Special Feature: Five memorable Diwali sequences in Bollywood

It is that time of the year when every Indian household has been enveloped with the essence of the festival of light. Since time immemorial, the belief of the triumph of light over darkness has encouraged the celebration of the festival all around the country and beyond. The pomp, glory and good cheer have made Diwali, the biggest festival of India.

Like every other occasion that has been a part of Bollywood over the years, the festival of Diwali has also been celebrated on-screen through different sequences in numerous films. Therefore, on the auspicious and joyful occasion of Diwali, BizAsialive.com looks at five iconic Diwali sequences in Bollywood that is still imprinted in the memories of the audience:

‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’ (1993)
Mansoor Khan’s iconic 90s sports drama is remembered for many reasons. Revolving around the various events and incidents in the lives of a group of high school kids, the film has quite a few moments of celebration. The Diwali sequence is one such celebration where the lead characters played by Aamir Khan, Ayesha Jhulka, Mamik Singh and Kiran Zaveri groove to the tune of Shehar Ki Pariyon. The festive mood and warmth of the young hearts surely lights up the screen and makes the viewers feel the joyous vibe of the festival.

‘Chachi 420’ (1997)
This Kamal Hassan starrer film directed by the man himself was inspired by the iconic Hollywood comedy-drama Mrs. Doubtfire (1993). However, one of the many signature Bollywood touches in the film came in the form of a Diwali Sequence. It is during the Diwali celebration that the protagonist Jai disguised as Lakshmi essayed by Hassan saves his daughter Bharti played by Fatima Sana Sheikh from fire. As the little girl catches fire while bursting crackers her father impersonated as a governess rushes to her side and drops her in a nearby pool. The entire course of the film is set upon this particular scene as the incident enables Jai as Lakshmi to be appointed as Bharti’s nanny. This grants him the access to visit his daughter who stays with her mother, Jai’s wife Janki played by Tabu after their divorce. The scene can also act as a gentle reminder to maintain safety during the festival of Diwali.

‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'(2001)
Perhaps the most memorable Diwali sequence in Bollywood of all time, the celebrations in this scene are showcased with much grandeur and glory. The Raichand house has completely lit up with diyas and Diwali lights. As Nandini played by Jaya Bachchan performs the puja, the entire festivity is carried out with tradition and culture with the beautiful title track of the film in the background. As the Diwali arti is done, the makers present us with the epic Shahrukh Khan Entry scene that is imprinted in every cine-lovers heart. Rahul Raichand returns home from London on the festive occasion, which with a turn of various events also turns out to be his last Diwali home leading to the second and the opening Diwali sequence in the film. Not to forget, the iconic moment of Bachchan’s Nandini sensing her son’s return even before he steps inside the house!

‘Home Delivery’ (2005)
The Vivek Oberoi, Ayesha Takia, and Mahima Chaudhry starrer film has given us considerably the best Diwali song from Bollywood of all time. Even after years, the Happy Diwali song from this film is shared and played on the occasion. It clearly narrates the feeling of goodwill and sends out warm wishes to the viewers. Moreover, it is a beautiful sight to watch little kids performing the song on their annual concert and spreading the joy and light among the audience both on-screen and off-screen. Besides, the major events in this film are based on the Diwali night itself.

‘Taare Zameen Par’ (2007)
Every frame of this film is etched in the mind of the viewers for its sheer brilliance. Amidst all the beautiful and thought-provoking moments of this film, there lies a short Diwali sequence that truly deserves a mention. The scene is not a typical Diwali celebration and rather a heartbreaking one. Ishaan Awasthi portrayed by Darsheel Safary is all set to be sent over to boarding school a day after Diwali. On the morning of the festival, a scared Ishaan breaks down in his mother’s arms and informs her how he would even refrain from celebrating Diwali if they don’t send him to boarding school. Later, as the neighborhood kids begin their celebration, the sight of little Ishaan sitting aside all by himself, deeply saddened over what awaits him certainly breaks our heart. When another kid teases him about boarding, Ishaan is completely enraged and breaks down in a pool of tears once again. The character’s loneliness and pain depicted in that one small scene alongside the then 10-year-old Safary’s phenomenal acting makes it a memorable Diwali sequence in Indian cinema.

BizAsiaLive.com wishes all its readers a Happy and Prosperous Diwali and hopes Bollywood continues to introducing such wonderful sequences set in the backdrop of the festival!