From Veer-Zaara to reality: Gurdas Maan’s cameo in ‘Lohri’ revealed

PTC News Desk: Punjabi music legend Gurdas Maan recently reminisced about his involvement in the iconic songs ‘Aisa Des Hai Mera’ and ‘Lohri’ from the 2004 Bollywood film ‘Veer-Zaara,’ starring Shah Rukh Khan. Maan, who lent his voice to both tracks, also made a memorable cameo in ‘Aisa Des Hai Mera,’ performing Bhangra alongside Khan.

In an interview, Maan revealed that his cameo was not part of the original plan. It was the late filmmaker Yash Chopra who encouraged him to appear in the music video. “The songs ‘Aisa Des Hai Mera’ and ‘Lohri’ are very special to me,” Maan shared. “One of my fondest memories is how everything fell into place. At the time, I was filming ‘Des Hoya Pardes’ in Chandigarh, and Yash Ji and I were staying at the same hotel.”

Maan recounted how he had already recorded ‘Lohri’ and parts of ‘Aisa Des Hai Mera’ (including the Mukhda and Jugni sections) when Yash Chopra suggested that he join the shoot for ‘Aisa Des Hai Mera.’ “Yash Ji proposed that since I was already involved with the song and was present, why not feature in it as well? I put my own film’s shoot on hold and participated in ‘Veer-Zaara’,” he explained.

Maan described the experience as a “beautiful moment,” emphasizing the song’s representation of the country’s spirit.

‘Veer-Zaara,’ which tells the poignant story of star-crossed lovers from India and Pakistan separated by false imprisonment, is set to return to theaters for a re-release, nearly two decades after its original debut. The film, known for its touching soundtrack composed by the late Madan Mohan, continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and memorable music.

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