The untold story of Ishq: How Aamir Khan’s injury reshaped its release and how it nearly featured Amitabh Bachchan in a hit song

Ishq was not just another Bollywood film in 1997. It was an ambitious comedy with an all-star cast and high expectations. But the road to its release on November 28, 1997 was not smooth. Initially, the film was scheduled to be released on October 31, 1997, for Diwali, but the release had to be postponed by four weeks due to unforeseen difficulties that created more drama before the audience could watch it on the big screen. 

Aamir Khan's injury and crucial delay of the song  

The main reason for the delay was Aamir Khan's injury. Aamir injured his leg and hand while shooting for another film, Mera, and was unable to take part in the shooting of the song "Mr. Lova Lova". This was not just a song, but a pivotal scene involving the film's four lead actors, Aamir Khan, Juhi Chawla, Ajay Devgn and Kajol. 

The decision to postpone the shoot and prioritise Aamir's recovery was a strategic move by producer Godhan Thanwani and director Indra Kumar. They wanted to shoot the song with full energy and perfection, rather than compromising the quality of the song by rushing the schedule. 

The Lost Cameo - Amitabh Bachchan's Exit 

To add to the excitement, Ishq had initially planned to rope in Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan for a role in Mr. Lova Lova. The idea of Big B sharing screen space with the younger star created quite a stir. In fact, Sudesh Bhosle had already recorded a portion of the song in Amitabh's iconic voice, imitating it to perfection. However, due to scheduling conflicts and creative adjustments, the final version of the song omitted Bachchan entirely, focusing instead on the four leads. 

Mr. Lova Lova – The song that was worth the wait 

Despite delays and changes, Mr. Lova Lova has emerged as one of the most memorable songs of 1997. With a catchy beat, quirky lyrics and Sudesh Bhosle's dynamic vocals, the song was an instant hit among the audience. His infectious energy complemented the comedic atmosphere of the film, ensuring that Ishq was not only a visual treat but also a musical treat. The payoff – Ishq would be a massive hit 

When Ishq finally hit theatres on 28 November 1997, the audience received thunderous applause. The film had a perfect balance of light-hearted comedy, soulful romance and fast-paced drama. Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn’s comedic timing coupled with Kajol and Juhi Chawla’s charm proved to be a winning formula. 

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Anu Malik, became a defining feature with songs like Neend Churai Meri, Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai and Mr Lova Lova capturing the imagination of the 90s generation. 

A Legacy of Laughter and Love 

More than 27 years later, Ishq remains a precious gem of Bollywood’s golden age. The film's journey from delayed release to box office success is a testament to the resilience and vision of its makers. And while the idea of Amitabh Bachchan in Mr Lova Lova remains an intriguing 'what if', the final version of the film proved that Ishq was destined for greatness even without the Big B.