Bollywood movies are known for their extravagant sets, larger-than-life characters, and captivating storylines. However, some of the most interesting aspects of these movies are hidden in plain sight – movie references that many viewers never notice.
In this article, we will explore some of the movie references that you may have missed in Bollywood films.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – The Godfather
One of the most iconic scenes in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is when Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) teaches Simran (Kajol) how to whistle. What many viewers may not realize is that this scene is a reference to a similar scene in The Godfather, where Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) teaches his son Michael (Al Pacino) how to make a gun out of a toilet paper roll.
Dil Chahta Hai – The Graduate
Dil Chahta Hai, a coming-of-age film about three friends, contains a reference to The Graduate, a classic American film. The scene where Aamir Khan’s character jumps into the pool is an homage to a scene in The Graduate where the protagonist jumps into a pool to escape his life.
Rockstar – Almost Famous
Rockstar, a film about a musician’s rise to fame, features a reference to Almost Famous, a film about a young journalist who follows a band on tour. In Rockstar, the protagonist’s t-shirt reads “Stillwater”, which is the name of the band in Almost Famous.
Munnabhai M.B.B.S. – Patch Adams
Munnabhai M.B.B.S. is a comedy-drama about a gangster who pretends to be a doctor. The film contains a reference to Patch Adams, a film about a doctor who uses humor to treat his patients. In one scene, Munnabhai (Sanjay Dutt) dresses up as Patch Adams and performs.
Om Shanti Om – Karz
Om Shanti Om, a film about a struggling actor who is reincarnated, contains a reference to Karz, a film about a man who is reincarnated to avenge his death. In one scene, Shah Rukh Khan’s character re-enacts a famous scene from Karz, where the protagonist is killed by his wife and friend.
Bollywood films are full of hidden gems that many viewers may never notice. These movie references add depth and complexity to the storylines, and show the influence of classic films on Indian cinema.
Next time you watch a Bollywood film, keep an eye out for these subtle nods to cinema history.