Isha Koppikar marks 18 years of 'Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi' with heartfelt recall
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress Isha Koppikar is marking 18 years of her film 'Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi', the Sooraj Barjatya-directed romantic drama in which she starred opposite Sonu Sood. The film, which released in 2007, completed its 18th anniversary on Saturday, and Koppikar took the occasion to revisit the role that she says brought her closer to her own emotions.
How the Role Came to Koppikar
Koppikar recalled that the offer arrived unexpectedly, just ahead of her birthday in 2007. 'In 2007, near to my birthday I got a call from Sooraj Barjatya sir's office for a movie narration. Who wouldn't be excited to work with a film maker like him? I went for a meeting and in a go I liked Chandni,' she said. She described her connection with the character as immediate and instinctive, noting that she 'literally fell in love with her.'
The Character of Chandni and What She Meant
Koppikar played Chandni, a woman defined by her devotion to family — someone willing to stand against the world to protect those she loves. The actress said she related deeply to that emotional core. 'I related to the love she had for her family. Someone who could stand against the world and prioritise her family over everything else,' she said. She also credited cinematographer Kaushik for crafting each scene with 'so much detailing and emotional depth.'
Behind the Scenes: Tears in the Vanity Van
In a candid admission, Koppikar revealed that her immersion in the role extended well beyond the camera. 'So a very few people know about this, when I used to read the script everyday and especially my emotional scenes I used to end up crying in my vanity just thinking about how Chandni would be feeling!! I have cried so much, on as well as off screen,' she said. The disclosure offers a rare glimpse into the preparation that underpinned her performance.
Legacy of the Film
'Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi' was widely appreciated by audiences for its portrayal of commitment and faith in love — themes that have remained central to Barjatya's filmmaking identity. For Koppikar, the film carries the distinction of being a Sooraj Barjatya production, something she described as 'the treasure title of being a Sooraj Barjatya Film's Heroine.' Eighteen years on, the film continues to hold sentimental value for both its cast and its viewers, and Koppikar's reflections suggest that some roles leave an impression that time does not easily erase.