Aashiqui

Aashiqui

Year: 1990

Runtime: 152 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Mahesh Bhatt

MusicDramaRomance

Rahul and Anu Verghese meet while detained by police—Rahul for causing a disturbance, Anu for fleeing. Their reunion sparks romance. Rahul encourages Anu’s independence, and a talent scout soon launches her modeling career. Though he dreams of marriage, he insists on establishing a stable career for himself first, hoping to be ready to propose.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Aashiqui (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Aashiqui (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1980s – Early 1990s

The film unfolds over several years, reflecting a transitional era in Indian society and cinema. It showcases youth aspirations, evolving relationships, and the lure of global opportunities during that period. The multi-year arc highlights how personal dreams intersect with family expectations and cultural norms.

Location

Mumbai, Ooty, Paris

The story moves through Mumbai's urban landscape, the tranquil hill station of Ooty, and the glamorous world of Paris where Anu's modeling career takes her. The hostel and police stations anchor the Indian city setting, while Ooty and Paris provide contrasting backdrops for guardianship and international opportunity.

🌆 Indian cities 🗺️ Travel between cities 🌍 Paris backdrop

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Main Characters – Aashiqui (1990)

Meet the key characters of Aashiqui (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rahul (Rahul Roy)

A hotheaded yet passionate young man who channels his emotions into music; his persistence makes him a rising singer. He falls deeply for Anu and fights to win her love despite family and social barriers. His journey blends heartbreak with ambition, as he learns to balance personal happiness with professional aspiration.

💫 Romantic lead 🎵 Aspiring singer

Anu Verghese (Anu Aggarwal)

Anu is a resilient, resourceful orphan who seeks independence through education and opportunity. Her choices about career and romance are shaped by practical considerations and a desire for self-reliance. She grows from a sheltered hostel life to international modeling work, while navigating love with Rahul.

💪 Independent woman 🌟 Love interest

Arnie Campbell

The owner/administrator of the oppressive hostel who exerts control over Anu and manipulates situations to keep her under his authority. He is the operational antagonist who creates obstacles for Rahul and Anu’s relationship.

🏢 Hostel administrator 🧭 Authority figure

Uncle Peter

Anu's guardian in Ooty who is alcoholic and opportunistic; Rahul and Anu work to secure legal custody away from him to gain independence. He represents the older generation's grip on the younger protagonists’ lives.

🧭 Guardian figure 🍷 Alcoholic guardian

Mrs. Vikram Roy

Rahul's mother who provides practical advice and emotional guidance, emphasizing equality of partnership and the importance of personal achievement.

👩‍👦 Family guidance 🌼 Maternal support

Mr. Paul

A figure in the film’s industry side, a director who influences Anu’s career path and creates opportunities that pull her toward Paris and professional fame.

🎬 Director influence 🌐 International opportunities

Balu

Rahul's loyal friend who helps him pursue his aims and supports him as he navigates obstacles to be with Anu.

👬 Friend 🧭 Loyal ally

Rafoo Master

A tailor by trade who uses his craft to help Rahul with practical issues and adds a touch of comic relief to the drama.

🪡 Tailor 😂 Comic relief

Police Inspector Deshpande

A pragmatic police authority who arrests Rahul after the wedding incident and later helps set Rahul and Anu’s future on a hopeful path.

👮 Law and order 🔎 Investigative

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Major Themes – Aashiqui (1990)

Explore the central themes of Aashiqui (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Romance

A passionate romance between Rahul and Anu drives the narrative forward. Their love faces obstacles from families, guardians, and career demands that test commitment. The couple's bond evolves through misunderstandings, separation, and a hopeful reunion.

🎵 Ambition

Both protagonists pursue distinct paths—Rahul in singing and Anu in modeling—using talent to overcome social constraints. The pursuit of success reshapes their identities and alters the dynamics of their relationship. The plot suggests that art can be a vehicle for independence and social ascent.

⚖️ Freedom vs Control

The story pits personal freedom against guardianship and institutional control. Anu's struggle to gain autonomy from guardians and hostel authorities mirrors Rahul's fight against familial and societal expectations. The arc culminates in choices that balance love with personal growth.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Unlock the Full Story of Aashiqui

Don't stop at just watching — explore Aashiqui in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Aashiqui is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Aashiqui Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Aashiqui, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Aashiqui Summary

Aashiqui Timeline

Track the full timeline of Aashiqui with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Aashiqui Timeline

More About Aashiqui

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Aashiqui: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Aashiqui