Mawra Hocane has shared her thoughts on the unexpected resurgence of Sanam Teri Kasam, attributing its newfound success to a stroke of marital fortune.
The 2016 romantic drama, which initially struggled at the box office, has set new records following its re-release in India. The film’s revival coincided with Hocane’s marriage to Ameer Gilani, a connection she playfully acknowledged in a recent interview.
A Lucky Turn of Events
Speaking with Faridoon Shahryar, Hocane expressed gratitude for the immense appreciation she is receiving from Indian audiences. While she had always felt their support, she noted that it had now grown significantly.
When asked about the film’s unexpected triumph nearly a decade later, Hocane credited her husband for bringing in good fortune.
“If the film waited nine years to achieve these numbers, then I have to say it’s my husband’s luck at play because that’s the only thing that has changed. The film was always there, the work was always there, but I truly believe in marital luck,” she remarked.
Her co-star, Harshvardhan Rane, also reflected on the film’s newfound success, using the moment to congratulate Hocane on her wedding. He revealed that he had distanced himself after the film’s initial failure, struggling to cope with the disappointment.
Hocane, however, dismissed the need for apologies, recalling how much dedication had gone into the project.
“There’s nothing to apologize for. Everyone worked incredibly hard, and when the film didn’t perform well, we all retreated into our shells. For me, it was especially heartbreaking—I was just 22, away from my family in India for ten months. When something you put your heart into doesn’t succeed, it’s devastating.
“I truly believed that my career as an actor had ended,” she admitted, adding that it was her family and friends who encouraged her to continue working in Pakistan, helping her regain her confidence.
Reflecting on her portrayal of Saru in Sanam Teri Kasam, Hocane credited the film’s success to the collective effort of the entire team. “My job was to be present, focused, and to absorb everything I could. So many people put their trust in me, and I had to deliver. Everything else—the way things have unfolded—was beyond my control. It was destiny, pure magic.”
Possibility of Sanam Teri Kasam 2
Following the announcement of a sequel, fans have been calling for Hocane’s return, despite her character’s tragic fate in the original film. Addressing the speculation, she expressed her best wishes for the film’s producer, Deepak Mukut.
“If it’s possible, I would love to be part of it. If not, I have no complaints. The love Sanam Teri Kasam is receiving after nine years is already a miracle in itself.”
Vidya Balan’s Praise
Hocane was also delighted by a compliment from Bollywood star Vidya Balan, who told her, “Mawra, ap kamal ho,” after watching the film in theaters.
“My brother sent me her comment, and I found it amusing because my husband’s name is Ameer Kamal Gilani! We joked that ‘Kamal’ is now part of my surname,” she laughed. “But on a serious note, receiving praise from someone as talented as Vidya Balan is truly an honor.”
Lost Bollywood Opportunities
During the conversation, Shahryar revealed that Hocane had signed a three-film contract in India after Sanam Teri Kasam. However, these projects were shelved due to the film’s underwhelming initial box office performance.
“It’s funny you mention this today because after the film didn’t do well, I had to step away from those projects. I’ve always chosen not to discuss it because when you can’t be part of a film, it belongs to those who are involved. So, while you brought it up, I won’t say more on the matter,” she stated.
Box Office Resurgence
Just days after her wedding, Sanam Teri Kasam surpassed its original lifetime earnings.
According to The Indian Express, the film, directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, earned between INR 30 and 32.5 million (approximately Rs96–104 million) on its fourth day after re-release, bringing its total earnings to INR 185 million (approximately Rs595 million).
This is more than double its original box office performance, where it garnered INR 90 million (approximately Rs289 million). On Monday, typically a slow day for ticket sales, Sanam Teri Kasam outperformed new releases, earning twice as much as Badass Ravikumar (starring Himesh Reshammiya) and Loveyapa (featuring Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor), which collectively made INR 11.6 million (approximately Rs37 million).
