It is that time of the year when the lights come out of the storeroom, sweets are passed around and wishes are exchanged in abundance. Much like everything else in our country, Bollywood has taken inspiration from Diwali too, to create some magical moments on screen. From the homecoming of the prodigal son to recognising the first pangs of love, the festival of lights has served as the perfect setting for many lovely cinematic moments. This Diwali, we are revisiting some iconic clips from the library of Bollywood, curated specially for you.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham marked Indian festivals with aplomb. From Diwali to Eid, the movie was a celebration of the country's diverse culture and the film hero's Shah Rukh Khan is introduced to us in the backdrop of Diwali. The iconic scene involves Nandini Raichand played by Jaya Bachchan sensing that her son, Rahul Raichand (Shah Rukh Khan), has come home on Diwali the moment he sets foot in the compound of their (ginormous) home.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!
Hum Aapke Hai Koun..! is another film that celebrates life to the fullest. Diwali finds a place in one of the most popular songs of the film, Dhiktana. The premise is that Renuka Shahne's character, Pooja, has given birth to a boy and the family celebrates the arrival of the little one and Diwali in one big grand celebration. With crackers, song and dance, Diwali is the perfect setting to welcome the new entrant.
Mohabbatein
Another famous Diwali scene that has a lovely song attached to it is from the movie Mohabbatein. In Pairon Mein Bandhan Hai, the ensemble cast uses the setting of the song to flirt and fall a little in love.
Taare Zameen Par
Another one that features Diwali but in a rather sombre light is Taare Zameen Par. The scene involving the festival features Ishaan Awasthi played by Darsheel Safary mulling the horror of having to join a boarding school. The happiness that other experience at the festival is offset by the growing dread in Ishaan's heart.
Vaastav
Sanjay Dutt's role as a gangster in Vaastav is one of his most celebrated performances. The gritty film uses Diwali as a setting for a poignant moment between Raghu (Sanjay Dutt) and his mother (Reema Lagu). It is in this scene that he delivers the famous, “Ye dekh pacchass tola” dialogue.
Aisha
Diwali has never looked more fashionable than it did in Sonam Kapoor-Abhay Deol starrer Aisha. With lovely sets, fashionable clothes and family gatherings to top it all, the movie uses Diwali to focus on Aisha experiencing a few pangs of jealousy at Arjun's new relationship.
Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya
The movie, which features an ensemble cast of Tabu, Juhi Chawla, Govinda and Chandrachur Singh, features a song centred around Diwali and the festivities. The number titled Aayi Hai Diwali features the entire community coming together on a diya-lit street.
Chachi 420
Who can forget the film that featured Kamal Haasan masquerading as a nanny? In the movie, what helps Jaiprakash Paswan (Kamal Haasan) aka Shrimati Lakshmi Godbole's entry into his ex-wife Tabu's house is him saving their daughter Bharti from a firecracker.
Watch the scene here.
Tell us your favourite Bollywood Diwali scene in the comments. Happy Diwali.