Biwi No.1

About the film

Biwi No.1 (transl. Wife No. 1) is a 1999 Indian Hindi-language comedy film directed by David Dhawan, being a remake of the 1995 Tamil film Sathi Leelavathi. It stars Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Tabu, and Sushmita Sen in lead roles, with Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan in special appearances.

Biwi No.1 opened to positive reviews from critics upon release, with praise for its screenplay, humor, and performances of the cast, particularly for Karisma Kapoor and Sen's performances, emerging as a breakthrough for the latter.

Plot

Prem Mehra is married to the devoted and traditional Pooja Khanna, and the couple has two children. Prem, a successful advertising executive, meets aspiring model Rupali Walia during a modeling interview at his office. The two begin an extramarital affair, leading Prem to leave his wife and children to live with Rupali.

Upon discovering the affair, Pooja, with the support of Prem's friend Lakhan, undergoes a transformation—adopting a modern lifestyle and pursuing a career in modeling. As part of her plan, she sends her children and mother-in-law to live with Prem and Rupali. Their presence causes strain in Prem's new relationship, as they intentionally create difficulties for Rupali, accusing her of neglect and ill intentions.

Over time, Prem begins to see the superficial nature of his relationship with Rupali, realizing that she was drawn to him for his wealth and status, in contrast to Pooja, who had supported him unconditionally. Rupali eventually reunites with her former boyfriend, Deepak.

Music

The Biwi No.1 soundtrack was largely composed by Anu Malik and lyricized by Sameer except for the exceptions noted below. The songs Chunnari Chunnari" and "Ishq Sona Hai" became major hits after their release in 1999. The track "Aan Milo Ya Milne Se" did not feature in the movie. "Chunari Chunari" was later used in the 2001 film Monsoon Wedding, and a remade version was made for the movie Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai

Reception

Biwi No.1 opened to positive reviews from critics upon release, with praise for its screenplay, humor, and performances of the cast, with particular praise for Kapoor and Sen's performances, emerging as a breakthrough for the latter.

Despite clashing with the 1999 Cricket World Cup, Biwi No.1 emerged as a major commercial success at the box office, grossing ₹52.80 crore worldwide. It ranked as the second highest-grossing Hindi film of the year, only behind the family drama Hum Saath-Saath Hain, which also starred Salman, Karisma, Tabu, and Saif.

Key details