As "Rockstar" marks its 14th anniversary on November 11, 2025, actress Nargis Fakhri, who made her Bollywood debut with the film, shared behind-the-scenes moments with Ranbir Kapoor and reflected on how the movie profoundly impacted her life. Released on November 11, 2011, "Rockstar" is a musical romantic drama directed by Imtiaz Ali, which revolves around the love story of Heer (Nargis Fakhri) and Jordan (Ranbir Kapoor).
Fakhri expressed that "Rockstar" was a pivotal turning point in her life, and the experiences during pre-production, the shoot, and after the film's release left a lasting impression on her heart and soul. The film's narrative follows Janardhan Jakhar, a Jat boy from Delhi who dreams of becoming a musician, inspired by the Sufi idea that a broken heart fuels creativity. He sets out to chase Heer, who is everything he is not, on the advice of his college canteen friend.
The fresh pairing of Nargis Fakhri and Ranbir Kapoor created an effortless and vibrant chemistry that captivated audiences. Kapoor portrayed Jordan, a passionate musician, while Fakhri played Heer Kaul, who was diagnosed with bone marrow apnesia. Imtiaz Ali stood by Fakhri, despite initial criticism of her accent and performance after the film's release.
"Rockstar" was a commercial success upon release, with Ranbir Kapoor winning his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor and A.R. Rahman winning Best Music Director for the film's outstanding soundtrack. The music, composed by A.R. Rahman and with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, became the soul of the film, with tracks like "Sadda Haq" becoming anthems of rebellion, "Tum Ho" capturing aching intimacy, and "Nadaan Parindey" still feeling like a spiritual journey in sound. Mohit Chauhan's vocals for Ranbir Kapoor also contributed significantly to the songs' popularity.
The film earned ₹1.08 billion worldwide and bagged five Filmfare Awards. Besides Ranbir and Nargis, the film featured Aditi Rao Hydari, Piyush Mishra, Shernaz Patel, Kumud Mishra, Sanjana Sanghi, Aakash Dahiya, and Shammi Kapoor in supporting roles. "Rockstar" also marked the posthumous appearance of Shammi Kapoor, following his death on August 14, 2011.
Recently, "Rockstar" was re-released in theaters, allowing fans to experience the iconic love story of Heer and Jordan on the big screen once again. The film's legacy has only grown stronger over the years, with fans and critics alike continuing to revisit its emotional depth and cinematic brilliance.
Earlier this year, Imtiaz Ali hinted at the possibility of a "Rockstar" sequel, expressing openness to the idea. Nargis Fakhri is set to star in the upcoming film "Housefull 5", scheduled for release on June 6, 2025.
