12 Years of Aashiqui 2: Mahesh Bhatt looks back at a game-changing romance; says, “We had a smash hit. I knew it”

Aashiqui 2, your biggest hit as a producer, is now 12… Do you remember your feelings when you first saw the finished film? It was at the crack of dawn when I finished the final mix of Aashiqui 2 with Mohit Suri and his fiery Brat Brigade. As I stepped out of the mixing theatre, I immediately called (co-producer) Bhushan Kumar. He was surprised to receive a call so early in the morning. “We have a smash hit,” I told him. “This is going to be a jewel in our crown.”

And you were right? Looking back, those words were prophetic. Aashiqui 2 became a springboard for so many gifted individuals. But at its core, it is a Mohit Suri film. With this film, Mohit truly came into his own — and how! His devotion to his craft, his hunger, his vulnerability… there was a depth to that young man that even I hadn’t fully recognized before. And he poured all of it into the making of this film.

So you credit Mohit Suri with the way Aashiqui 2 shaped up? If Mohit gave it its soul, then the heartbeat of Aashiqui 2 came from Shagufta Rafiq. She gave the film its throb, its pulse. One bold choice she made set this story apart from A Star Is Born, which initially inspired us: Aarohi, played beautifully by Shraddha Kapoor, does not marry Aditya’s character. She remains unwedded. It was a powerful departure — and a defining one.

Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor got a new lease on life with this film? This film launched careers that many had written off as stillborn. I remember during the promotions, when the young stars Shraddha and Aditya — who hadn’t yet seen the final cut — lacked the conviction I had about the film. I used to plead with them: “Please watch the film. You’ll walk and talk with more confidence when you stand next to me in front of the audience.” And when they did, that confidence bloomed.

The music of Aashiqui 2 was phenomenally successful. In the world of music, Aashiqui 2 marked a seismic moment. Mithoon’s Tum Hi Ho gave birth to one of the most mesmerizing voices of our time — Arijit Singh. Jeet Gannguli also delivered unforgettable tracks, with Bhula Dena Mujhe standing out as a haunting classic.

And you were aware of what lay ahead for Aashiqui 2? I still vividly remember the first screening for people outside the project. It was at Ketnav, Union Park, Pali Hill. Mohit Suri stood behind me, nervous, while I hungrily watched the moist eyes of all those who poured out of the preview theatre — overwhelmed, moved. Pooja Bhatt, Emraan Hashmi, Vikram Bhatt — each one visibly shaken by the emotional depth of the film. I pulled Emraan aside and asked, “Do you regret not doing the film?” With rare humility, he said, “No. Aditya was the right choice. I would have spoiled it.” Now, twelve years later, when I look back at Aashiqui 2, I’m filled with warmth. It’s not just a film — it’s a memory, a moment, a miracle. And it serves as a reminder that Mohit Suri’s treasure box has much more to offer.

Also Read: Mohit Suri admits that “Recreating Galliyan was my BIGGEST mistake”; also says that a veteran filmmaker asked him to remix Aashiqui’s ‘Dheere Dheere Se’ for Aashiqui 2

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