Amar Akbar Anthony: 1977Ī comedy, Amar Akbar Anthony follows the lives of three brothers separated in childhood and raised in families of different faiths: respectively, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. The original is the one to start with, though the 2000s Don and Don 2 are also well-regarded. The original film stars Amitabh Bachchan in a dual role: Don, the underworld crime boss, dies from injuries sustained during a police chase but is subsequently replaced by a villager lookalike who goes undercover to glean information for the police. Don: 1978, 2006ĭon, an Indian crime franchise, has spawned three films including a 2006 reboot of the original 1978 film and many South Indian-language remakes. Despite premiering in 1975 the film is a timeless classic and is still often referenced in Bollywood discourse today. The film boasts legendary performances from iconic Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, and cemented Amjad Khan as one of the industry’s go-to villainous actors. An action/crime drama, the film follows two petty criminals who are enlisted by a policeman to capture a notorious bandit Gabbar Singh. Sholay is regarded as one of the all-time best Hindi films. It’s perfect for nostalgic ‘90s viewers and fans of zany love stories. Related: 15 AAPI-Owned and Created Wellness Products We’re Obsessing Over, From Beauty Products to Beef Jerky Dil To Pagal Hai (Translation: “The Heart Is Crazy”): 1997īollywood loves its love triangles, and Dil To Pagal Hai’s focuses on two dance troupe members (Karishma Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit) who fall in love with their choreographer (Shah Rukh Khan) and must compete for both his love and their place in the troupe’s musical. A tear-jerker, the film is another classic with timeless songs.
Rahul’s parents disown him and his brother (Hrithik Roshan) spends his adult years trying to bring his family back together. Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) is adopted into an extremely wealthy family and is his parents’ favorite son set to take over the family business until he falls in love with a common villager Anjali (Kajol). Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (transl: “Sometimes Happiness Sometimes Sadness”) – 2001ĭirector Karan Johar’s follow-up to the smash hit Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (commonly referred to as K3G) is a family drama backed by Bollywood’s biggest superstars. Featuring classic songs, iconic choreography, and performances that will make you cry, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is a must-see ’90s Bollywood primer.
Years later, the two are reunited by Rahul’s daughter (also named Anjali) and have to face what’s been under the surface of their friendship. After Anjali realizes her feelings for Rahul aren’t reciprocated, she flees. The film is one of the most popular Hindi movies ever, and follows best friends Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Anjali (Kajol) through college where Rahul is the campus womanizer and Anjali is the school’s tomboy. (Viacom) Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Translation: “Something Happens”): 1998Ī love triangle spanning decades, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is the easiest introduction into Bollywood.