Bachpan with Bollywood: Our perception of the world was bound by our understanding of the many songs and characters Bollywood had to offer, regardless of any questions about their appropriateness or plausibility. Rich ass NRI families became epitomes of our “dharma” and love found crazy synonyms like “kuch kuch hota hai”. From gangsta pet dogs to pigeons that became messengers of love, Bollywood has done its fair share of damage and healing for all.
Let’s take a stroll down the timeline:
1. Hum Aap Ke Hai Kaun (1994)
Taught us that gender stereotypes make up for A1 song lyrics and that staircases and sarees can be scientifically hazardous for pregnant women. Gangsta dog, never forget.
2. Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar (1992)
Gave us the tagline of our lives, bicycle tantrums to our parents and the best song for our every crush. #pehlanasha
3. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum (2001)
The magnanimity of the movie goes beyond the numerous trends it set for the industry and the country. It taught us sanskaar, family values, class distinctions, epoch defining music, crass characters- little did the nation know that it was to be poo-fied once and for all.
4. Dil Waale Dulhainiya Le Jayenge (1995)
From mitti di khusboo to sarso ka kheth, this movie taught us that real love has to be won and chased for; regardless of careers, money, misogyny, and probably love itself. Songs and settings done up better than the script, yet it has the memorabilia of a nation.
5. Maine Pyar Kia (1989)
The story taught us Prem and its newfound association with Salman Khan. It taught us that perseverance and pigeons are both equally important for love.
6. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Nimbuda innuendos and full of tadap, we learnt of the extravagance our movies and culture have to offer. Also, Rajasthan tourism couldn’t have done better.
7. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Became the foundation of every friendship, romantic relationship and confused everyone about everything in between. Kudos to Johar, once again we learnt that a guy and a girl just can’t be friends.
8. Dil Toh Pagal Hai (1997)
Complicated friendships, major dance battles and whistles precede this great Indian love story. From Shah Rukh’s polo shirts to mass Madhuri crushes, this movie epitomised Indian Rom-coms.
9. Andaaz Apna Apna (1994)
It helped us discover yeh firauti ki rakkam hai ya mayyat ka chanda and told us who Teja was and uska mark kidhar hai. It taught us that every Robert, needs his Bhalla.
Logic or without logic, Bollywood has been an integral part of our existence. No denying for Jeena yaha, marna yaha, iske siwa jaana kaha?
– Richa Das, Editorial
Read: The best hindi movies of the past twenty years
