did that film, especially the scenes in front of him."

Pardes which narrated a story that discussed the cultural values of the East and West is celebrating 21 years of its glory today and we can't keep calm!

Here are a few stills and behind the scenes pictures that will remind you of the amazing film Pardes was!