
Ishaqzaade(2012)
Ishaqzaade is a 2012 Hindi romantic action drama film directed by Habib Faisal. It stars Arjun Kapoor in his debut role as Parma Chauhan and Parineeti Chopra as Zoya Qureshi. The film is set in a small town in Uttar Pradesh where two politically rival families, the Hindu Chauhans and the Muslim Qureshis, have been enemies for generations. Parma, a reckless young man from the Chauhan family, falls in love with Zoya, an ambitious girl from the Qureshi family who wants to enter politics. Their love defies their families' hatred and leads to a violent confrontation. The film is noted for its raw portrayal of honor killings and political violence in rural India. It was produced by Yash Raj Films on a budget of ₹160 million and grossed ₹613 million worldwide, becoming a commercial success.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Netflix, Prime Video, Plex
- Theatrical Release
- 11 May 2012
- Director
- Habib Faisal
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h
- Rating
- 6.1/10
Storyline
Parma Chauhan is a hot-headed young man from a powerful Hindu political family. Zoya Qureshi is a bold Muslim girl who dreams of becoming a politician. Their families are sworn enemies. When Parma and Zoya fall in love, they must hide their relationship from their violent families. As the election approaches, their secret is exposed, leading to bloodshed and a desperate fight for survival.
“Born to hate. Destined to love.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew






Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Ishaqzaade
Cast reunions in this film: Yash Chopra & Aditya Chopra (7 films together), Parineeti Chopra & Aditya Chopra (5 films together), Habib Faisal & Aditya Chopra (5 films together), and Arjun Kapoor & Aditya Chopra (3 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Ishaqzaade' is a made-up word combining 'ishaq' (love) and 'zaade' (offspring), meaning 'child of love'.
- Director Habib Faisal said the story was inspired by real-life reports of young couples in small-town India eloping due to family feuds.
- This was the debut film for both lead actors, Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra, who were cousins launching their careers together.
- The song 'Pareshaan' was partly shot in a real, active limestone mine in Rajasthan, creating a dusty, rugged setting.
- The film was shot extensively in Uttar Pradesh, using real locations like Bareilly to capture the small-town atmosphere.
- Despite mixed reviews, the film was a moderate box office success and earned Parineeti Chopra a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
- The climax scene involving a dramatic confrontation was intentionally kept tense and raw, with minimal background music to feel more real.
