Vikrant Rona: Brothers Anup and Nirup Bhandari relive their Salman Khan fan-boy moments in Mumbai, call it a truly special occasion

In a recent interview with OTTplay, director Anup Bhandari alluded to the fact that his passion for music composition and lyric-writing stemmed from his deep love for the ‘80s and ‘90s music, both Kannada and Hindi. He would listen to film songs all the time, he added, and learn by heart the lyrics to the last syllable that the songs and the memory of listening to them are etched forever in his mind. And cut to the present, he shares the stage with one of India’s biggest superstars Salman Khan who ruled the ‘90s with his many musical blockbusters: for obvious reasons, this was to be a big moment for the Vikrant Rona director.

“I would like to talk about an event that took place almost 34 years ago,” said Anup Bhandari at the recently held press event in Mumbai, in his usual coy demeanor. “Around 34 years ago, my father had bought this cassette and there was a silhouette of a young gentleman on it – I didn’t know who he was. When I played the cassette, it went Mere Sawaalon ka...Jawaab Do...Do Na... (The song Mere Rang Mein from Maine Pyar Kiya). Today, cut to 34 years later, he [Salman Khan] is still the country’s biggest superstar and he is presenting my film – I couldn’t be happier,” said Anup Bhandari of the occasion.

On a similar note, Anup’s brother and cast member of Vikrant Rona, Nirup Bhandari, didn’t shy away from sharing his memory of the Bollywood superstar. “So, Anup shared his experience of Salman sir, I would like to share mine: I remember watching your song Oh Oh Jaane Jaana (from Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya) and imitating the signature step – perhaps that’s how I got started in dancing. Thank you so much for presenting our film, sir!” said the Window Seat actor.

The same event also saw Neetha Ashok share the stage with Salman Khan, Kiccha Sudeep, and others. Neetha, who makes her debut with Vikrant Rona, spoke of the great opportunity and said that it is truly special to have Salman Khan himself present the film in Hindi. Quite indeed, the Mumbai visit proved to be a special nostalgic ride for the team of Vikrant Rona as they gear up for the big day. Vikrant Rona, the 3D spectacle, hits the big screens worldwide on July 28 in multiple Indian languages.