By Swati R Chaudhary, Bollywood Trade News Network

Like it or loathe it…Films keep us going! Can we possibly envision life without Bollywood and our weekly dose of entertainment? The very thought sends a shiver down my spine. Films definitely have a therapeutic effect. Most films end up educating and inspiring us in some way or the other. Obviously there are some that frustrate you to no end and chances are, that a few of us have also walked out of theatres midway. Also some films are plagiarized in the name of inspiration but there are many that spell creativity and ability.

Films like BAGHBAN, SWADES, DIL CHAHTA HAI and KAL HO NAA HO (to list a few) are truly inspiring. They are not popcorn cola films, but films that actually make us sit back and retrospect, films that make us ponder over sensitive issues that we often tend to overlook. If BAGHBAN showcased the plight of neglected aged parents, SWADES was a thought provoking, touching film about an Indian desperately wanting to come back and make a difference in the lives of ‘his’ people. If DIL CHAHTA HAI showcased unconditional camaraderie, KAL HO NAA HO enlightened us to live each moment like it was our last.

On close scrutiny, BAGHBAN, not preachy in the least, beautifully and sensitively deals with the trials and tribulations of an aged couple. After watching the film, you just want to hug your parents and thank them for making you the person you are, the priceless memories spent with them, memories way above the materialistic, worldly pleasures in the world. They were up all night changing nappies when you were a kid and now it’s your chance to repay them in ‘any’ little way you can. It can be that one-minute of ‘attentive listening’ out of your grueling schedule or a two-line thank you note expressing gratitude to them. A little effort on your part can make their day and bring a wide smile across their otherwise sullen faces. The film hits you hard and you want to do everything before it’s too late.

Be the change you wish to see! Yes! SWADES- a soul stirring film depicting the NRI dilemma somehow must’ve compelled every NRI to reconsider his decision and return to his roots. A classic example of stimulating cinema that leaves you with a sense of heightened patriotism. The idea of giving up that lucrative, enticing career abroad and doing his/her bit for the nation must’ve hit quite a few. The film is all about rediscovering yourself and getting your priorities straight. SWADES is about Mother India; SWADES is about ‘we-the people’ – people who can truly make a difference!

Farhan Akhtar’s DIL CHAHTA HAI takes you through an emotional fun-filled journey of three friends and their philosophies in life. As you see the film, the mind automatically takes a trip down the memory lane. One cannot help but recount college days, the precious moments engraved in gold in each of our memories. It makes one realize the significance of friendship and the presence of true friends in ones life. As we grow up, we all get caught up in the mad rat race and in the process we don’t seem to enjoy the little joys of life, the silly jokes we once shared with our bosom pals and much more.

Last but not the least, the aptly titled KAL HO NAA HO subtly teaches you the art of living. It makes you realize the fact that life is too short to crib and worry. That ‘the present is a gift, that is why it is called the present!’ So enjoy your present, stop brooding over the past and don’t worry about the future coz ‘kya pata kal ho na ho!’

A few other inspirational, hard-hitting films like BLACK, RANG DE BASANTI, LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI etc indisputably left an indelible impression on the minds of people. Whether it’s the awe-inspiring teacher-pupil quotient in BLACK, the very youthful, unconditional bonding in RANG DE BASANTI or ‘Gandhigiri’ in LAGE RAHO MUNNABHAI, all the three films had the audience in splits. Such films are truly a great learning and enriching experience. The Indian Film industry a.k.a Bollywood approximately churns out 800 films a year. It has continually regaled the audience and is gradually making remarkable headway overseas.