Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Rang De Basanti at 20: Legacy and Impact
Rang De Basanti is a movie that came out 20 years ago and is still very important today.
The director, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, and the lyricist-screenwriter, Prasoon Joshi, talk about how the movie was made and why it's still relevant.
They say the movie is about young people who stand up for what they believe in.
Making the movie was hard because they didn't have enough money and had problems with the people who check movies before they are released.
The director also talks about how the movie's ending was changed at the last minute to make it even more powerful.
The movie's songs, like 'Roobaroo' and 'Luka Chuppi,' were very emotional and stayed with people.
The movie inspired real-life protests and had a big impact on India's youth.
The team didn't expect the movie to become so popular, but they are happy it resonated with so many people.
Rang De Basanti, released on 26 January 2006, remains relevant and impactful 20 years later.
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and lyricist-screenwriter Prasoon Joshi discuss the film's creative decisions, production challenges, and enduring legacy.
The film's cinematography, including the use of Dutch angles and varying lens lengths, was carefully planned to mirror the emotional journey of the characters.
Production faced financial struggles and censor board issues, with the release date pushed back due to a censor board row.
The film's ending was finalized just days before release, with additional footage shot across multiple cities to complete the narrative.
- Who
- Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Prasoon Joshi, Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Soha Ali Khan
- What
- Reflections on the film's legacy and impact 20 years after its release
- When
- The film was released on 26 January 2006
- Where
- India, with scenes shot across multiple cities for the final sequence
- Why
- To discuss the film's enduring impact and the challenges faced during its production
- Film Release Date
- 26 January 2006
- Director
- Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
- Key Cast
- Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Soha Ali Khan
- Lyricist-Screenwriter
- Prasoon Joshi
- Cinematographer
- Binod Pradhan
- Initial Production Challenges
- Financial struggles, censor board issues
- Final Scene Addition
- Shot across 7-8 cities in 2.5 days
- Director's Vision
- Singularity in the vision, no interference
- Former PM's Compliment
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee praised the song 'Roobaroo'
Sources
‘Aamir Khan came prepared to cry’: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra on Rang De Basanti at 20, says it’s ‘stupid’ to ask if it can be made in today’s times
Sharman Joshi on Rang De Basanti turning 20: A film hindi cinema will always cherish
Cinema still most powerful medium, film became voice of youth: Joshi on 20 years of ‘RDB’
Rang De Basanti turns 20: Poet Prasoon Joshi once wrote anti-establishment anthems; is now the establishment himself
