With the vibrant colours of the Gujarati Chaniya-Choli & Kediyu, rhythmic beats of the Garba dance, click sound of Dandiya, People are dancing around for hours and hours. Can you feel the energy? That’s the spirit of Gujarati culture – a symphony of traditions, language, and food. But where can you experience this without hopping on a plane to Gujarat? The answer is right at your fingertips – in Bollywood cinema. (Trust me, it’s less expensive than booking a flight!)
Gujarati Culture in Bollywood Movies
The quintessential Gujarati culture has been beautifully woven into Bollywood. Every director decorated Gujarati culture with a unique perspective. Gujarati culture in the movie is like the secret ingredient in your grandma’s Undhiyu(It’s a Gujarati dish) that gives it that special ‘oomph’.
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Take, for example, the film “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela”(2013) & “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999) both movies Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali,- It showcases traditional Rasleela and Navratri(Longest dance festival), Holi celebrations, vibrant colours, and Gujarati dialect and the intense love stories that are integral to Gujarati culture. Played by our favourite actors- Deepika & Ranveer. ‘Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje’, ‘Nagada sang Dhol’, and ‘Man mor bani thanghat Kare’ songs showcase the energetic and colourful Gujarati folk dance, Garba. The movies are like a thali from a Gujarati dhaba – there’s drama, there’s love, there’s dance and it leaves you craving for more.
Then there’s “Kai Po Che! (2013)” It is an impeccable portrayal of Gujarat’s ethos and resilience. It revolves around the life of three friends in Ahmedabad(the movie shows the day-to-day life of a common household). It includes the celebration of the kite-flying festival(Thanks to Modiji- This festival has become an international festival), a significant Gujarati tradition, the state’s passion for cricket, and the unconquerable spirit of its people post the 2001 earthquake. (And you thought Gujaratis were only about Khaman-Dhoklas and the Stock Market!)
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And how can we forget “Made in China” which not only tells the story of a struggling Gujarati entrepreneur but also beautifully highlights the Gujarati zeal for business and innovation. (Because let’s face it, a Gujarati without business is like dhokla without chutney, right?)
Another film is ‘Gangubai Kathaiwari’(2022) is about a Gujarat brothel. It brings out the Gujarat style of tradition and essence. Powerful politician Gangubai rescues a girl from a brothel. Rahim Lala declined a female candidate’s offer for the Kamathipura presidential elections. As a result of Gangubai Kathiawadi‘s advocacy for the education of prostitutes’ children, the Prime Minister consents to prevent the closure of Kamathipura and the brothel.
Not heroes, We have the best villain in the market as well. Have you heard about the movie ”Raees” (2017)? Set in the 1980s Gujarat, this film portrays the journey of a bootlegger, a bright young man from Gujarat who becomes involved in the black market for alcohol (Do you know Alcohol is banned in Gujarat? I mean legally it’s Ban ;)). It captures the socio-political climate of Gujarat during that era. And another film, ‘Scam 1992’(2020) shows the real incident of Harshad Mehta. In the 1990s, Harshad Mehta was responsible for a fraud that cost five hundred crores. He spread false insider information on the Bombay Stock Exchange to make money.
After going through all these stories if you are asking why fall in love with Gujarati culture? Well, it’s like asking why you should fall in love with Bollywood. It’s vibrant, it’s exciting, it’s heartwarming, and let’s not forget, it’s incredibly fun.
Bollywood celebrates Gujarat’s culture through energetic dandiya dances, exhilarating kite-flying, mouth-watering cuisine, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people.(And hey, who wouldn’t want to be part of a culture that can make a dance out of sticks and a business out of anything?)
So, the next time you watch a Bollywood movie, remember, you’re not just being entertained – you’re experiencing a culture. You’re part of the laughter, the tears, the love, and the vibrant spirit of Gujarat. (And seriously, what’s better than a movie night with a side of cultural exploration?) So, grab your popcorn and get ready to fall in love with the Gujarati culture, Bollywood style. (And no one does it better than Bollywood!)
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