Taal at 27: Anil Kapoor calls playing Vikrant Kapoor 'fondest memory'
Synopsis
Twenty-seven years after its release, 'Taal' is back in the spotlight — and not just for nostalgia. Anil Kapoor's heartfelt tribute, Subhash Ghai's behind-the-scenes casting revelations, and the near-complete script for 'Taal 2' make this anniversary far more than a routine milestone.
Key Takeaways
Anil Kapoor marked Taal's 27th anniversary on 13 August , calling his role as Vikrant Kapoor one of his fondest memories.
Director Subhash Ghai revealed he asked Aishwarya Rai to forgo makeup for the first hour of the film to break her glamorous image.
Legendary choreographer Saroj Khan recommended Aishwarya Rai for the lead role when Ghai sought an actress who could match Madhuri Dixit's dancing abilities.
The script for 'Taal 2' is reportedly almost complete, according to Subhash Ghai . 'Taal' (1999) starred Aishwarya Rai , Akshaye Khanna , and Anil Kapoor , with music by A.R.
Veteran actor Anil Kapoor has reflected warmly on the 27th anniversary of Subhash Ghai's musical romance 'Taal', saying that portraying Vikrant Kapoor in the film remains one of his most cherished professional experiences. The anniversary fell on Thursday, 13 August, prompting tributes from the cast and crew across social media.
Anil Kapoor's Tribute
Sharing a clip from the film on his official Instagram Stories, Anil Kapoor wrote: 'From day one, Taal had a magic of its own — a story where music voiced every unsaid emotion. Playing Vikrant Kapoor remains one of my fondest memories. 27 years on, seeing this music and story touch generations is nothing short of incredible.' He also extended congratulations to the entire team, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Akshaye Khanna, and director Subhash Ghai, calling it 'an unforgettable journey.'
How Aishwarya Rai Was Cast
Director Subhash Ghai revealed that casting Aishwarya Rai as Mansi required a deliberate image transformation. 'I told her that I need to destroy your image. But you will be doing no makeup in the first hour. She said, yes, I will do whatever you say. As a director, you have to think about your character,' Ghai said.
Ghai had turned to legendary choreographer Saroj Khan when the production was searching for an actress who could convincingly portray Mansi's dancing abilities. When asked who, apart from Madhuri Dixit, could do justice to the role, Saroj Khan suggested Aishwarya. Ghai recalled: 'When Aishwarya's name came up, she had come from the cosmetic world. So there were 4-5 names in consideration, so I asked Saroj ji, apart from Madhuri, who else can we take? She said Aishwarya.'
Legacy Across Generations
Released in 1999, 'Taal' went on to become one of the defining musical blockbusters of its era, with its soundtrack — composed by A.R. Rahman — continuing to resonate with audiences decades later. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to Ghai's vision of blending classical Indian music with mainstream cinema.
What's Next: Taal 2 in the Works
Adding to the anniversary excitement, Subhash Ghai recently disclosed that the script for 'Taal 2' is nearly complete, raising anticipation among fans of the original. No further details about the cast or release timeline have been confirmed yet.
Point of View
On the advice of Saroj Khan, was a calculated risk that paid off commercially and artistically. The announcement of 'Taal 2' is the real news here: sequels to musicals are notoriously difficult, and the absence of Saroj Khan — who passed away in 2021 — will be keenly felt. Whether the sequel can replicate the alchemy of the original remains the central question that mainstream coverage has so far glossed over.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Anil Kapoor say about Taal's 27th anniversary?
Anil Kapoor said that playing Vikrant Kapoor in 'Taal' remains one of his fondest memories and that seeing the film's music and story resonate across generations has been incredible. He shared his tribute on his official Instagram Stories on 13 August.
How was Aishwarya Rai cast in Taal?
Director Subhash Ghai consulted choreographer Saroj Khan, asking who apart from Madhuri Dixit could convincingly portray the lead role's dancing abilities. Saroj Khan recommended Aishwarya Rai, who was then primarily known from the cosmetic world.
What did Subhash Ghai tell Aishwarya Rai before filming Taal?
Ghai told Aishwarya that he would need to 'destroy her image' for the role, requiring her to appear without makeup for the first hour of the film. Aishwarya agreed, saying she would do whatever the director asked.
Is Taal 2 being made?
Subhash Ghai has confirmed that the script for 'Taal 2' is almost complete. No details about the cast or release timeline have been announced yet.
When was Taal released and who starred in it?
'Taal' was released in 1999 and starred Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna, and Anil Kapoor. It was directed by Subhash Ghai and featured a celebrated soundtrack composed by A.R. Rahman.
