The 2016 romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam directed by Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao may not have made waves at the box office upon its initial release but over time it found a special place in the hearts of Bollywood romance lovers. Starring Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hussain in their Bollywood debuts, the film initially struggled with box office numbers and critical reception. However, thanks to growing audience demand, it was recently re-released and has been enjoying a remarkable resurgence. The film has now grossed Rs 37 crore worldwide with expectations of reaching Rs 50 crore by the end of its re-run.
Amid this renewed success, the director duo sat down for an interview with Lehren Retro, where they reflected on their film’s journey, the struggles of their lead actors and their own sense of responsibility as filmmakers. Speaking about Harshvardhan’s career, director Vinay Sapru made a candid statement, “If Harshvardhan is not doing well, then it’s our failure.”
Director Vinay ‘s Take On Responsibility For Harshvardhan ‘s Career
Sapru and Rao shared how Sanam Teri Kasam was an intense film that required complete dedication from its lead actors. Despite their wholehearted commitment, Harshvardhan never really got a major Bollywood hit after his debut until now when the film’s re-release finally brought him the success he deserved.
Talking about how debutants put their faith in their directors, Vinay Sapru emphasized that actors shouldn’t be blamed when a film doesn’t succeed. Instead, he believes the responsibility lies with the filmmakers. Highlighting Harshvardhan’s dedication to the film, Sapru said, “Aaj Harsh hamari discovery hai, humne usko introduce kiya and we are like his mentor”.
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He further explained how this realization weighs on him, adding, “Today, if Harsh is not doing well, then it is our failure and not Harsh’s failure. Humne usko ek vaadha kiya tha, ek newcomer aankhon mein sapne leke aata hai, dreams leke aata hai aur hamare sath workshops, rehearsals yeh sab karta hai toh it’s a promise given to him na? Ki hamare pe tu faith kar aur vo kar jo hum keh rahe hai aur usne vo kiya aur uske baadh proper deliver nahi hota toh hummein kami aa gayi.” (We made a promise to him. A newcomer comes with dreams in his eyes, joins us for workshops and rehearsals, and trusts us completely. When he does everything we ask of him, but we fail to deliver a hit for him, then the shortcoming is ours, not his).
A Karmic Redemption For The Director
Sapru expressed his happiness about the film’s success upon re-release, especially since it coincided with Mawra’s wedding. He also acknowledged that giving Harshvardhan his first hit, even after nine years, felt like a karmic redemption. “A huge heaviness went away from the heart,” he said, relieved that Harshvardhan and Mawra finally received the appreciation they deserved long back.
In the same interview, the director also recalled how challenging it was for Mawra to perform the film’s emotional climax. He revealed fascinating behind-the-scenes details about how she had to completely immerse herself in one of the most heartbreaking scenes of the film.
To hear more insights from the filmmakers, including untold stories from the making of Sanam Teri Kasam, watch the full interview below.
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