I hope you watched Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani over the weekend. ‘Coz if you are planning on skipping this one, you’d miss out on one of the best Hindi films of the decade! No exaggeration.
RARKPK is a full-bodied Bollywood film. It has everything that pulls a cinephile to the theatre. The characters, the storyline, the music, the costumes—everything is top-notch. That said, it is not one of those run-of-the-mill desi romances. The film is layered and wins the audience for its fusion of Bollywood grandeur and subtle nuances.
Karan Johar understands Bollywood tropes like no one else and realises what qualifies as legendary. He has picked some of his most iconic Hindi cinema (as well as real-life) moments to carefully plant them for surprises throughout the film. Read on for RARKPK easter eggs that you might have missed out on:
P.S. Spoilers ahead!
Jaya Bachchan Played Herself In The Film
We have all heard of Amitabh Bachchan’s rumoured romance with Rekha. Reports suggest that they fell for each other on the sets of Do Anjaane when he was already married. However, later in an interview, Rekha revealed that Amitabh was an “old-fashioned” man who would never publically accept the romance and she was okay with it. Then the most surreal thing happened in 1981 with the release of Silsila. In the film based on a love triangle, Jaya played Amitabh’s wife while Rekha played his girlfriend. The only reason why Jaya agreed to do the movie? ‘Coz of the ending where the husband goes back to the wife.
Kanwal (Dharmendra) and Jamini (Shabana Azmi)’s love story gives you deja vu when you think of it in terms of Jaya, Amitabh, and Rekha’s real life. They meet after Kanwal is already married to Dhanlakshmi (Jaya) but decide to part ways ‘coz he is a traditional man who believes “ghar nahi toda karte“. However, Jamini never stops loving him. She is never shy or ashamed of talking about what she feels for him, much like how Rekha continues to do. Feels like their real-life story translated on the reel, no?
But She Also Played Amitabh Bachchan!
This one is interesting ‘coz it’s like two easter eggs fused into one. KJo has pulled up a Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham reference in the film by making Jaya say, “Keh diya na bas keh diya” to her family. This is Amitabh’s most iconic dialogue from K3G and it was surreal to see Jaya delivering it with equal impact. But that’s not it. Her character indeed has a lot of similarities with K3G’s Yash Raichand. Jaya is a dictatorial matriarch who refuses to let go of her big ego and primitive family traditions. The ‘Dhanlakshmi Pranam’ is the perfect example!
Alia Bhatt’s Dad Played Karan Johar In The Film
Once again, this is two easter eggs in one. Lemme explain. In the movie, Chandan Chatterjee (played by Tota Roy Chowdhury) is an accomplished Kathak dancer who is often mocked for his choice of profession. In one of the most emotional scenes, he talks about it and says “Jhooth nahi bolunga, fark padta hai. Insaan hun dard, hota hai.” Chandan also talks about how his mom supported him and all his choices despite all the challenges. If you think about it, this is KJo’s own story. He has been repeatedly talking about how social media trolling takes a toll on him and he even went off social media back in 2020 for the same reason. The filmmaker has often talked about his mom’s unwavering support as well.
But it gets better. Karan is regarded as Alia’s Godfather in the film industry. In fact, he has also talked about how he looks at Alia as a daughter in some interviews. It is touching that the story of Alia’s father in the film is pretty close to his own life story.
Ranveer Singh & ‘Madhuri Dixit Ki Aatma’
Admittedly, Ranveer Singh has given one of his finest performances in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. He had the audience laughing, caring, and even clapping. His strongest moment in the film? That classical dance on Dola Re Dola! Ranveer legit goes from mocking Chandan and saying “unme Madhuri Dixit ki aatma aa gayi hai” to re-creating one of her most iconic songs. Oh, and he does it while wearing an anarkali—something he has done off-screen too and got mocked for. The layers in this film!
NGL, I am seriously considering to re-watch the film. It’s worth it!
Featured Image: Instagram
