The Film That Started It All: Zee Cinema, Zee Bollywood & Zee Studios Celebrate 25 Years of Gadar: EkPrem Katha
Bureau,Odishabarta
Mumbai, June 2026:Twenty-five years ago, a film was born that would go on to redefine box office success, become a cultural phenomenon, and leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema. As Anil Sharma’s Gadar: EkPrem Katha completes 25 glorious years, Zee Cinema, Zee Bollywood & Zee Studios proudly celebrate the legacy of a film that not only captured the hearts of millions but also marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for the Zee family.
Released in 2001, Gadar: EkPrem Katha emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema history. Set against the backdrop of Partition, the film blended love, sacrifice, family values and patriotism in a way that resonated deeply with audiences across generations. The story of Tara Singh and Sakina became more than just a cinematic romance it became an emotion that continues to live on in popular culture even today.
For Zee Studios, Gadar holds a special significance as its first-ever production. The film laid the foundation for a studio that would go on to create some of Indian cinema’s most memorable stories over the next two and a half decades. As Zee Cinema, Zee Bollywood & Zee Studios celebrate this landmark milestone, Gadar stands as a powerful reminder of where the journey began with a story that united audiences, shattered records and became a timeless classic.
Over the last twenty-five years, the film has continued to find new audiences across theatres, television and digital platforms, reaffirming its place as one of the most beloved films in Indian cinema. Its characters, dialogues and moments remain etched in the collective memory of the nation.
Commemorating the occasion, Zee Cinema and Zee Bollywood will present a special telecast of Gadar: EkPrem Katha on Monday, 15th June at 2 PM on Zee Cinema and 8 PM on Zee Bollywood, giving audiences an opportunity to relive the magic of a film that continues to inspire generations.
Reflecting on the film’s enduring legacy, Sunny Deol said, ” Tara Singh gave me a bond with audiences that has only grown stronger with time. Twenty-five years later, the love for Gadar feels just as powerful. That is the greatest reward any actor can ask for. Thankyou India for such love…. HINDUSTAN ZINDABAD THA! HINDUSTAN ZINDABAD HAI! HINDUSTAN ZINDABAD RAHEGA!”
Ameesha Patel shared, “Sakina will always be one of the most cherished parts of my life. To see audiences continue to celebrate her and this story after twenty-five years is deeply emotional. Gadar will forever remain close to my heart.”
Utkarsh Sharma, who played the role of the young boy (son of Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel) in Gadar, added, “This was my first film, shot for it for 100 days and gained all the experience. Thankful to Zee and Sunny Deol sir.”
Director Anil Sharma added, “Gadar was made with conviction, emotion and faith in storytelling. The audience turned it into something far bigger than a film. Twenty-five years later, that love continues to humble all of us.”
As Zee Cinema, Zee Bollywood & Zee Studios celebrate 25 years of Gadar: EkPrem Katha, they also celebrate the power of storytelling, the enduring relationship between cinema and audiences, and a landmark film whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
