"27 years to being killer full time!" That’s how Kajol cheekily marked the anniversary of her genre-defying role in Gupt: The Hidden Truth, one of the most groundbreaking thrillers in Hindi cinema history. Dropping the post on social media with her signature sass, Kajol added, "Still don’t get the why but so ok with the what!" — a fitting tribute to a film that’s still sparking conversations nearly three decades later.
Released in 1997, Gupt, directed by Rajiv Rai, flipped the script on traditional Bollywood storytelling. Kajol’s character Isha, revealed as the unexpected killer in the film’s final act, shattered the “heroine” stereotype and earned her the first-ever Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role by a female actor — an industry first that stunned fans and critics alike.
With a cast packed with stars — Bobby Deol, Manisha Koirala, Om Puri, Paresh Rawal, Raj Babbar, and more — the film combined suspense, style, and substance. But it was Kajol's twisty, emotionally complex performance that left the biggest impact. She wasn’t just a part of the thriller — she was the twist.
Gupt also made noise for its music. Composed by Viju Shah, the soundtrack fused Bollywood melody with international electronica influences, sampling artists like Deep Forest and Mike Oldfield — a rare move in 90s Hindi cinema. The now-iconic "Gupt Gupt" track still gets fans grooving and guessing.
Over the years, Gupt has become more than just a cult classic. It’s a case study in narrative misdirection, used in university courses on media psychology and suspense storytelling. And for a generation of moviegoers, it was the first time the heroine could be the villain — and still be unforgettable.