It’s not every day that a film leaves such an indelible mark on a nation’s collective memory that, two decades later, its cast and creators come together to celebrate its enduring legacy. Yet that’s exactly what happened in Mumbai this week, as the team behind Rang De Basanti reunited for a special screening to mark the 20th anniversary of the film’s release. The event, held on February 7, 2026, was a vibrant reunion of familiar faces—Aamir Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Atul Kulkarni, Siddharth, and director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra—who gathered not just to watch their iconic work on the big screen once more, but also to reminisce and celebrate the journey that began back in 2006.
The celebration was anything but ordinary. The cast donned custom hoodies emblazoned with the film’s title, a nod to the camaraderie that defined both the movie and its making. In a particularly sweet moment, the group cut into a massive chocolate cake—because what’s a reunion without a little sugar and nostalgia? Soha Ali Khan, who played a pivotal role in the film, took to Instagram to share her excitement, posting, “20 years later - we showed up! A few were missed but the spirit was still 🔥 #rangdebasanti 🇮🇳.” According to Hindustan Times, her post captured the mood perfectly: a mix of joy, nostalgia, and pride.
For those who need a refresher, Rang De Basanti is far more than just a coming-of-age tale. Written, produced, and directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film follows a British film student—played by Alice Patten in her Hindi debut—who travels to India to document the lives of five freedom fighters from the country’s revolutionary movement. She casts a group of carefree Delhi University graduates in her project, and as their involvement deepens, they find themselves inspired to confront the injustices of their own time. What starts as a film within a film quickly morphs into a powerful story of awakening, sacrifice, and the quest for justice.
The cast, too, was a force to be reckoned with. Alongside Aamir Khan and Soha Ali Khan, the ensemble featured Siddharth (also in his Hindi debut), Atul Kulkarni, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, and R Madhavan. Each brought a unique energy to the screen, turning what could have been a straightforward drama into a cultural phenomenon. The chemistry among the actors was palpable, both on and off the set—a fact that was evident as they mingled and laughed together during the anniversary celebration, as reported by NDTV.
But it wasn’t just the cast’s performance that struck a chord with audiences. Rang De Basanti tackled themes that were as timely in 2006 as they remain today: political apathy, the power of youth, and the importance of standing up against corruption. The plot’s emotional core—centered on a group of friends who, after losing one of their own to government corruption, transform from apolitical bystanders into activists—resonated deeply with viewers across India and beyond. As NDTV notes, the film’s narrative arc, from indifference to engagement, mirrored the journey of many young Indians at the time.
The accolades soon followed. Rang De Basanti swept four National Film Awards, including Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, cementing its status as a cinematic landmark. It was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2007 BAFTA Awards and chosen as India’s official entry for both the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Awards in the same category. That’s not something you see every day—especially for a film that so deftly blends entertainment with a call to action.
One of the most touching stories from the film’s legacy came from Sharman Joshi, who recalled a memorable compliment from none other than former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. As Joshi told PTI, “When we did a special screening in Delhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, sought me out, hugged me and patted my back and said the line aloud from ‘Roobaroo’: Sooraj ko main nigal gaya. It spoke to the poet in him.” Such moments underscore just how far-reaching the film’s impact has been, touching not just everyday moviegoers but also the highest echelons of Indian society.
Of course, the reunion wasn’t just about reliving the past. It was a chance for the cast and crew to reflect on the film’s ongoing relevance. In an era when political engagement among youth is once again a hot topic, Rang De Basanti stands as a reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire real-world change. The film’s message—that even the most ordinary among us can become agents of transformation—remains as urgent as ever.
As the night wore on, laughter and memories flowed freely. There was talk of missed friends—some cast members couldn’t make it to the celebration—but, as Soha Ali Khan wrote, “the spirit was still.” The bond forged during the making of Rang De Basanti has clearly endured, much like the film itself.
For director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the anniversary was a testament to the vision he set out to realize two decades ago. The film’s blend of historical reverence and contemporary urgency has rarely been matched in Indian cinema, and its influence can be seen in countless works that followed. As Hindustan Times points out, many still believe it’s the kind of cinematic masterpiece that’s difficult to replicate.
So what’s next for the team behind Rang De Basanti? While there’s no word yet on any sequels or new collaborations, the 20th anniversary celebration served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when art, activism, and heart come together. The film’s legacy is secure—not just in the awards it’s won or the records it’s broken, but in the countless lives it’s touched.
As the credits rolled at the Mumbai screening and the cast posed for photos, one thing was clear: Rang De Basanti isn’t just a film. It’s a movement, a memory, and a message that continues to inspire, two decades on.