In my heart forever

Disney fans have been on a nostalgic trip after the recent Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special aired this week. They tell NT BUZZ why this and other comfort shows gave them the ‘best of both worlds’

SHERYL GONSALVES

If you were ever in your bedroom passionately belting out “like fire and rain, you can drive me insane”, this week in particular has probably been most memorable with the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special airing, a.k.a the “Hannahversary”.

In fact, Hannah Montana, along with other Disney shows like ‘The Suite Life of Zac and Cody’, and ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ weren’t just shows that aired years ago. For millennials especially, the characters felt like friends, trying to figure life out at the same time as them. Fans of these shows laughed with them, shed a tear or two, got invested in the teenage love stories, knew song lyrics by heart, and turned to them for comfort after a long day.

Before smartphones and doom-scrolling took over, these shows filled our afternoons and evenings, offering simple joys and shared moments. And they remain part of our hearts no matter how old we get.

Now with ‘Camp Rock 3’ in motion, and fans still giddy with excitement from Demi Lovato making a surprise appearance last year at a Jonas Brothers concert, Disney fans in the state, walk down memory lane.

‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘Camp Rock’ meant so much to me growing up. They weren’t just random shows; they actually felt really meaningful. I particularly loved how they showed us that you can be yourself while still figuring things out and chasing your dreams. The music made it even more fun. Even now, when I hear those songs, they remind me of a time when everything felt a little more hopeful and possible. So glad the current generation gets a chance to experience a little of what we had
as kids.”

Rochelle Fernandes, Caranzalem

It’s really special to see the shows we grew up with coming back again. Watching ‘Hannah Montana’ or movies like ‘Camp Rock’ was such a big part of our childhood. Now, watching these moments return feels less like just nostalgia and more like reconnecting with a part of ourselves we sometimes forget in adulthood. It’s amazing how something we watched years ago can still make us feel the same happiness we
felt as kids.”

Arusa Bhandare, Cumbarjua

Watching my childhood stars come back to life on screen is absolutely moving. It feels like we’ve all grown up together, and now, as adults, watching everybody achieve so much is just so fulfilling. I cannot wait to feel the child-like joy again soon!”

Christina Dedhia, Ribandar

It honestly feels surreal, like a little piece of childhood coming back to life. Growing up, shows like ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘Camp Rock’ made everything feel possible. They were fun, emotional, and gave me something to dream about. As an adult, they remind me of simpler times and who I was before life got complicated. They still mean comfort, nostalgia, and a bit of that old confidence I’m trying to find again.”

Michelle Ann Alphonso, Mapusa

I grew up watching ‘Hannah Montana’ on the Disney Channel.
Everything that I had was Hannah Montana – my school bag, tiffin, water bottle, clothes and labels. The show gave me a chance to dream! To imagine a life of glamour while also appreciating the crazy things of daily life! I’m so thrilled to see my favourite memories take their rightful place on screen, and I hope that the kids
of today get a chance to have a similar experience!”

Katherine Manuel,
Colvale

It feels like opening a time capsule filled with music, laughter, and the fearless belief that anything is possible. Shows like ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘Camp Rock’ didn’t just entertain us; these stories quietly told us it was okay to be messy, hopeful, and to embrace who we are, and find our voice. Revisiting them now feels like reconnecting with a braver, more hopeful version of ourselves. And maybe that’s the magic! They remind us that it’s never too late to keep believing and start again.”

Annamarie Nicole Remedios,     Assagao

Singing ‘The Best of Both Worlds’ as kids, it felt like pure entertainment. But looking back now, it kind of shaped confidence, dreaming big without fear. Growing up, you probably didn’t realise how much it influenced you. Hannah taught subtle lessons—about self-expression, fitting in versus standing out, chasing dreams, and dealing with insecurity. And they did it in a way that felt light, fun, and safe.”

Vaisa Dias, Penha de França

Back then, these shows were just fun and an escape. Today, they feel like a time capsule, reminding us of simpler days, the innocence and dreams that felt limitless… Watching them all over again isn’t just entertainment anymore; it’s reconnecting with who we were. Reliving those childhood memories is going to be both comforting and overwhelming because while the songs, the stories, the feelings remain the same, we have changed so much.”

Vaishali Kerkar, Merces

‘Hannah Montana’ impacted me deeply. Hannah was, is, and always will be my inspiration, reminding me to stay true to myself. I wanted everything bags, tiffins, book labels to be branded Hannah Montana. Even now, the values of this super character remain with me. Songs like ‘Butterfly Fly Away’ touched my heart. Even today, when I’m low, I still listen to Hannah Montana tracks to feel uplifted. The line ‘Life’s a climb… but the view is great’ still keeps me super motivated.

I’m also super excited about ‘Camp Rock 3’ because it feels like a fresh chapter of that magical teenmusic world, letting me relive the energy and fun of those early days all over again.”

Virginia Dias, Navelim

(With inputs from Vinika Viswambharan)