Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai dialogues

Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai dialogues

As a lifestyle expert with a keen interest in cinema and its impact on society, I have always admired the way films can resonate deeply with audiences, and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai is no exception. This iconic gangster drama, directed by Milan Luthria, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, and its dialogues are still remembered fondly by millions of fans worldwide.


Among Ajay Devgn’s well-known characters, Sultan Mirza from Milan Luthria’s “Once Upon a Time in Mumbai” has a dedicated fan base. From Sultan Mirza’s dialogues, mannerisms, and fashion choices, many aspects of his character gained immense popularity with the public. The film’s dialogue became particularly popular among fans, even generating a buzz.

The movie stars Emraan Hashmi as Shoaib, the new rising force against Ajay Devgn’s character. Besides the two leads, the gangster drama also stars Randeep Hooda, Kangana Ranaut, Prachi Desai, and others in pivotal roles. The crime drama boasts clap-trap one-liners, a larger-than-life presentation, and a compelling narrative with impressive performances. Here’s revisiting Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai dialogues that still give us goosebumps. 

9 best Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dialogues 

1. Bas Dua Mein Yaad Rakhna 

This one-liner from Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai is very popular among the masses. The Sultan Mirza dialogue acts as a catchphrase among the different situations in the movie. It simply means that remember me in your prayers. 

In a distinctive manner, Ajay Devgn frequently employed a specific phrase, accompanied by his unique “Salaam” gesture. This catchphrase is now synonymous with the beloved characteristic of Sultan Mirza.

2. Hamari tasveerein kheench ke apni dukaan mein laga lena … kabhi zaroorat padhe, toh dono mein se ek bhagwan chun lena

In another impressive exchange from the Milan Luthria movie, Sultan Mirza delivers a memorable line during a scene where Ajay Devgn’s character enters Shoaib Khan’s shop and confronts ACP Angel Wilson (Randeep Hooda). When giving advice to Shoaib’s father, Sultan suggests that he display pictures of himself and Wilson in the store. He also advises him to pick one deity when in a difficult situation as they both serve the same purpose.

3. Mushkil toh yeh hai ki main abhi theek tarah se bigda bhi nahi … aur tumne sudhaarna shuru kar diya

In the gritty crime drama, Emraan Hashmi’s character, Shoaib, responds to Mumtaz (Prachi Desai) when she urges him to change and abandon his questionable actions. He explains that he hasn’t yet become a truly bad person, implying that she’s asking for improvements prematurely.

4. Jurm ke raaste kitne bhi makhmali kyun na hoon … khatam toh jail ke kambal mein hi hote hai

This insightful saying, spoken by Randeep Hooda in “Once Upon a Time in Mumbai,” suggests that no matter how effortless or seamless crime may appear to be, it ultimately leads to confinement within prison walls.

5. Main un cheezon ki smuggling karta hoon, jinki ijaazat sarkar nahi deti … un cheezon ki nahi, jinki ijaazat zameer nahi deta

This conversation with Sultan Mirza demonstrates his noble character. Despite being a criminal kingpin, he never advocated for drug trafficking.

In the film, Ajay Devgn spoke these lines so gracefully that they became a well-known quote. Here’s what he said: “I traffic items that are forbidden by the government, not those that go against my moral compass.”

6. Zindagi ho toh smuggler jaisi … sari duniya raakh ki tarah neeche aur khud dhuen ke tarah upar

In the movie, Emraan Hashmi’s character, while conversing with friends on a rooftop, casually holds a cigarette and likens their lives to those of smugglers. He suggests that life ought to resemble smugglers; below them lies the entire world like ash, yet they remain as smoke above.

7. Joh apni maa ki izzat nahi karte … main unka baap bankar aata hoon

In my perspective, I can’t help but reflect on yet another compelling conversation between Sultan Mirza, a dialogue that lingers in the minds of many viewers for quite some time. The dialogue from Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai unfolds when Sultan crosses paths with an individual who menacingly threatens his own mother and cold-heartedly instructs him to abandon her upon release from prison.

In a restroom, the Sultan physically overpowers an individual. He delivers a line suggesting that those who disregard their mothers will encounter him as if he were their father. This phrase implies that the Sultan was a savior figure for the downtrodden and always prepared to lend a helping hand in any situation.

8. Sahi aur Galat ke beech chunana aasaan hota hai sir, do galat logon ke beech chunana bahut mushkil

In his conversation with his superior, Randeep Hooda expressed his predicament of having to pick between two individuals, Sultan Mirza and Shoaib Khan, who were clearly not the best choices. He pointed out that it’s straightforward to make a decision when faced with right versus wrong, but choosing between two wrong options is much more challenging.

9. Tumhari baat ka jawab de diya … toh tumhara sawaal bura maan jayega

In a simplified and conversational manner: This phrase is a catchphrase for Shoaib Khan’s character, where it implies that addressing certain questions or concerns might cause discomfort or confusion. In this specific dialogue, when Mumtaz, his girlfriend, expresses fear and doubts in the climax by saying she doesn’t recognize him anymore, Shoaib responds with “If I explain myself to you, your question might not sit well.”

That’s all! There are many such dialogues in the movie that elevate the fun of watching the swag of the leads and a larger-than-life story set in the times of Mumbai’s underworld. For the uninitiated, Rajat Arora has written all these dialogues that live rent-free with us even after so many years. 

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2024-08-27 17:08