Anil Kapoor celebrates 25 years of Taal, reveals he performed Ramta Jogi without rehearsals with Aishwarya Rai

As Bollywood celebrates 25 years of the iconic film Taal, Anil Kapoor, who played a pivotal role in the movie, took to Instagram to share some nostalgic memories. Taal, directed by Subhash Ghai, was a cinematic masterpiece that captivated audiences not only in India but globally. It was released in 1999 and quickly became one of the most celebrated films of its time, especially noted for its mesmerizing music by A.R. Rahman.

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Anil Kapoor, known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, portrayed the character of Vikrant Kapoor in *Taal*. The role became a significant highlight of his illustrious career, earning him accolades and widespread recognition. As the film marks its silver jubilee, Kapoor reminisced about his experiences on set, the challenges he faced, and the unforgettable moments that still resonate with him today.

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In a heartfelt Instagram post, Anil Kapoor shared:
"25 years ago, I had the privilege of being a part of a cinematic masterpiece that still resonates with audiences today – ‘Taal’. My portrayal of Vikrant Kapoor was an unforgettable moment in my career, and I’m forever grateful to Subhash Ghai for believing in me. Ramta Jogi is one of my favorite songs from the film, but what makes it truly special is the incredible story behind it – Farah Khan was originally supposed to choreograph the song, but she opted out at the last minute! Saroj Khan, the legendary choreographer, stepped in just a night before the shoot at Filmistan. And I, being the enthusiastic actor I am, did the song with no rehearsals at all! Working alongside the phenomenal dancer, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was a thrill in itself! And to top it all off, ‘Taal’ swept all the major awards for me as the best supporting actor that year, including Filmfare, Zee, IIFA, and Screen Awards! It was a truly humbling experience. Here’s to many more years of music, dance, and drama!" – Anil Kapoor

 
When Taal was released, it broke several records and made its mark as a groundbreaking film in Indian cinema. It was the first Indian film to reach the Top 20 on Variety’s box-office list, showcasing its international appeal. Despite the film's story being perceived as not offering anything new to Indian cinema, it was the music that truly stole the show. A.R. Rahman’s magical tunes and Anand Bakshi’s soulful lyrics were the heart and soul of the movie, garnering more accolades than the direction or acting itself.

 
The anticipation surrounding Taal was enormous, given Subhash Ghai’s reputation. At that point, Ghai had directed 13 films, out of which 11 were hits. Taal only added to his success, becoming his 12th hit film. In an interview, Ghai reflected on the movie's success and emphasized the pivotal role of Rahman's music in making the film a timeless classic.
"I could have called it Dil, Pyaar, or anything but Rahman’s presence in the film gave me confidence to call it Taal. Rahman's music was the essence that brought the film to life," Subhash Ghai remarked.

 
One of the standout sequences in Taal is the song Ramta Jogi. The energetic and spiritually charged number remains a fan favorite, with its powerful choreography and dynamic performances by Anil Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. What many fans might not know is the behind-the-scenes story that Kapoor shared in his Instagram post.

 
Initially, Farah Khan was supposed to choreograph Ramta Jogi but she had to step down at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. This sudden change could have derailed the shoot, but Saroj Khan, another legendary choreographer, stepped in to save the day. Despite the challenges, Kapoor, known for his enthusiasm and commitment, decided to go ahead with the shoot without any rehearsals.

 
The result was nothing short of spectacular. Kapoor's raw energy and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's graceful yet intense performance, combined with Rahman’s electrifying music, made Ramta Jogi an unforgettable number in Bollywood history. The chemistry between Kapoor and Rai Bachchan was palpable, making the song a visual and auditory treat for the audience.

 
Ramta Jogi was just one of the many elements that contributed to the overwhelming success of Taal. The film went on to win numerous awards, solidifying its place in Bollywood's Hall of Fame. Anil Kapoor himself swept all the major awards for Best Supporting Actor that year, including Filmfare, Zee, IIFA, and Screen Awards. This recognition was a testament to Kapoor's dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters.