Ask any 90s kid what romance means to them, and chances are they’ll hum the timeless melody of ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’. The film’s title track, with its soul-stirring music, remains the soundtrack of first loves and heartfelt confessions. Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, the 2001 romantic drama starring Dia Mirza, Saif Ali Khan, and R. Madhavan holds an irreplaceable spot in the hearts of cinephiles. Over the years, the film has gained a cult following, and with its recent re-release, a new generation of romantics has embraced its magic.
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s take a nostalgic journey back to this iconic love story and hear from the cast about their cherished memories—two decades and counting.
When ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’ released in October 2001, it wasn’t an instant box office success. But as time passed, the film found its audience—young hearts who saw their own love stories reflected in Maddy and Reena’s journey. In 2025, the film will complete a glorious 24 years, proving that true love stories never fade away. Not just the audience, but the cast, too, holds this film close to their hearts, reminiscing about the moments that made it special.
Despite recovering from a recent injury caused by an intruder attack at his residence, Saif Ali Khan was more than happy to share his memories from the film. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “I got along very well with Gautham Menon. I made the most of a small part and had a great time. I think I’ve always just worked—small parts, double hero films, triple hero films, and leads. I was enjoying getting fit and looking good on screen. Dia and Maddy were very sweet. I particularly loved the Dehradun boarding school schedule—the weather was amazing. Good times.”
To celebrate the film’s re-release, Dia Mirza and R. Madhavan recently caught up on an Instagram live session. It was during this conversation that Dia revealed how devastated she was when the film initially underperformed.
“We were traveling for hours, from one place to another—14 to 18 hours at a stretch. We would often catch up on sleep during flights. The film was shot across South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Mumbai. The release date was announced before we even completed the final leg of shooting.”
Recalling a conversation with Madhavan, she added, “You told me, ‘This is a very special film, and it will connect with the audience.’ I remember hoping you were right. But when the film released, people didn’t flock to the theatres, and it shattered us. There was so much anticipation, so much expectation, and we had worked so hard.”
But as Madhavan had predicted, the film found its audience, albeit a little late. “You were right, Maddy. People may not have made it to theatres back then, but they found time for it over and over again through the years, and they’ve given it so much love,” Dia said emotionally.
Currently busy with his upcoming projects, Madhavan shared his perspective, “There were times when we questioned ourselves—what went wrong? It was our first film, and we had poured our hearts into it. Then we started blaming ourselves. ‘Had I been fitter? Could I have done the film more sincerely? Were the costumes off?’ You start looking for imperfections.”
However, the film’s cult status over the years left even Madhavan in awe. “For 23 years, this film has been airing on some channel or another. It’s on OTT platforms, and yet, people still want to watch it in theatres. Houseful shows even after all these years—it’s unbelievable! Why are they coming back? It means they still want to experience it on the big screen,” he added, amazed.
Veteran actress Smita Jaykar, who played Dia Mirza’s mother in the film, also shared her nostalgia with ETimes. “I was at the peak of my career when RHTDM came along. Everyone wanted me to play the mother, and it was a super busy time for me. The film’s music played a huge role in its popularity. And now, seeing it re-released after all these years—Madhavan is a huge star, and the casting of Dia, Madhavan, and Saif was just perfect.”
Over two decades later, ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’ continues to weave its spell on lovers of cinema and romance alike. Whether it’s the enchanting soundtrack, the innocent love story, or the soulful performances, the film remains etched in our hearts. And now, with its big-screen comeback, a new generation gets to fall in love all over again.
The Box Office Journey of ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’: From 2001 to 2024
When Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM) was released on October 19, 2001, it failed to make a significant impact at the box office. Despite its heartfelt storyline, soulful music, and a fresh star cast featuring R. Madhavan, Dia Mirza, and Saif Ali Khan, the film struggled commercially. The film, produced on a modest budget of around ₹6-7 crore, managed to collect only ₹8-9 crore during its theatrical run. It was considered a box office disappointment at the time, as it did not attract large audiences to cinemas.
One of the primary reasons for the film’s underwhelming performance was its competition with other major releases and a lack of aggressive marketing. Additionally, audiences at the time leaned more towards masala entertainers, and RHTDM was seen as a film targeted at a niche, urban demographic. However, what it lacked in box office numbers, it made up for with its enchanting soundtrack and growing fan base over the years.
Fast forward 23 years, and Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein has achieved cult status. Recognizing its ever-growing popularity, the film was re-released in theatres on February 9, 2024, ahead of Valentine’s Day. This time, the response was completely different.
The film enjoyed strong pre-bookings, with younger audiences, couples, and nostalgic fans flocking to theatres. In its first weekend alone, the re-release collected an impressive ₹5-7 crore, surpassing expectations for a film that had already been available on OTT platforms. By the end of its limited theatrical run, the film grossed close to ₹20 crore, proving that love stories with great music and emotions stand the test of time.
Several factors contributed to the unexpected success of the re-release:
The re-release of the film capitalized on several key factors that reignited audience interest. Nostalgia played a significant role, as those who had missed watching it on the big screen in 2001 now had the chance to experience it in theatres. The film’s music, with timeless songs like Zara Zara and Sach Keh Raha Hai, continues to be loved, reinforcing its status as a musical favorite. The timing of the release, coinciding with Valentine’s Day, made it an ideal romantic watch for couples. Additionally, R. Madhavan’s ever-growing popularity over the years contributed to the renewed excitement surrounding the film. Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter further amplified the buzz, with word of mouth drawing both old fans and new viewers to cinemas.
The journey of Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein from an underwhelming box office performer to a re-release success story proves that some films are not just meant for their time but for eternity. The film may not have been a blockbuster in 2001, but in 2024, it reaffirmed its place as one of Bollywood’s most cherished romantic dramas.
The remarkable resurgence of RHTDM shows that even after two decades, audiences are still eager to experience its magic on the big screen—a true testament to the enduring power of love stories in Indian cinema. So, this Valentine’s Day, if love is in the air, let ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’ be the melody that takes you back to the days of handwritten love letters, stolen glances, and timeless romance.
