"Pardes" is a 1997 Hindi romantic drama musical film, directed, produced, and co-written by Subhash Ghai. Released under the Mukta Arts banner, the movie features Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, alongside newcomers Mahima Chaudhry and Apurva Agnihotri, with supporting performances by Alok Nath, Amrish Puri, and Himani Shivpuri. Filming locations included various sites in the United States (such as Los Angeles and Las Vegas), Canada (including Vancouver, British Columbia), and India (notably Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, including Agra).

The film premiered in India on August 8, 1997, receiving mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. While the soundtrack and performances by Khan, Chaudhry, and Agnihotri were praised, the story and screenplay faced some criticism. Nonetheless, "Pardes" became a commercial success, grossing over ₹409 million (approximately US$4.9 million) worldwide, making it the fourth highest-grossing Bollywood film of 1997, following "Dil To Pagal Hai" (also starring Khan), "Border," and "Ishq."

At the 43rd Filmfare Awards, "Pardes" received 12 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director (Ghai), and Best Actress (Chaudhry), and won three awards: Best Female Debut (Chaudhry), Best Female Playback Singer (Alka Yagnik for "Meri Mehbooba"), and Best Screenplay (Ghai).

The film was later remade in Telugu as "Pelli Kanuka" (1998), starring Jagapati Babu, Lakshmi, and Banumathi Ramakrishna. The remake was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Indian independence.

Plot

Arjun, the foster son of wealthy NRI Kishorilal, holds a deep love for his homeland, India. In contrast, Kishorilal’s biological son, Rajiv, has little affection for the country. During a visit to India, Kishorilal meets Ganga, the daughter of his friend Suraj Dev, and is impressed by her traditional values. He decides to arrange her marriage with Rajiv.

Arjun is tasked with preparing Ganga's family for Rajiv's arrival. While initially clashing over cultural differences, Ganga and Arjun develop a friendship. When Rajiv arrives in the village, he begins to understand Indian culture with Arjun's help and becomes attracted to Ganga.

Rajiv and Ganga agree to the arranged marriage and travel to the United States after their engagement in India. Ganga lives with Kishorilal’s family, but soon discovers the stark contrast between Indian traditions and the American lifestyle embraced by Rajiv’s family. She becomes disillusioned with Rajiv's behavior and his past relationships. Feeling betrayed, she confronts Arjun, accusing him of misrepresenting Rajiv.

Arjun's close relationship with Ganga raises suspicions within Kishorilal’s family, especially from Rajiv’s aunt, who never supported the marriage. She manipulates Kishorilal into moving Arjun away to prevent any interference.

During a trip to Las Vegas, a conflict arises between Rajiv and Ganga when he insists on pre-marital sex, leading to a heated argument where Rajiv insults India. Enraged, Ganga ends the relationship by throwing away her engagement ring. Rajiv, in a drunken state, attempts to assault Ganga, but she escapes and is found by Arjun, who takes her back to India.

Back in the village, Ganga’s family mistakenly believes she and Arjun have eloped. Rajiv arrives in India, seeking revenge against Arjun. After a brutal confrontation, Kishorilal intervenes, demanding an explanation. Arjun confesses his love for Ganga, but insists he only acted to protect her. Ganga also realizes her feelings for Arjun and exposes Rajiv's actions to both her family and Kishorilal. Disgusted, Kishorilal announces that Ganga will marry Arjun instead of Rajiv. Despite Rajiv's protests, Kishorilal sends him back to the United States. Ganga and Arjun marry and live a happy life together.

Cast

• Shah Rukh Khan as Arjun Saagar, Kishorilal's foster son
• Mahima Chaudhry as Kusum Ganga
• Apurva Agnihotri as Rajiv, Kishorilal's biological son
• Amrish Puri as Kishorilal, Arjun's foster father and Rajiv's biological father
• Alok Nath as Suraj Dev, Ganga's father
• Padmavati Rao as Narmada
• Dina Pathak as Dadi Maa
• Himani Shivpuri as Kulwanti
• Madhuri Bhatia as Neeta Sandiplal, Arjun's foster aunt
• Smita Jaykar as Padma
• Pawan Malhotra as Sharafat Ali
• Prachi Save as Daksha
• Aditya Narayan as Potla
• Ajay Nagrath as Dabboo
• Samta Sagar as Sonali Shahi
• Subhash Ghai as a singer in a boat
• Remo D'Souza as a dancer
• Rakesh Thareja as Shekhar Paul, Rajiv's friend
• Ruhshad Nariman Daruwalla as Vikrant Pathak, Potla's friend
• Akash as Karnataki
• Richa Anderson as Kelly, Rajiv's ex-girlfriend
• Sukhwinder Singh Chahal as Ramu
• Deepak Qazir as Amirchand
• Vinod Raut as Garibchand
• Anand Balraj as Manuchand