In 2001, every time Dia Mirza appeared on the TV screen with the song, Aya Re Koi Aaya Re from Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM) playing in the background, cinephiles got curious to know all about this new actor. And the romantic movie amassed an instant cult following its release courtesy its music and the young love story depicted between Mirza and R Madhavan.

Today, on the film’s 20th anniversary, Mirza looks back on her journey and says, “Every year around this time, I remember the moments I spent on the sets of RHTDM. This film was my introduction to a new creative journey and also to the industry. I am very grateful that both — the film and the people — I worked with made me believe that I had chosen the right path.” She adds, “This film and its cast and crew made me feel that I belonged here.”

The 39-year-old shares the character of Reena Malhotra in the Gautham Menon-directed film, which also starred actor Saif Ali Khan remains her “personal favourite” because she “identified with her innate poise and dignity”.

The former beauty pageant winner, who is also a producer, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, a wife and a mother, besides being an actor, lastly adds that “watching videos of people singing, dancing and performing the songs of RHTDM makes me feel like the movie released yesterday”.