This film, made Karishma Kapoor an overnight superstar, had intense kissing scene with superstar, made on budget of Rs 6 crore, earned Rs 80 crore, movie name is…

Karisma Kapoor rose to fame in the 90s, starting as a lead actress at just 16. But it was this 1996 film that truly established her a prominent figure in the industry.

Written by: Ayush Srivastava

Updated: August 26, 2025, 12:26 AM IST

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In the mid-1990s, a film emerged that defied expectations and reshaped the careers of its lead actors. Crafted on a modest budget, this cinematic gem captivated audiences with its heartfelt narrative and memorable music, becoming a cultural touchstone of its time. Its success was not just measured in box office numbers but in the lasting impact it had on Indian cinema.

Which film is this?

The film in question is Raja Hindustani, released in 1996. Directed by Dharmesh Darshan, it starred Aamir Khan as a humble taxi driver and Karisma Kapoor as a wealthy heiress. Their on-screen chemistry and the film’s emotional depth resonated with audiences nationwide.  Apart from the lead stars, the film also featured Archana Puran Singh, Suresh Oberoi, Mohnish Bahl, Johnny Lever, and Kunal Khemu.

What was the controversy related to Raja Hindustani?

The kissing scene between Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor in Raja Hindustani created quite a stir when the film was released in 1996. At the time, on-screen kisses were still considered bold in mainstream Hindi cinema, and the extended lip-lock between the lead pair stood out for its length and emotional intensity. It was one of the longest kissing scenes in Bollywood then, and sparked widespread media discussion and audience reactions.

How Raja Hindustani’s success shape the careers of Karisma Kapoor and Aamir Khan?

After Raja Hindustani, Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor went on to further solidify their positions in Bollywood, though they did not appear together again in a major film. The success of Raja Hindustani opened more commercial doors for both stars. Aamir Khan continued taking on diverse and impactful roles, eventually becoming known for his perfectionism and socially driven cinema in the 2000s. Karisma Kapoor, meanwhile, delivered several hits in the late ’90s and early 2000s, including Dil To Pagal Hai, Biwi No.1, and Fiza, showcasing her versatility and star power.

More about Raja Hindustani

The film was made on a modest budget of approximately Rs 6 crore. It surprised everyone by grossing over Rs 80 crore worldwide, making it the biggest box office success of 1996. Its music — especially “Pardesi Pardesi”, “Tere Ishq Mein Naachenge,” “Tumse Dil Lagane”  and “Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein”, were chartbusters and is still loved today. Nadeem-Shravan’s compositions played a huge part in the film’s appeal.

Story Highlights

1. Raja Hindustani (1996) was a low-budget film that became a massive box office hit, earning over Rs 80 crore worldwide.
2. The film starred Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor, with a memorable supporting cast including Archana Puran Singh and Johnny Lever.
3. Its bold kissing scene sparked controversy but also marked a new era for on-screen romance in Bollywood.
4. The soundtrack by Nadeem-Shravan was hugely popular, with songs like “Pardesi Pardesi” becoming timeless hits.

Raja Hindustani not only achieved commercial success but also left a lasting impact on Bollywood’s romantic storytelling. It helped boost the careers of Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor and pushed boundaries in terms of on-screen intimacy.