Siddharth P Malhotra Reflects on 15 Years of We Are Family

The family drama film We Are Family, directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, marked its 15th anniversary on September 2, 2025. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Malhotra shared insights about the film’s casting, its box office performance, and his personal journey during its production.

Securing the participation of renowned actors Kajol and Kareena Kapoor Khan for his directorial debut was a significant achievement for Malhotra. He expressed his long-standing admiration for Kajol, recalling his first encounter with her work in Bekhudi (1992). “I have been a Kajol fan since the time I saw her debut film,” he stated. “I am fortunate to say that she is that one actor-friend who’s my friend for life.”

Malhotra revealed the challenges he faced while convincing Kajol to join the project. He recounted telling producer Karan Johar that he would not proceed without her involvement. Despite an emotional pitch that made her laugh and cry, Kajol initially declined the offer. It was during a visit to the temple of Lord Hanuman, urged by his wife, that Malhotra made a vow: “If Kajol agrees to do my film, I’ll go to that temple every Saturday for the rest of my life.” To his surprise, Kajol later agreed to participate, prompting Malhotra to uphold his commitment to weekly visits to the temple.

Despite its compelling narrative, We Are Family did not achieve the commercial success it perhaps deserved. Released during the Ramzan period and shortly before the blockbuster Dabangg, the film struggled at the box office. Malhotra acknowledged that the latter’s overwhelming popularity impacted their film’s performance. “Yes, Dabangg was one of the reasons,” he affirmed, adding that editing decisions aimed at maintaining a fast pace also affected the film’s depth.

Reflecting on the film’s legacy, he expressed a desire to re-release a version that includes scenes he had initially cut. “That’s the version I really want to re-release as it has the gravitas and depth,” he explained. He noted that while the film was ultimately above average, it performed particularly well in the UK, where it garnered a significant audience.

Looking back, Malhotra feels a strong sense of gratitude towards Karan Johar and other mentors such as Aditya Chopra and Sooraj Barjatya. He stated, “I still feel that I owe it to Karan… when I become even more successful, I should go back and, as a guru dakshina, give back a super-hit film to Karan.”

The film’s background score remains popular in the Indian entertainment landscape, often featured on reality shows. Malhotra credits Kajol for the film’s impact, highlighting her dedication, including attending a screening just days before giving birth to her son, Yug, on September 13, 2010. “Kajol is one in a billion,” he remarked, praising her commitment and friendship.

As the anniversary of We Are Family approaches, Malhotra’s reflections reveal a journey marked by personal faith, professional challenges, and the enduring bonds of friendship in the film industry.