Aamir Khan, popularly known as Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist, has built his career on pathbreaking cinema, but few know that one of his early hits was a remake of a film released nearly a century ago. The film in question is 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin' (1991) — a romantic comedy that drew its inspiration from Frank Capra’s 1934 Hollywood classic, It Happened One Night.

A 91-Year-Old Legacy Reimagined

Released in 1991 and directed by Mahesh Bhatt, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin was a modern Indian take on the story of a rebellious heiress and a journalist on the run. The film starred Aamir Khan and Pooja Bhatt, who was making one of her early big-screen appearances. What made the remake stand out was how effortlessly it adapted a 1930s American narrative into a culturally Indian context — with equal parts romance, humour, and melody.

What Happened at the Box Office?

Despite being a remake of a film that was nearly six decades old at the time, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin was a box office success. Here's how it fared:

• Budget: ₹1.5 crore

• India Box Office Collection: ₹4.02 crore

• Worldwide Collection: ₹7 crore

It more than doubled its investment and became a commercial hit, further establishing Aamir Khan as a bankable star in the early '90s.

Why Was It a Hit?

• Timeless Storytelling: The source material's classic storyline of love, rebellion, and unexpected companionship appealed to Indian audiences.

• Chartbuster Music: Songs like “Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin”, “Galyat Sankali Sonyachi”, and others were instant hits.

• Fresh Chemistry: Aamir and Pooja Bhatt’s on-screen pairing was new and exciting for that era.

• Mahesh Bhatt’s Direction: His knack for emotional storytelling and adapting Western plots to Indian sensibilities played a big role.

Now, Aamir’s Back with Another Hit

Cut to 2024, Aamir Khan’s ‘Sitare Zameen Par’ has revived the box office buzz once again. Released on 20 June, the film — reportedly made on a ₹90 crore budget — has earned:

• India Collection (17 days): ₹148 crore

• Worldwide Collection: ₹217 crore (approx.)

This further proves that whether it’s a remake of a 91-year-old classic or an original story, Aamir Khan’s instinct for connecting with audiences remains sharp even after three decades in the industry.