Vivek Oberoi Remembers ‘Saathiya’ on the 22nd Anniversary of the Movie
The classic love tale Saathiya, starring Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukerji, is set to complete 22 years on December 20. Shaad Ali-directed, with AR Rahman’s musical gems, the movie stays in the minds of viewers due to its raw emotions, soul-stirring melodies, and compelling performances. Vivek Oberoi has spoken exclusively to ETimes, reminiscing about the journey of the film and how, initially, he wasn’t ready to take on the project, which many at that time considered a step too far for him.
Reluctance At First Glance
Recalling those pre Saathiya days, the initial hesitation with which Vivek signed on. Company-a high-octane gangster drama by Ram Gopal Varma- was going on in his mind full-time. His childhood buddy Shaad Ali brought along the script of Saathiya when,
“The place where you are sitting, bang opposite that is Shaad’s house,” reveals Vivek recalling his good old days. “I had come there to see him and he asked me to watch that film also. I refused. ‘I’m really busy.’ I was made for that gangster film Company where I had that role coming up. And just then was this love story: a guy from college chasing a girl. What a waste of time for me that was.”.
However, Shaad was persistent in trying it out. Reluctantly, Vivek sat to watch Mani Ratnam’s Tamil film Alai Payuthey, which Saathiya was based on.
An Emotional Turning Point
As the reel went on, Vivek became totally moved. “He played Alai Payuthey for me—Mani Ratnam’s brilliance, Maddy (R. Madhavan), and Shalini’s insane chemistry. I watched the movie, and I choked. Tears streamed down my face,” he recalled. “I turned to Shaad and said, ‘You knew that when I watch this, the actor in me would want to do it.’ I had no choice but to say yes.”
It was an exciting proposition for Vivek, however challenging. Company’s persona of a character was one of intensity and grit. Saathiya, therefore, needed to be drastically different from this, soft and romantic, which he had to suddenly change.
Industry Skeptics Were Navigated
Despite his enthusiasm, he encountered strong resistance from the industry people. Company was, at the time, generating a huge buzz as a big-budget venture that was going to make Vivek a rising action star. It made little sense to most of them to sign on for a relatively small, romantic film with a debutant director.
Just like you need permission before getting married, I needed to take permission from so many people before signing Saathiya, quipped Vivek. “People said, ‘No way! You are going to get launched in a film like Company—a big set-up. Why risk that for a small movie like Saathiya?’
That sceptre wasn’t unfounded either. Big production houses were queuing up to get Vivek for their big-ticket action films of the future. To them, taking the modest project seemed strange and bizarre.
Jumping Blindfolded
He was not deterred by this. “I kept thinking, I’ll manage somehow,” he said with determination. He felt that Saathiya could emotionally connect people at a very deep level. “People thought it was a mistake, but I believed in the story and its ability to resonate.”.
The actor’s repute stood the test. When the film Saathiya reached the cinemas, it somehow struck a chord with everybody, critics, and moviegoers. Vivek’s portrayal as Aditya, this young chap going through complex love-and-marriage processes, impressed everybody. A realistic display of relationships from the actresses, particularly the lead actresses Rani Mukerji, as the character of Suhani, went to make it a hot topic of talk in movies.
AR Rahman’s musical magic
No discussion of Saathiya can be considered complete without its famous soundtrack. Compositions by AR Rahman, such as the title song and “Chhalka Chhalka Re,” made them an instant hit. Music proved to be an essential aspect in the enhancement of emotional depth of the film, making it a cult favorite forever.
Reflection with Gratitude
Twenty years on, Vivek beams with pride and gratitude. “The film became what it did,” he says, smiling. It was something that everyone doubted him when he made that choice. But it became a landmark in his career and his ability to take risks. He was proving himself versatile as an actor.
Timeless Legacy
Today, Saathiya is one of the most loved Bollywood romantic dramas. Honest portrayal of love, commitment, and marriage life is still resonating among all generations of audiences. The success of the film had reminded everyone once again to trust their instincts and listen to their heart, whether on or off the big screen.
Completing 22 years of Saathiya, this is a celebration of the power of storytelling, magic of cinema, and an appeal that never fades: the love story. It marks the milestone for Vivek Oberoi and also forms one of the most memorable chapters in his journey that was started with skepticism but triumphantly ended.