Some of my earliest memories are of me and my older sister curling up on the couch as old Hindi films flickered across our living room TV, filling the room with the most vibrant color, sound and movement. Long before I truly understood what made those movies timeless, their stories had shaped my earliest notions of friendship, love and family. So, at the start of this cold winter season, instead of reaching for something new to watch, I have decided to revisit the warm, heartfelt Bollywood classics that defined my childhood, and a few stand out as essential watches.
Mujhse Dosti Karoge!
This is one of those films that truly feels like a warm, comforting hug every single time you watch it. Built on childhood promises, mistaken identities and profound, dramatic love, it captures the innocence of early-2000s rom-coms. With its heartfelt handwritten letters, dreamy inner monologues and melodious soundtrack, the film pulls you into a world where your heart is worn on your sleeve and friendships are put above all else. The central plot mechanism of the film is a love triangle in which each character exhibits a genuine sense of longing, making the emotional stakes of this otherwise playful movie surprisingly intense. My favorite moment is the ending, when a streak of Sindoor, the red powder traditionally worn by married Hindu women, accidentally falls perfectly onto the main character’s forehead. This over-the-top, wildly unrealistic plot twist was a symbolic sign of fate, where the universe confirmed that two people were meant to be together. That’s what I like to call the perfect Bollywood finale!
Kal Ho Naa Ho
A film I have probably watched more than a thousand times, Kal Ho Naa Ho, is undeniably a defining part of my childhood. My mom actually bought the movie’s CD the week it came out and used to play it on the tiny TV in our car on repeat, so New York City, heartbreak and Shah Rukh Khan’s dreamy, dimpled smile became a part of our daily commute. This film takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, blending romance and heartbreak as it follows characters who desperately try to hold onto joy during the most complicated chapters of their lives. What makes the story so compelling and rewatchable is how vulnerable and authentic every character’s story arc feels. Each of them wrestles with their own conflicting emotions and painful past experiences, contributing to an incredibly impactful and layered narrative. The film’s message is deeply memorable, encouraging viewers to live each day to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised. It is a reminder I know I will hold onto for the rest of my life!
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
This is actually my all-time favorite movie, and it is a celebration of growing up, growing apart and finding your way back to the people who matter the most. At its core, it is a story about exploring the world, discovering yourself and learning that adventure means nothing if you cannot share it with the people you love. Scenic views of Manali’s mountains, Udaipur’s palaces and bustling city nights set the stage for a visual journey that mirrors the characters’ own search for meaning. The film perfectly captures the chaos of being in your twenties, where the desire for freedom constantly conflicts with a need for stability. As someone who is an absolute sucker for weddings, Aditi’s wedding arc is easily my favorite part of the film. The wedding scenes are so beautiful, filled with amazing songs, genuine fun and heartfelt moments of reconnection that represent everything I love about this movie.
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Now, this one is definitely a comfort watch. It is a dramatic family drama that explores the concept of love in numerous forms: the unconditional love between parents and children, the unspoken love between siblings and the messy, stubborn love that holds families together even when pride and tradition threaten to pull them apart. As an Indian American, I have always found the London and India settings especially meaningful, since they mirror the diasporic blend of traditions and expectations I have lived with my entire life. And of course, no conversation about this film is complete without mentioning my favorite character, Poo. She is the embodiment of Bollywood Y2K glam, delivering iconic one-liners and unforgettable pink outfits that made her an instant icon. As a child, I used to emulate her poses, her walk and her attitude, because to me, she was the epitome of confidence and glamor. And while Poo will always be my personal favorite, the rest of the film is pretty fantastic too! Whether it is the emotional moments, the exciting dance numbers or the nostalgic family reunions, every part of K3G feels timeless, the kind of movie that makes you laugh, cry and smile all at once.
I hope that with Thanksgiving around the corner, you will step out of your comfort zone and give something new a chance, whether that is watching a movie in a new language or rewatching an old classic. And since this is a time to appreciate what brings us joy, I am eternally grateful for these movies and the way they continue to move me, bringing me joy, nostalgia and comfort each and every time I watch them.
‘Are You Still Watching?’ is a column spotlighting what the Cornell community has been streaming. It runs every Wednesday.
Sahana Saravanan is a sophomore in the ILR School. She can be reached at ss4532@cornell.edu.
