Pardes(1997)
Pardes is a 1997 Indian Hindi-language musical romantic drama film directed, produced, and co-written by Subhash Ghai under his banner Mukta Arts. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Mahima Chaudhry, and Apurva Agnihotri in lead roles, with Amrish Puri, Alok Nath, and Himani Shivpuri in supporting roles. The story follows an Indian-American businessman who arranges his westernized son's marriage to a traditional village girl from India. The film explores the clash between Indian values and Western culture through the journey of the young bride who moves to America. Pardes was shot in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Vancouver, and Uttarakhand. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews, with praise for its soundtrack and performances. It grossed over ₹40 crore worldwide and was the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of 1997. It won three Filmfare Awards including Best Female Debut for Mahima Chaudhry. The film released on 8 August 1997, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Indian independence.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- VI Movies and TV, Zee5, Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1997
- Director
- Subhash Ghai
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 3h
- Rating
- 5.8/10
Storyline
A wealthy Indian-American father wants his westernized son to marry a simple village girl from India. He believes she will bring Indian values back into his family. But when the girl moves to America, she discovers her fiancé is cruel and abusive. The father's adopted son must protect her and reveal the truth.
“Two worlds. One love. One truth.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Pardes
Cast reunions in this film: Amrish Puri & Alok Nath (11 films together), Amrish Puri & Subhash Ghai (8 films together), Shahrukh Khan & Amrish Puri (6 films together), Amrish Puri & Himani Shivpuri (4 films together), Alok Nath & Mahima Chaudhry (3 films together), and Alok Nath & Himani Shivpuri (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Pardes' means 'foreign land' in Hindi, reflecting its theme of cultural displacement.
- Subhash Ghai wrote the story after observing many NRI (Non-Resident Indian) families and their struggles with identity.
- This was the first film where music director Nadeem-Shravan worked with Subhash Ghai, starting a successful collaboration.
- The song 'I Love My India' became a patriotic anthem and is still played on Indian Independence Day broadcasts.
- Actor Shah Rukh Khan was initially considered for the lead role before it went to newcomer Apoorva Agnihotri.
- The film was a major box office success, especially in overseas markets like the US and UK.
- Mahima Chaudhry won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for her role as Ganga.