Farhan Akhtar, Preity Zinta share post on social media as 'Lakshya' turns 17

Hrithik Roshan in `Lakshya` (Photo/PR)

It has been 17 years since filmmaker Farhan Akhtar's 'Lakshya' hit the screens. The actor-director on Friday expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for their help during the making of the film, which marked his second directorial venture after his blockbuster debut 'Dil Chahta Hai'. Akhtar, who shot the major portions of the second half of the film in Ladakh, said working on the project was a lifetime experience. He also mentioned that Lakshya has always been more than just a film to him.

A fiction, with the 1999 Kargil War at its backdrop, 'Lakshya' revolves around an aimless young man Karan Shergill (played by Hrithik Roshan), who joins the Indian Army and matures into a battlefield hero.

"Forever grateful to the Indian Army for supporting us and to the incredibly dedicated & tenacious cast & crew who collaborated on this life experience .. I won't call it a film, because it's always been more than that. Lakshya. 17 years," Akhtar wrote.

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The 2004 war drama also featured Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan, Om Puri, Amrish Puri and Ranvir Shorey.

Zinta, who essayed the role of a journalist in the movie, said she is proud to be a part of a story that is a reminder of all the sacrifices made by the armed forces. "Remembering Lakshya today - My toughest film ever. Filming at 18000+feet in Ladakh was brutal & beautiful at the same time. I'm so proud of this film & everything it stood for. It definitely is a love letter to all the army brats out there ❤️ It's also a reminder to never forget all those sacrifices & the unmatched bravery of our armed forces 🙏Thank you @amitabhbachchan ji @faroutakhtar @hrithikroshan @ritesh_sid @zoieakhtar @reemakagti1 @jaduakhtar @shankarehsaanloy & the entire cast n crew for this memorable experience," wrote Preity on social media.

'Lakshya' received a mixed response from the audience upon its release. Actor-choreographer-filmmaker Prabhudheva won the best choreography National Award for his work on the film's song 'Main Aisa Kyun Ho', featuring Hrithik Roshan.

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