The song ‘Is Tarah Aashiqui Ka...’ from the 1994 film 'Imtihaan' is special not only for its romantic appeal but also for its two distinct versions. Amit Kumar sang one version, while Kumar Sanu sang the other. Both versions were used in the film, each picturised on a different character.

Directed by Harry Baweja, 'Imtihaan' starred Sunny Deol, Saif Ali Khan and Raveena Tandon in the lead roles. In the film’s story, Raveena Tandon’s character, Preeti, is connected to Sunny Deol’s Raj through her past, while Saif Ali Khan’s Vicky is part of her present life. Raj is her former husband, whereas Vicky represents her current romantic relationship. Against this backdrop, the decision to film the same song on both male characters takes on a special significance.

The lyrics express the same feelings of love, but the context changes with the singers and the characters appearing on screen. The music was composed by Anu Malik, and the lyrics were written by Faiz Anwar.

The version sung by Amit Kumar was picturised on Sunny Deol. In the context of the story, this presentation is associated with Raj, whose relationship with Preeti has become part of the past. The lyrics express a desire to leave an everlasting impression through love, creating a distinct emotional resonance for a character who once held an important place in the heroine’s life. Amit Kumar’s singing has a natural ease and openness that conveys the song’s emotions directly to the listener.

The second version was sung by Kumar Sanu and picturised on Saif Ali Khan. Since Vicky is connected to Preeti’s present life, the same song takes on a different meaning in this version. Kumar Sanu’s distinctive style can be heard in the way he sustains notes, gives the words emotional depth and makes the song’s refrain memorable.

Amit Kumar and Kumar Sanu each bring their own distinctive qualities to the song, but the film’s visual presentation connects their performances to two different stages of the story. The audience hears the same composition, yet the person on screen and his place in the narrative change.

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Having more than one version of a song is not unusual in Hindi cinema. Sometimes, the melody is altered to create a different mood; at other times, the same composition is performed by male and female singers, or a song is repeated to suit the needs of the story. What makes the two versions of this song in 'Imtihaan' particularly interesting, however, is the way they highlight the contrast between the past and the present through music. Raveena Tandon’s presence in both presentations makes this connection even more significant, as the two men play very different roles in her character’s life.

In this way, ‘Is Tarah Aashiqui Ka...’ stands out as an interesting example of storytelling through music in Hindi cinema of the 1990s.