Bollywood Fun Masti

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (Never Say Goodbye)
(2006)
Loved by some but loathed by others for its rejection of marriage and portrayal of adultery. For me, a wonderful soundtrack, superb performances and stunning direction make this an extraordinary and deeply emotional romantic drama.

Sholay (Embers)
(1975)
India's 'Curry Western' really does have everything. Love, action, explosions and hit songs. Helen continued to sexualise the industry with her racy cameo in 'Mehbooba' and the late Amjad Khan delivered a ruthless performance as legendary villain, Gabbar Singh. Even a disastrous remake in 2007 couldn't tarnish this original's phenomenal legacy.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (The Big Hearted Will Take Away The Bride)
(1995)
DDLJ is the longest running film in Indian cinema - an incredible 700+ weeks! A plot every Asian can relate to (arranged versus love marriage), love for the homeland, a blockbuster soundtrack and the perfect on-screen couple in Shahrukh Khan and Kajol, this loveable movie defines Bollywood.

Black
(2005)
Rani Mukherji and Amitabh Bachchan's performances of characters limited by severe disabilities are sensitive, sincere and simply world class. At just two hours long and with no solid soundtrack, Black isn't your typical Bollywood film but is a critic and cult favourite.

Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (From The End To The End)
(1988)
Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla became overnight stars with their Romeo and Juliet-like portrayals of a young couple falling hopelessly in love for the first time. Much to the anger of their disagreeing parents, of course. A simple plot and memorable soundtrack, this is every twentysomething's first memory of Bollywood.

Mother India
(1957)
India's first ever entry into the Oscars was released over five decades ago. Tackling issues such as single parenting, appalling poverty and agricultural life mean this classic still relates to modern India while maintaining its place as one of the country's all time box office hits.

Hum Aapke Hain Kaun? (Who Am I To You?)
(1994)
A monster 14 songs meant this was one of the longest movies of the decade. Salman and Madhuri were a golden couple on-screen. And the film's jubiliant celebration of family ties, in-laws, wedding preparations and inevitably the massive wedding itself mean it's a delight to watch and well worth the sore behind!

Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India (Land Tax)
(2001)
Consistently triumphant, not least because it helped Bollywood penetrate Western movie markets. Everyone loves the underdog and here, we see how humble Indian peasants overcome the struggle of paying high taxes to their unforgiving British rulers. And all by playing on the country's national love: cricket. An absolute winner.

Lage Raho Munna Bhai (Carry On Munna Bhai)
(2006)
It's not just the laughs that the audience love - Sanjay Dutt's spreading of Ghandism and his sidekick's unique dialect of 'Bumbaiya' Hindi have surprisingly captured Indian culture like no other film. And the film's love interest is an adorable radio presenter who takes her lead from Robin Williams in Good Morning, Vietnam!

Taare Zameen Par (Stars On Earth)
(2007)
Never afraid to veer off the trodden path, Aamir khan shunned song, dance and even romance for his directorial debut. Focusing on a dyslexic school pupil battling fear and humiliation wth the help of his teacher, TZP is moving, inspirational and uplifting.