Shriya Saran has opened up about the initial disappointment surrounding Awarapan, revealing that she was not even invited to some award ceremonies despite the 2007 film receiving nominations, writes Hindustan Times.
Directed by Mohit Suri and starring Emraan Hashmi, Shriya and Mrinalini Sharma, Awarapan underperformed at the box office when it was released.
However, the romantic action drama gradually developed a cult following, with its music and emotional storyline earning renewed appreciation over the years.
Speaking to Pinkvilla, Shriya said the cast had high hopes for the film when it released.
“When the film came out, we all had lots of hopes for it. But I don’t know why; I think it was ahead of its time,” she said.
The actor recalled being particularly hurt when the film received recognition at award shows but she was not invited.
“It was even nominated in some award shows, and they didn’t send me an invite. It was like that. And Awarapan is a movie which I felt would be celebrated; people would love it. So when something like that happens, you kind of feel very disheartened,” she said.
However, Shriya said the film’s continued popularity eventually made her realise that audiences connected with more than just its music.
“For the longest time, I thought maybe it was the songs they loved, because the songs were amazing and Emraan was amazing. But now, I feel like people loved the story. They kind of felt it,” she said.
Describing the film as an “intense” story, Shriya added that the affection it continues to receive nearly two decades later proves that audiences connected deeply with it.
Awarapan follows Shivam Pandit, a troubled gangster whose life changes after he is tasked with keeping watch over Aaliyah, a Pakistani woman.
The film was produced by Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt.
Its soundtrack, featuring songs such as Toh Phir Aao, Tera Mera Rishta and Mahiya, became a major part of the film’s enduring popularity.
Now, nearly 20 years after the original, Awarapan 2 is set to arrive in cinemas.
Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the sequel stars Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi.
The film is scheduled to release on 14 August, where it will clash at the box office with Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947.
