Preeti Jhangiani Reflects on 25 Years Since ‘Mohabbatein’: Fans Still Remember Kiran

As Mohabbatein celebrates its 25th anniversary, actress Preeti Jhangiani fondly remembers the film that made her a household name. Directed by Aditya Chopra, this romantic drama features legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. For Preeti, the entire experience was transformative. She recalls, “When I heard the narration from Adi, it lasted four hours with the entire cast present. It was captivating; I knew it was something special.”

Preparing for the Role of Kiran

Preeti, who portrayed Kiran in the film, dedicated considerable effort to prepare even before filming commenced. “I was the first cast member finalized for the movie. That meant eight months of intensive training in various aspects of cinema, including learning Indian classical dance,” she explains. “Adi mentioned my entrance should feel like ‘the dancer has arrived,’ which required meticulous preparation.”

Her rigorous training included early morning sessions with her dance teacher and daily shooting to monitor her progress. Preeti worked closely with industry professionals like Karan Johar and rehearsed extensively with Farah Khan for the dance sequences.

Working Alongside Legends

By the time filming started, Preeti and her young co-stars were well-prepared. With megastars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, the atmosphere was both exhilarating and professional. “We were in awe of SRK and Big B, but we were also fully ready and knew what was expected of us,” she remarks.

Working with Amitabh Bachchan was particularly memorable for Preeti. “He always preferred to mingle with the younger cast, lightening the mood on set with his humor,” she laughs. “His command over both Hindi and English is incredible, and it’s inspiring to witness.”

The Cultural Impact of Mohabbatein

Discussing the film’s lasting influence, Preeti recalls how it changed perceptions of love and romance. Today, people still recognize her as ‘Kiran’, a testament to the film’s impact. “It’s a rare blessing to have your first film create such a lasting identity,” she shares.

Reflecting on her personal life, she mentions that while she hasn’t written love letters, her husband, Parvin Dabas, proposed to her with a beautiful poem that she cherishes.

Changes in the Film Industry

Preeti notes significant shifts in the film industry over the last 25 years, highlighting increased professionalism. “Back then, we often received scripts on set. Now, there’s a structured approach, with detailed rehearsals,” she observes.

As her career progressed, Preeti became selective about her roles. Initially uncertain about her path, she now prioritizes projects that genuinely excite her. “I’ve always been critical of my performance and aim to continually improve,” she concludes.