This picture with Ajay Devgn could have featured Divya Bharti, had her untimely demise not occurred. Among the films that faced major hurdles due to Divya Bharti’s sudden passing, one significant project was Hulchul. Today marks 30 years since the release of Hulchul, which hit theatres on August 4, 1995. After Divya’s tragic death, the makers replaced her with Kajol in the film. The director of Hulchul was Anees Bazmee, and this film marked his directorial debut.
There has always been confusion regarding Hulchul's box office performance and budget. Some sources claim it was a flop, while others list it as a hit. There are even those who categorize it as an average performer. Due to this ambiguity, it's best to leave the debates about its budget and collections aside. If anyone has verified information regarding this, they are welcome to share it in the comments.
What remains certain is that Hulchul was the first film where Ajay Devgn and Kajol worked together. It is often said (though how true this is remains uncertain) that in the beginning, Ajay and Kajol didn’t get along very well. Both reportedly found each other irritating. However, as the shooting progressed and they got to know each other better, their relationship softened. They first became friends, then started dating, and eventually tied the knot after a few years. Their story is now considered one of Bollywood’s iconic love tales.
Another key actor in Hulchul was Ronit Roy. He played an important role in the film. Interestingly, after Hulchul, Ronit Roy and Ajay Devgn have not worked together in any other film. With Kajol too, Ronit Roy did not share screen space again until nearly three decades later, when they worked together in the 2024 film Maa. This marked a significant reunion after Hulchul, creating nostalgia among fans.
Though Hulchul may not have achieved blockbuster status, it holds a special place in Bollywood history for multiple reasons. It was a film that carried the emotional weight of Divya Bharti’s unfinished legacy. Anees Bazmee, who later became a renowned filmmaker known for hits like No Entry, Welcome, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, began his directorial journey with this project. For Ajay Devgn and Kajol, Hulchul was the starting point of a lifelong partnership, both professionally and personally.
Over the years, fans have often wondered how the film might have turned out if Divya Bharti had been a part of it. Her absence was deeply felt, but Kajol’s entry brought a new charm, leading to a fresh on-screen pairing that eventually became one of Bollywood’s most loved real-life couples.
As Hulchul completes 30 years, it is remembered not just as a film, but as a chapter that shaped the careers and lives of some of the industry’s biggest names.
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