Happy Friendship Day: Bollywood Movies on Friendship

It has been truly said that Friends are siblings that God never gave us. They are family that we can pick and choose ourselves. The theme of friendship has also been a favourite topic in mainstream cinema where protagonists depict the different shades of a friendly relation with flair. While there are innumerable such movies, there are a few which have struck the emotional chord of the viewer.

Dil Chahta Hai (2001): Friends may be poles apart in their mannerisms and sometimes even thoughts. But there is a soul connection among true friends which draws them together and keeps them bonded forever. The movie Dil Chahta Hai showcases this bonding between Aamir Khan, the not so serious type, Saif Ali Khan, the playboy, and Akhshay Khanna, the very serious friend, who is also an introvert. The film also goes on to show that even if complications and misunderstandings arise in a friendship, a true bond can never be broken and friends will find a way to mend things. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the film was awarded the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hind.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011): This movie goes on to portray that men will remain boys at heart forever, and they need their space and time together. Three friends – Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol set out on a bachelor trip in Spain to spend some time together. The film goes on to show that sometimes friends end up judging each other due to lack of communication, but when the gates of communication open, the misunderstanding melts away and is replaced by the feeling of camaraderie. It also shows that only friends can egg each other on to get rid of unknown fear, help each other re-discover priorities and analyse their life decisions. Set against the backdrop of picturesque cities in Europe, the movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has indeed won many hearts.

3 Idiots (2009): This movie has indeed portrayed friendship in an exemplary manner. Who can ever forget the character Ranchhoddas Chanchad aka Funshukh Wangdu played by Aamir Khan in the movie. Among friends, there is always that one individual who seems to know what is right. In this movie Aamir Khan plays that role of a friend to Sharman Joshi and Madhavan. The movie showcases that sometimes when even parents and teachers fail to guide a youngster, friends in the peer group act as the guide, and show them the right path; that following the heart is sometimes the best. The film goes on to show how the three friends help each other to follow their passion in life. The film is based on Chetan Bhagat's Five Point Someone.

Anand (1971): Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna won millions of hearts in this movie in their portrayal of being onscreen friends. The film shows that making that one true friend has no age factor. It could happen anytime and with anyone. Here Amitabh Bachchan is a doctor and his friendship is built with his own terminally ill patient, Rajesh Khanna. Rajesh Khanna goes on to teach his friend that it is more important to live to the fullest in the present than to worry and mourn about a future that is unknown. The film was co-written and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

Dosti (1964): Friendship decades ago was just the same, if not easier to find, and more trustworthy. In the movie Dosti, the loyal relationship between two friends is depicted, where each is ready to help  the other. The black and white film starring Sudhir Kumar and Sushil Kumar showcases how friends help each other through the toughest of times. The film was directed by Satyen Bose.

Sholay (1975): Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge. Todenge dam magar tera saath na chhodenge.....this Bollywood classic is one of the most watched and talked films of the century. The new generation might not have watched it but would have definitely heard about it. This tale of Jai and Veeru (played by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra) is too amazing and memorable. The film was directed by Ramesh Sippy.

Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan