Soha Ali Khan opens up about the doubts before Rang De Basanti’s release and how the film became a career-defining moment for her.
Published: September 22, 2025 9:07 PM IST
The 2006 film Rang De Basanti remains a landmark in Bollywood, inspiring a generation with its story and stellar cast, including Aamir Khan, Soha Ali Khan, and Kunal Kapoor. Surprisingly, the film’s makers had serious doubts about its success before release. In a recent interview, Soha Ali Khan revealed, “When we were promoting the film, the producers called us and asked if we could return some of our fees. They felt the film might not work.”
Soha explained that each actor returned a portion of their payment, as the fear of failure loomed large. “No one thought Rang De Basanti would have such a huge impact. But it became a movement. For me, it was a turning point in my career. A film that will always be a highlight of my journey,” she added.
What was the shooting experience like?
The film’s production spanned nearly a year, with shoots across Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Mumbai. Soha reminisced about the camaraderie on set. “We spent so much time together, it felt like these friendships would last forever. Cinematographer Vinod Pradhan would light each shot perfectly, sometimes taking half a day for a single frame,” she said. Over time, however, life took everyone in different directions, and the closeness gradually faded as careers and personal lives progressed.
What’s Soha Ali Khan’s latest project?
After a hiatus since her 2018 release, Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster 3, Soha returned with Chhori 2, a horror thriller now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The sequel features Nusrat Bharucha, Gashmeer Mahajani, and Jitendra Kumar, and is directed by Vishal Furia. Soha’s role in the film marks a significant comeback, showing her versatility and commitment to exploring different genres.
Why does Rang De Basanti remain special?
The film not only launched careers but also resonated culturally and politically, creating a lasting impression on audiences. Soha Ali Khan’s revelations about the initial fears behind the film show how unpredictably success can strike in Bollywood—and how some of the industry’s most memorable moments come from taking bold risks.
Highlights:
- Actors returned a portion of their fees before Rang De Basanti’s release due to fears of failure.
- Filming spanned a year across multiple Indian cities, fostering strong on-set friendships.
- Soha Ali Khan makes a comeback with Chhori 2 on Amazon Prime Video.
