The year 2000 ushered in a new era for Bollywood and director Rakesh Roshan’s Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (KNPH) was symbolic of that shift. The film, which turned actors Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel into overnight sensations, turns 25 today. As it celebrated the milestone with a theatrical re-release over the weekend, Patel tells us she feels “lucky to be a part of such an iconic film”.

“It feels nice that people feel the film is important enough to be re-released,” the actor says, adding, “I had fantastic chemistry with Hrithik; it was also my most raw performance. I think people loved the authenticity reflected on screen.”

However, the 49-year-old is quick to recall that the frenzy often reached extreme lengths: “There were so many fans who took pictures of us to temples and churches and married the photos. I would get pictures of myself with sindoor and letters written in blood. People would stalk me, find my address and wait outside; it was another level of fear and madness.”

As she marks her own 25th anniversary in the industry, Patel notes, “I’d like to think that my grasp of cinema is better now, but I’m still a student. It’s been a great journey and I have no complaints.”

Twenty-five years on, does she plan on catching KNPH in theatres? “I’d only seen it twice. But now, I’m excited to see it with friends and family who didn’t watch it with me at that time,” she replies.