Sharmila Tagore Calls This 1969 Film The RRR Of Her Times

Last year, SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus, RRR, impressed audiences worldwide, raking in an impressive Rs 1,200 crore and setting new benchmarks in the realm of box office collections. However, a remarkable revelation brings to light a film from 55 years ago that, when adjusted for inflation, amassed a staggering Rs 17.85 crore, equivalent to a monumental Rs 900 crore in today’s currency. This cinematic marvel from 1969 is none other than the iconic hit, Aradhana.

Aradhana stands as a pivotal milestone in Indian cinema, catapulting Rajesh Khanna to instant nationwide stardom and anointing him as the country’s first superstar. Sharmila Tagore, the female lead of the film, in a recent interview, drew parallels between Aradhana and the contemporary blockbuster RRR, affirming its status as the RRR of its era.

The film, revolving around a father-son duo portrayed by Rajesh Khanna in a dual role, was not only a domestic triumph but also resonated globally. It found acclaim in both the Soviet Union and India, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history. Inspired by the 1946 film To Each His Own, Aradhana showcased Rajesh Khanna’s versatility and acting prowess.

IMDb highlights that Aradhana achieved a historic feat, becoming the first Hindi film to run in theatres for over 100 consecutive days in the 1960s. Its remarkable run spanned an extraordinary three years, an exceptional occurrence even in South India, where Hindi films rarely achieved such prolonged success. The timeless soundtrack, composed by the legendary SD Burman, contributed significantly to the film’s allure, featuring evergreen tracks like Mere Sapno ki Rani and Roop Tera Mastana.

The on-screen chemistry between Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore in Aradhana was magical, marking the beginning of a successful pairing that would see them cast together in numerous films. The immense triumph of Aradhana prompted filmmakers to replicate the winning formula, leading to the film being remade twice—once in Tamil as Sivagamiyin Selvan and then in Telugu as Kannavari Kalalu, both released in 1974.