By Sweta Moda
Though Christmas might light up Oxford Street like never before, the iconic festival of lights, Diwali, retains its fame for lighting every heart inside out. Deepawali or Diwali translates into the festival of “deeps” or “diya” which are little earthen lamps. For me, this is the festival of warmth, where you ignite beauty with your close ones, eat great food and are grateful for life. As the ancient epic holds, Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ayodhya. However, the festival has evolved to mean much more than victory of a king in battle. Diwali symbolises happiness, exchange of sweets and bursting of firecrackers, lighting an array of sparks and smiles in each family. In contemporary times, families prefer being more environmentally cautious and staying home with their families instead of going out to celebrate Diwali with too much pomp and show. Thus here I am to give you the taste of Diwali with some of the most iconic movie recommendations in the history of Bollywood. This Diwali, grab your favourite sweets, light up fairy lights and soothing candles, and get cosy with your family and friends to stream these amazing movies!
1. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
When it comes to Diwali scenes, the most iconic one has got to be Shahrukh Khan’s entry in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham *plays aarti music in the background*. It is the best and worst of typical family life and all the fun that goes with it.
If you haven’t watched this film yet (and even if you have), get your parents, siblings, everyone to the living room, so you can all cosy up and enjoy the drama!
2. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun?
Before you shut this down as just another old Bollywood film, remember that these were the golden days of family drama. With the perfect mix of cheesy comedy and romance, our next pick is Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit’s Hum Aapke Hai Kaun? Hope your family is as happy as theirs is, when they break out into brilliant song and dance as Pooja bhabhi celebrates the birth of her son on Diwali!
3. Swades
Although not as commercially popular as the others, Swades is a beautiful tale of homecoming – a love letter to home itself, and perfect for anyone missing India this Diwali. Happiness and sadness are both expressed in the most heartfelt manner as the characters celebrate Diwali at their home.
4. Chachi 420
Lastly, we have Diwali as a turning point where joy is found in an almost serendipitous manner in Chachi 420. More than just a desi Mrs Doubtfire, this film is guaranteed to bring you the laughter and joy we know is the heart of Diwali.
A quick Google search can of course reveal a list of several blockbuster Bollywood movies that are a “must-watch” for diwali. However, I feel these movies are my personal favourites as they signifies the close-knit nature of families coming together to celebrate the festival of light. It lights the mood within and makes you love your closed ones a little more. These movies also show that family is not always blood-related; it’s the people you care for and want to share your best moments with. I would definitely recommend watching the age old Ramayan or the newer version Siya ke ram, which is my personal favourite. These are TV series which would make you binge watch and know the entire story behind the festival of lights with innumerous life lessons. Siya ke ram by StarPlus is an interesting take on the hindu epic Ramayana from a feminine perspective, and it is definitely my favourite show ever, because it beautifully and sometimes quite metaphorically portrays several woes of the society that are sadly still thriving in our world. I hope this Diwali we light up our hearts and homes with harmony, take care of the environment and celebrate as a world without boundaries.
