Realising his mistake, an egotistic Buddha is unable to apologise properly but whilst trying to do so, falls in love with a strong-willed Nina.

After a bitter-sweet acquaintance, Buddha proposes and Nina whole-heartedly accepts telling him to meet her father, Omprakash (Paresh) in Delhi to ask for her hand in marriage.

But all hope of marrying Nina rapidly crumbles when he finds out that his future father-in-law is six years younger than him!

Always ready to advise Buddha in his hour of need is nine year-old cancer patient and friend, Sexy (Swini) and his 90 year old mother.

Considering it's his debut film, Balakrishnan has made a perfect entry as a director with Cheeni Kum.

He has beautifully portrayed the sentimentality and cynicism of the two lead characters.

His execution of the climax scene when Buddha wins his love but loses someone close to him is simply superb!

Bachchan is at his charismatic best as the scathing chef who effortlessly breezes through his dialogues like a true Bollywood veteran.

Tabu complements him in every way as Nina. Paresh Rawal and Zohra Sehgal are adorable but it is the child artist, Swini Khara, who confidently gives a convincing performance as the cancer patient.

Looks like this child will carve a name for herself in Bollywood very soon.

Cheeni Kum (meaning sugar free) has the right balance of emotions and tongue-in-cheek situations deviating from Bollywood norms - no sweeteners needed!

A box office success all the way. A definite must see on how Bollywood is evolving from its run-of-the-mill musicals to films portraying meaningful cinema on day to day life.