November 01, 2021
Celebrate Diwali's festival of lights with these Bollywood classics.
Have you heard of Diwali — the Indian festival of lights? Sometimes known as Deepavali, this five-day festival takes place each October or November and is the biggest celebration in India.
Observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, the festival is when number of Diwali celebrations atake place, featuring lights, food and fellowship with loved ones.
Many Bollywood films showcase the beauty of Diwali through music, dance, visuals and powerful stories. You can experience the radiance of the holiday by streaming these films. For more great content, say "Diwali" into your Contour voice remote.
1. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gha (2001)
If you're new to the world of Bollywood movies, you might wonder about the familiar-looking actor you'll see in this blockbuster about the unbreakable bonds between the generations (and countless other films). But you'll soon realize that superstar Shah Rukh Khan (aka SRK) is omnipresent for a reason.
The charismatic actor, who has been dubbed “the Tom Cruise of Bollywood," brings his usual charm to the beautiful Diwali-centered scene here. Plus, don't miss that dramatic helicopter entrance.
Watch on Netflix
2. Mohabbatein (2000)
This modern classic features two Bollywood superstars — Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan (known as “Big B" and “Star of the Millennium"). Additionally, there are some off-screen family ties: The flick co-stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a Bollywood actress married to Abhishek Bachchan (Amitabh's real-life son).
In this three-and-a-half-hour epic musical, Amitabh plays a college headmaster who has closed off his students to the outside world. But a battle of wills begins to occur when new students join the fray.
Check out the Diwali-centered song “Pairon Mein Bandhan Hai," featuring amazing visuals, lights and dancing.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video
3. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
In this debut film from director Aditya Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol (a Bollywood superstar in her own right) play two London-based, young people who fall in love while vacationing across Europe.
Deliberately released on the eve of Diwali, the film has become such a cultural touchstone that it will be adapted into a Broadway musical in the 2022-23 season.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video
4. Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994)
Pairing popular Bollywood stars Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan, this musical rom-com broke box-office records to become the top-grossing Bollywood film of its time. The movie has endured for good reason: Its timeless tale of fate and forbidden love is continuing to resonate with new audiences.
The flashy and firecracker-strewn Diwali scene and song, “Dhiktana," is a signature moment.
Watch on Netflix
5. Swades (2004)
The film features Shah Rukh Khan yet again. This time, his character is living in the U.S. and is working as a NASA engineer. Based loosely on true events, the film tells the story of Aravinda Pillalamarri and her husband, Ravi Kuchimanch, who strove to improve life in Indian villages.
Be sure to look for the powerful scene involving the passing of a loved one on Diwali.
Watch on Netflix
6. Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Featuring Aamir Khan (no relation to Shah Rukh Khan) as lead actor, producer and director, the film focuses on an art teacher in a boarding school, who is determined to help a young boy overcome dyslexia.
Spoiler alert: There's a Diwali scene that's sure to move you to tears.
Watch on Netflix
