Mid June 1990 had arrived, and with it came a different kind of excitement. Unlike later years, when actors appeared on television every day and promotions reached people through countless channels, films in 1990 lived and died through their music. Songs reached people's hearts before the faces on screen did. Radio stations, cassette shops, film magazines, and newspapers carried the burden of introducing a movie to the public.
The first signs of Aashiqui's arrival had begun appearing quietly. Newspaper advertisements started showing up. Film magazines carried articles about Mahesh Bhatt's upcoming romantic musical. Large posters bearing the title Aashiqui had begun appearing outside music stores. But more than anything else, it was the songs that were spreading like wildfire.
Within weeks, the cassettes had become popular. Tea stalls played them. Bus drivers played them. Taxi drivers played them. College canteens played them.
Even the pan shop near D. G. Ruparel College had started playing the same cassette repeatedly. Sometimes Adil would pass by and hear strangers humming songs from the movie without having the slightest idea that one of the actors was walking right past them.
One evening, while buying cigarettes for Arif Ali from a small shop, Adil stood silently as the owner adjusted his old cassette player. A familiar tune filled the air. "These songs are magical," one customer remarked. Another nodded also said. "Whoever the actors are, the music alone will make the movie a hit." Adil smiled quietly and left.
Back home, Meera Sharma Ali had developed a strange hobby. Every newspaper clipping related to Aashiqui was carefully cut and stored in a folder. Whenever Arif Ali saw her arranging them, he would laugh. "At this rate, you'll need another cupboard."
"It's my son's first film," she replied proudly. "One day these will become memories."
Meanwhile, Mahesh Bhatt had called the cast for promotional photographs and interviews. When Adil arrived at the studio, Shah Rukh Khan was already there. The young actor waved immediately.
"There you are!" Shah Rukh, then he looked at Adil's wearing casual clothes like a college boy, aith the same haircut in the movie. He grinned. "I'm telling you, this style will be ome trend." Adil laughed. "Really?"
"Of course. But they'll like me more." Adil rolled his eyes and said. "Narcissist." Then both burst into laughter.
Rahul Roy arrived shortly afterward. Like them, this was his first film too. Although he appeared calm, Adil could see nervousness hidden behind his smile. Anu Aggarwal joined them soon after, cheerful and energetic as always.
Looking around, Adil found the situation amusing. They all are newcomers. Not a single superstar. No established names. Just dreams.
Photo session started. Mahesh Bhatt personally supervised the photo sessions. "Relax," he told them. "People should see honesty in your faces. Don't try to look like stars."
At one point, Shah Rukh whispered to Adil. "Can you believe this? Last year we were standing outside audition rooms. Now people are asking us to pose like heroes."
Adil smiled. "Let's become heroes first." Shah Rukh laughed loudly. "Fair enough."
Magazine interviews followed. Journalists asked about their backgrounds, their dreams, and how they entered films. Adil answered honestly. He never exaggerated anything. Mahesh Bhatt noticed this and said. "You know, Adil, most newcomers are trying very hard to behave like stars."
"And me?" Adil asked. "You still behave like a student attending class." Mahesh said. Adil just smiled and said. "Maybe because I still am one."
Back at college, life remained normal despite the growing promotions. Sameer Malhotra remained exactly the same. One afternoon he rushed into class waving a film magazine like a trophy. "Our superstar has arrived!" he announced dramatically.
The entire class laughed. "What happened now?" Adil asked. Sameer opened the magazine. "Look at this! Your photograph." Several students gathered around immediately.
One boy whistled. "Our hero has finally entered magazines." Another said. "And he still borrows notes from me."
Even Aishwarya Rai, sitting quietly nearby, glanced curiously toward the commotion. She smiled slightly when she saw Adil looking embarrassed rather than proud.
After classes ended, Adil walked toward the staircase carrying a few books. Near the notice board, he found Aishwarya standing alone, reading something.
She looked up and smiled and said. "Congratulations." Adil blinked. "For what?" She said. "The magazine photographs." He smiled softly and said. "Apparently, according to my friends, I'm already a superstar."
"And according to you?" she asked. "I'm still trying to survive mathematics." Adil said. That made her laugh.
For a moment, neither spoke. Then she said, "I heard one of the songs on the radio yesterday." Adil looked at her and said. "You did?" She nodded. "It was beautiful. I even bought a cassette." Then she asked. " I heard you sang in the film too."
Adil shook his head immediately and smiled. "No, no. I only sang during shooting. We actors sing the songs on set for expressions and lip-sync, but the actual playback singing was done by professionals."
"Really?" She said. Adil nodded. "Yes. Kumar Sanu sang several songs. Anuradha Paudwal too. Nitin Mukesh and Udit Narayan also lent their voices. Those are the real singers. We just try not to ruin their hard work."
Aishwarya laughed. "But your voice is good." Afil shook his bead. "Not good enough to compete with them." She smiled warmly. "Still, it must feel strange hearing songs from your movie everywhere."
Adil nodded. "It does feel exciting?" Then, he thought for a moment. "But mostly ut feel strange."
"Strange?" She asked. Adil nodded and then described the reason. "Because people are already loving the songs. But they don't know our faces yet." Aishwarya smiled. "Maybe that's a good thing."
"Why?" He asked. "Because when they finally do, they'll already be in love with the movie." She replied.
Adil paused. Then he laughed. "You know, that's exactly what Mahesh Bhatt said."
Both of them smiled and chatted for a while.
Then it was the class time. Aishwarya turned to leave but as she just as she turned, she looked back. "I hope your movie succeeds."
There was nothing special about those words. But for some reason, Adil appreciated that more than compliments from magazines.
As June slowly moved forward, excitement surrounding Aashiqui continued growing. Radio stations played the songs repeatedly. Music stores reported increasing sales. Film magazines predicted success because of the soundtrack. Across India, people were unknowingly memorizing songs sung by Kumar Sanu, Anuradha Paudwal, Udit Narayan and Nitin Mukesh.
And somewhere in Mumbai, four nervous newcomers; Adil Ali, Shah Rukh Khan, Rahul Roy, and Anu Aggarwal were waitinv anxiously. Their faces were still unknown. But their movie songs had already entered millions of hearts. And none of them realized that their lives were about to change forever.