Anil Kapoor, Vidya Balan praise 'Sanam Teri Kasam'

After the re-release's record-breaking success in India, it is hard to keep one's eyes away from the 2016 romantic film, Sanam Teri Kasam. Even Bollywood greats like Anil Kapoor seem to agree.

Commending the re-released film's triumph at the box office, Anil wrote on Instagram Stories on Thursday, "Congratulations to (producer) Deepak Mukut and the entire Sanam Teri Kasam team on its re-release! The film has already won hearts, and its success is truly well-earned. Wishing Harshvardhan Rane, Mawra Hocane, Soham Rockstar Entertainment, (co-producer) Hunar Mukut, and everyone involved even more milestones ahead!"

Mawra, who played the female lead Saru, was quick to take note of Anil's praises. Re-sharing the Story, she replied, "Thank you, Anil Kapoor sir!"

Another Bollywood veteran, Vidya Balan, not only lauded the film's success but also watched it in the theatre. "Enjoyed watching this simple love story in the theatre! Congrats to Mawra Hocane, Harshvardhan Rane, Radhika Rao, Vinay Sapru, Kaleem Khan," Vidya wrote in an Instagram Story on Wednesday.

But that's not all. Someone in particular captivated Vidya's interest as she wrote, "Mawra, you are amazing."

John Abraham was another Bollywood actor to appreciate the film's unexpected success nearly a decade after its original release. He took to Instagram Stories to direct his congratulations to the film's male lead. "Finally, Harshvardhan Rane, you have got your due!" John wrote on Sunday.

"Thank you, my sir! I have learnt patience and working hard with my standards always up and my head always down from you - the OG," replied Harshvardhan via Instagram Stories. Recently, Harshvardhan opened up about his first encounter with John back in 2004, when he had to deliver a helmet to the Pathaan actor's hotel room. In the interview with Zoom, Harshvardhan praised John's humility, and here he is now on the receiving end of the 52-year-old actor's praises.

Another Indian actor to show love to the film was Arjun Rampal. "So so happy, for Harshvardhan Rane, Deepak Mukut, and Hunar Mukut for this. Harshvardhan has been manifesting this since I have known him. This is a true example of 'if you desire something with a pure heart, the universe listens'," Arjun wrote in an Instagram grid post on Sunday.

"Sir, the fact that you notice others' dreams makes you such a sweet human being," commented Harshvardhan. "Indebted, sir!"

Unbridled dedication

Sanam Teri Kasam was re-released earlier in February, around the same time that Mawra tied the knot with now-husband Ameer Gilani. Basking in the wedding glow, she took to Instagram Stories to express her shock at seeing her film's poster on a billboard in Bombay, with the words "Biggest opening for a re-release" stamped on them.

"I cannot believe this!" Mawra wrote. However, this reward has been long overdue, given that she gave the role her everything.

In an interview with FilmyGyan on Tuesday, directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru praised the 32-year-old actor's perseverance through the most challenging parts of filming.

"We gave her a real dead fish that she had to kiss for the song Kheech Meri Photo," Radhika revealed. "She would kiss the fish, then vomit, and then shoot anyway! Her body smelled of fish yet she kept going on. But what a girl. I mean, salute to that artist. If it was anyone else, they would've called for a wrap up."

Radhika also shared that Mawra, who would rush to the vanity to vomit, wouldn't tell anyone how unwell she was feeling until the day was over. "I mean, just watch the song. She put her soul into it. What an actress," Radhika said.