Karisma Kapoor: 'Dil To Pagal Hai' demanded my longest rehearsals
Synopsis
Karisma Kapoor's India's Best Dancer Season 5 appearance turned into a rare behind-the-scenes confession: Dil To Pagal Hai, Yash Chopra's 1997 dance musical, was the film she rehearsed the hardest for — driven by a first-time collaboration with choreographer Shiamak Davar and the pressure to make something truly exceptional. The film ultimately won her a National Award.
Key Takeaways
Karisma Kapoor named Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) as the film she rehearsed the longest for, revealing this on India's Best Dancer Season 5 .
The film marked choreographer Shiamak Davar's Bollywood debut, directed by Yash Chopra .
Karisma's role as Nisha won her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 45th National Film Awards .
Dil To Pagal Hai won 3 National Film Awards in total, including Best Popular Film .
India's Best Dancer Season 5 premiered on 6 June on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on Sony LIV .
Actress Karisma Kapoor has revealed that Dil To Pagal Hai remains the film she rehearsed the longest for, making the disclosure during her appearance as a judge on the dance reality show India's Best Dancer Season 5. The 1997 musical, which co-starred Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit, holds a special place in her career — and not just for its iconic songs.
Why Dil To Pagal Hai Demanded More
'We never really got much chance to rehearse, but I think the song that I rehearsed the longest for would probably be during Dil To Pagal Hai,' Karisma said on the show. She explained that the film brought together a remarkable creative combination: director Yash Chopra and choreographer Shiamak Davar, the latter making his Bollywood debut with the project.
'Because we were working with Shiamak for the first time, and with Yash Chopra Ji, we wanted it to be exceptional. We wanted it to be amazing,' she added. The pressure to deliver a standout dance-based musical pushed the entire cast to raise their game in rehearsals.
The Film's Enduring Legacy
Nearly three decades on, Dil To Pagal Hai continues to resonate with audiences. Karisma took the moment to express gratitude for the sustained love the film receives. 'Touchwood, it did turn out that way. I'm so thankful to the audience for loving Dil To Pagal Hai, Le Gayi Le Gayi, and the Dance of Envy so much,' she said.
The film's songs and choreography remain reference points in Hindi cinema, a testament to the ambition that went into its making. Notably, Shiamak Davar's debut choreography on this project helped redefine mainstream Bollywood dance aesthetics in the late 1990s.
A National Award-Winning Performance
The film was also a landmark moment in Karisma's personal career. Her portrayal of Nisha earned her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress at the 45th National Film Awards, where Dil To Pagal Hai claimed 3 awards in total, including Best Popular Film.
That recognition cemented Karisma's standing as one of the most versatile performers of her generation, a reputation she had built through a string of commercially successful films in the 1990s.
India's Best Dancer Season 5
India's Best Dancer Season 5 premiered on 6 June on Sony Entertainment Television and is also streaming on Sony LIV. Karisma's candid reflections on the show have offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of one of Bollywood's most beloved musicals, with more such conversations expected as the season progresses.
Point of View
With Shiamak Davar's contemporary style replacing the more theatrical conventions of the time. That Karisma won a National Award for a supporting role in a dance musical — a genre not typically rewarded by awards bodies — speaks to the film's unusual ambition. Her appearance on India's Best Dancer is well-timed: it keeps the film in cultural conversation at a moment when 1990s Bollywood nostalgia is at a commercial peak.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which film did Karisma Kapoor rehearse the longest for?
Karisma Kapoor has said that Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) is the film she rehearsed the longest for. She cited the first-time collaboration with choreographer Shiamak Davar and the high expectations set by director Yash Chopra as the key reasons.
Where did Karisma Kapoor make this revelation?
She made the disclosure during her appearance as a judge on India's Best Dancer Season 5, which premiered on 6 June on Sony Entertainment Television and is also streaming on Sony LIV.
What award did Karisma Kapoor win for Dil To Pagal Hai?
Karisma Kapoor won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Nisha in Dil To Pagal Hai at the 45th National Film Awards. The film also won Best Popular Film, taking home 3 National Awards in total.
Who were Karisma Kapoor's co-stars in Dil To Pagal Hai?
Dil To Pagal Hai co-starred Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit alongside Karisma Kapoor. The film was directed by Yash Chopra and featured choreography by Shiamak Davar in his Bollywood debut.
Why is Dil To Pagal Hai considered a landmark film?
Dil To Pagal Hai is considered a landmark because it introduced contemporary dance choreography by Shiamak Davar to mainstream Bollywood, delivered multiple National Award-winning performances, and produced songs like Le Gayi Le Gayi and Dance of Envy that remain popular decades later.
