India is a country of cultural diversity and Bollywood has not lagged behind in incorporating that beautiful aspect in its films. In many Hindi films, the plot depicts how lead couples from different cultural backgrounds complete a complex journey to their ‘happily ever after’.
Unlike Hollywood, music, dance, family and festivals are important aspects of Bollywood. Filmmakers often add nuances of cultures to enhance their story. For example, take Kal Ho Na Ho’s Punjabi-hearted Naina, who gets married to her friend Rohit from a Gujarati family, where the scenes depicting their cultural differences leave us in splits.
Top Netflix Movies That Explore Cultural Differences Between The Lead Pair
1. tomorrow may or may not happen
Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan, Kal Ho Na Ho gave us an important lesson about living our lives to the fullest. In the film, Zinta plays the role of Naina, who falls in love with Aman, but he sets her up with Rohit due to his poor health. The film’s complex love story, inner turmoil of the characters and heart-wrenching scenes hold a special place in our hearts.
However, we also had to laugh when Naina’s lively Punjabi family came face to face with Rohit’s practical and traditional Gujarati family. The subtle squabbles between families over celebrating their cultures make us appreciate India’s cultural diversity and family values even more.
2. let the heart beat
Directed by Zoya Akhtar, Dil Dhadakne Do taught us family values and the importance of understanding between family members. Released in 2015, the film tells the story of a dysfunctional family where a rich couple, Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah, invite their loved ones on a 10-day cruise to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary.
Apart from the story, the cultural differences between the characters is a strong point in the film. Ranveer Singh plays the role of Kabir, the couple’s son. He belongs to a rich family but is forced to give up his dream and take over the family business. In contrast, Anushka, who plays his girlfriend Farah, is a more independent and contemporary girl. She is adamant on making her own identity and leaves her home to pursue her passion. Their different cultural backgrounds yet similar core values make the plot more interesting.
3. when harry met sejal
Another gem in the list is Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma starrer Jab Harry Met Sejal. In the film, Khan plays the role of Harinder ‘Harry’ Singh Nehra, a Punjabi tourist guide who works in Amsterdam. He is a lonely and helpful person who is forced to help his client Sejal (played by Sharma) find her lost ring.
Apart from their distinct Punjabi and Gujarati cultures, Harry follows a Western lifestyle, while Sejal is a more traditional person who believes in Indian values. As they explore different parts of Europe, their cultural differences and different perspectives make the film a perfect watch. Furthermore, this journey gradually leads them to accept each other’s cultural backgrounds, setting a perfect example of cultural harmony.
4you are a liar i am a liar
Ranbir Kapoor’s last romantic-comedy Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, co-starring Shraddha Kapoor, was loved by the audience for its plot, romance and humour. The story, which follows the couple’s journey from a modern love story to a traditional union, also highlights their cultural differences.
Ranbir plays the role of Rohan, a spunky and carefree businessman with a modern outlook on love. Shraddha, on the other hand, plays the character of Tinni, who is more practical and embodies a traditional outlook on love. He has a job and is more responsible in life, which creates differences between them. Furthermore, Rohan’s lively Punjabi family and Tinni’s practical family create a relatable cultural contrast in the couple’s journey.
5. jodha akbar
Jodhaa Akbar starring Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan was based on the love story of Mughal emperor Akbar and his Rajput wife Jodha Bai. The cultural differences between a Hindu queen and a Muslim king in the medieval era is the central theme of the film.
Although their marriage was a political deal, the couple gradually learns to respect and accept each other’s culture in various scenes, which makes the film interesting.
Love knows no bounds, and the lead pair in these films prove that they overcome their cultural differences for their significant other. From cultural clashes to their acceptance, these top Netflix movies are a perfect addition to your watching list for next weekend.
Also read: Throwback: When Shahrukh Khan talked about the feeling of being a ‘star’ for the first time; ‘The director looked at me and…’
