Dahek(1999)
Dahek: A Burning Passion is a 1999 Indian Hindi-language romance film directed by Lateef Binni. The lead cast includes Akshaye Khanna, Sonali Bendre, and Danny Denzongpa. The story is set in Bhopal and Bombay, following two interfaith couples whose love is destroyed by family honor and religious violence. Jabbar Bakshi, a conservative Muslim patriarch, kills his sister's husband and later hunts his niece's Hindu lover. The film explores themes of honor killing, communal tension, and the cycle of hatred. It received mixed reviews for its heavy-handed execution but was noted for its bold subject. The movie was released in December 1999.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1999
- Director
- Lateef Binny
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h 35m
- Rating
- 5.1/10
Storyline
Neelima, a Muslim girl from a strict family, falls in love with Sameer, a Hindu boy. Her uncle Jabbar, who once killed his own sister for the same reason, vows to stop them. The lovers must escape before history repeats itself with blood.
“Love burns brighter than hate.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dahek
Cast reunions in this film: Akshaye Khanna & Tiku Talsania (5 films together), Himani Shivpuri & Tiku Talsania (5 films together), Sonali Bendre & Dalip Tahil (4 films together), Sonali Bendre & Tiku Talsania (3 films together), Dalip Tahil & Himani Shivpuri (3 films together), and Dalip Tahil & Tiku Talsania (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally titled 'Dahek: Ek Aag' before its release as 'Dahek: A Burning Passion'.
- It was one of the few Hindi films of the late 1990s to feature a Bengali-speaking protagonist in a Mumbai setting.
- Director Lateef Binni was primarily known for his work in Bhojpuri cinema before making this Hindi romantic drama.
- The movie's soundtrack, composed by Anand-Milind, included a popular song 'Tumse Milne Ko Dil Karta Hai' sung by Kumar Sanu.
- Actress Monalisa, who played the lead, shares her screen name with her character's name in the film.
- The film performed poorly at the box office, contributing to its relative obscurity despite its star cast.
- It featured veteran actor Alok Nath in a supporting role, during his peak as the 'ideal father figure' in Hindi cinema.