Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor’s kiss in Raja Hindustani was filmed over a span of three days, with her mother Babita present the entire time.

Raja Hindustani, featuring Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor, debuted in cinemas on November 15, 1996. Following its massive commercial triumph in the 90s, the film is about to mark 28 years since its release. The director of the film, Dharmesh Darshan, continues to share stories from the filming process.

Worries about collaborating with Aamir Khan

During an interview with Lehren Retro, the director expressed that he had certain reservations before consenting to collaborate with Aamir on Raja Hindustani. He spoke candidly about a question he asked the actor prior to joining. “I inquired about one matter, and I commend him for responding to me.” I can be quite gentle, yet also very direct. I inquired, ‘Aamir, how many directors are involved in this movie?’ He gazed at me. I said to him, ‘Some people make statements, and I worry, but I understand that not everyone conveys the correct message, as everyone has their own perspective’. He stated, ‘Certainly, Dharmesh, there will be just one director’.”

Aamir informed him that he was aware a director’s intuition is crucial, but he also inquired whether Dharmesh could take part in the creative process. To which Dharmesh responded, “However, you will not meddle.” I’ll choose the heroine I want to choose, I’ll select the song I want to select, I’ll pick Archana Puran Singh, I’ll film the kissing scene I want to film.

Discussing the collaboration with Aamir, Dharmesh remarked, “He helped me significantly by being there for all my weaknesses.” I was very young with this huge successful film behind me. I was 28 years old at the time Raja Hindustani came out. I was collaborating with a major actor, and I was said to have chosen a non-actor to play alongside him.

Karisma and Aamir’s scene of kissing

During the same interview, Dharmesh discussed the kissing scene between Aamir and Karisma from the movie, which was given to them as part of a shot list. Karisma’s mother, Babita Kapoor, was there for all three days of shooting. “She performed exceptionally well on set and was quite enthusiastic.” I could sense it on her. She was incredibly genuine… She had never performed a kissing scene prior. I informed her about what she would don, and the backdrop wouldn’t be ‘provocative’. She stated, ‘You don’t have to share that much with me’. I then brought Babita ji inside and recounted that sequence. Since Karisma was still quite young, and a mother can have an influence, right? Lolo had a positive reputation; she wasn’t a particularly loud girl. Babita ji attended the entire three-day shoot, and I didn’t ask her to leave.

He also mentioned that the film’s producers intended to include the kiss on the poster to generate excitement about it. Nonetheless, he ‘wouldn’t permit it’.

Featuring Kunal Khemu, Archana Puran Singh, and Johny Lever in key roles, Raja Hindustani tells the tale of a cab driver who falls for a wealthy girl and weds her despite her parents’ objections. Eventually, her stepmother seeks to foster divisions between the two of them. Together with the music, the romantic drama became a classic of the 90s.