English Babu Desi Mem
A British tycoon embraces Indian culture
About English Babu Desi Mem
Released: 1996
Platform: Netflix
Rating: TV-14
Run time: 2h 43m
Cast
Shah Rukh Khan, Sonali Bendre, Saeed Jaffrey, Kiran Kumar, Baba Brahmbhatt, Ishita Haria, Arhhan Singh
About English Babu Desi Mem
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About
English Babu Desi Mem is a 1996 Hindi-language drama film directed by Praveen Nischol. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan in a double role, opposite Sonali Bendre and Musician turned actress Kiran Rao. The story revolves around a young man named Vikram who lives in London and his trip to India to fulfill his father's last wish. The film combines elements of romance, comedy, and drama to portray the clash between modern and traditional Indian values.
The plot follows Vikram (Shah Rukh Khan), who is born and raised in London. He receives a letter from his deceased father's lawyer stating that he has inherited his father's wealth and business in India. Going against his mother's wishes, Vikram decides to travel to India to fulfill his father's last wish of reuniting with his long-lost love, Bijuriya (Sonali Bendre). However, upon reaching India, Vikram discovers that Bijuriya is married and has a daughter, but he still decides to stay and pursue her.
The film explores the cultural differences between Vikram's Western lifestyle and the traditional values of India. It also delves into themes of family, love, and identity. As the story unfolds, Vikram gets involved in a complex web of relationships and must navigate through various obstacles to win Bijuriya's heart.
Making / Production
English Babu Desi Mem was produced by Gautam Kumar and directed by Praveen Nischol. The screenplay was written by Gaurav Trehan and Rajiv Kaul. The film was shot in various locations in India, including Mumbai and Rajasthan. The production design and costumes showcased both the vibrant and colorful Indian culture as well as the modern and stylish London lifestyle.
Actors
- Shah Rukh Khan as Vikram / Hari Singh
- Sonali Bendre as Bijuriya
- Kiran Rao as Radha
- Suresh Oberoi as K.B. Singh
- Anant Mahadevan as Pratapsingh
- Gulshan Bawra as Commissioner of Police
- Kaushal Kapoor as Mr. Kapoor
Shah Rukh Khan delivers a remarkable performance in a double role, portraying both Vikram and Hari Singh with charm and versatility. Sonali Bendre perfectly captures the innocence and grace of Bijuriya, while Kiran Rao brings depth to her character, Radha. The supporting cast, including Suresh Oberoi, Anant Mahadevan, Gulshan Bawra, and Kaushal Kapoor, also deliver solid performances, adding to the overall impact of the film.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- The film's title, "English Babu Desi Mem," is a combination of English, Hindi, and Punjabi words, which reflects the blend of cultures depicted in the film.
- Shah Rukh Khan received critical acclaim for his portrayal of two contrasting characters in the film.
- The song "Deewana Main Tera Deewana" became a huge hit and is still popular among audiences.
Awards
No significant awards were won by English Babu Desi Mem.
Quotes
- "Main tera deewana, tu meri deewani."
- "Yeh duniya pagal hai, aur main uska pagla kutta."
- "London mein hoon, ticket hai bhai, tera dil." (I am in London, brother, your heart is my ticket)
Music / Soundtrack
- "Deewana Main Tera Deewana" - Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik
- "Love Me Honey Honey" - Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan
- "Kaise Mukhde Se" - Kumar Sanu, Asha Bhosle
About English Babu Desi Mem
English Babu Desi Mem is a Bollywood rom-com where a wealthy British businessman rediscovers his Indian roots through unexpected circumstances.