It’s been 42 years since ‘Mashal’ lit up screens in 1984, and on Monday, the film celebrated its anniversary with heartfelt tributes. Anil Kapoor, the young firebrand who stole scenes alongside legends Dilip Kumar and Amrish Puri, led the remembrances via a nostalgic Instagram post.
Posting the classic poster, Kapoor wrote, ‘Celebrating 42 years of Mashal,’ evoking memories of Yash Chopra’s poignant direction. Rooted in the Marathi play ‘Ashrunchi Zhali Phule,’ Javed Akhtar’s script marked his first solo effort post-Salim-Javed split, delivering a hard-hitting story on urban crime and moral dilemmas.
In the film, Anil portrayed Raja, a resilient slum boy evolving into a crusading journalist. Dilip Kumar’s portrayal of principled editor Vinod Kumar remains etched in cinema history, highlighting the battle against corruption and personal sacrifice. Supporting cast including Amrish Puri, Rati Agnihotri, and Waheeda Rehman brought unmatched intensity to this tale of redemption.
‘Mashal’ not only launched Anil Kapoor into the big leagues but also critiqued societal ills with unflinching honesty. Today, as Kapoor gears up for Netflix’s ‘Family Business’—a tense drama on corporate intrigue helmed by Hansal Mehta—fans reflect on how far the star has come. Sharing screen space with Vijay Varma, alongside a stellar lineup of Riya, Neha Dhupia, Anant Nag, and more, this series underscores his enduring versatility.