Sanjay Suri Recalls How a Young Actor Told Him Jhankaar Beats Taught Him About Condoms

More than two decades after its release, Jhankaar Beats still feels oddly alive. The slice-of-life musical drama set in Mumbai followed three friends navigating work, relationships, and creative dreams, all while bonding over their shared love for R.D. Burman’s music. The story focused on the middle-class life and emotions, which is why director Sujoy Ghosh feels that a film like this would work even in 2026.

Directed by Ghosh and produced by Pritish Nandy Communications, the film starred Sanjay Suri, Juhi Chawla, Rahul Bose, Rinkie Khanna, Riya Sen and debutant Shayan Munshi.

A special screening was held in the city recently, followed by a discussion with Sujoy Ghosh, Sanjay and Shayan Munshi. When asked whether Jhankaar Beats could be made in today’s Mumbai, Sujoy Ghosh said, “Any story rooted in emotion can be made at any time. The conflicts may change—technology, money, platforms—but the emotional core remains. If Jhankaar Beats were made today, it would need to be more inclusive and more diverse. But yes, it can absolutely be made. Friendship doesn’t expire.”

The film also captured the essence of Mumbai 20 years ago. Local trains, modest homes, studio apartments, Bandstand walks, and Afghan Church made up the aesthetics of Jhankaar Beats. Asked how the city has changed in the last two decades, Sanjay Suri said, “Cities have to change. Development is inevitable. But filmmaking then felt calmer. Permissions were easier. There was more support. We shot all over the city, through the night, with incredible help from the administration and our production team. Back then, life wasn’t documented constantly. You could stop your car, sleep for an hour, and no one would photograph you.”

He continued, “Today, that intimacy is gone. Phones existed then, tapes existed, CDs existed—those concepts don’t anymore. The shift from analogue to digital has changed how we live and consume art. But the emotion still holds.”

Recalling the impact of the film, Suri further stated, “Recently, a younger actor told me he had four CDs of Jhankaar Beats as he kept backups. He said that’s how he learned about condoms. He’s 31 now. That’s the kind of cultural impact the film had. It captured normal people, real bonds, friendships. Even today, when I watch it, I feel we still need to make this film—to talk openly about relationships, about condoms, about urban intimacy.”

For Shayan Munshi, the film marked his first real step into Hindi cinema. He spoke with gratitude about the people who carried him through that early phase.

He shared, “It’s wonderful to see Jhankaar Beats still resonate after all these years. For me, it was my first real step into Hindi cinema. I didn’t know much at the time, and I have to thank Pritish Nandy for the confidence he gave me. He really became a backbone—helping me grow stronger and face this world head-on. I was the youngest on set, and I was nurtured by Sujoy, by Rangita, by everyone. We forged friendships that have lasted decades. To be able to pick up the phone years later and speak in the same tone—that defines true friendship.

Coming to Mumbai, I was working as a professional model, doing commercials and music videos. And suddenly, I got a call from PNC. Jhankaar Beats became a milestone—not just for me, but for Indian cinema. It broke boundaries and set a new tone. I’ve never felt more comfortable on a film set.”

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