One moment everyone is talking; the other everyone is singing and dancing.
I still consider "Hum Apke Hain Kon" as one of the finest movies Bollywood has ever made. I am totally biased for this one. There are many reasons, but the main one is: childhood nostalgia. I have watched this movie more than ten-times. And, today, I watched it again, but in parts.
This is the type of movie where there is no villain, no gunfights or action, neither a revenge plot, nor a hero beating the crap out of twenty men. It is all about a big family, a wedding, a couple of good songs and a beautiful dog. Then there is peak Salman Khan from Triple-Khans era. And hey, there is all marvelous Madhuri Dixit. Moreover, the biggest aspect: a house big enough to call it a maze.
Overall it is all about desi gatherings, marriage and drama revolving around it.
Before I move onto the plot, there are few other things as well. At the surface level, the movie may seem like a romantic family drama. But, it is more than that. It revovles around the time when family values, wedding celebrations and societal norms were valued more than anything.
The Plot.
The story revolves around two families whose lives become one through an arranged marriage. Rajes, the elder brother of Prem (Salman Khan), marries Pooja, the elder sister of Nisha (madhuri Dixit).
And this is how Prem and Nisha meet. As the families gather for wedding celebrations, the two gradually develop feelings for one another. The best part is, it grows through teasing, playful arguments, song, and more importantly those little moments when they both pretend not to be interest in each other.
However, this is not just a story that revolves around their romance only. The marriage, which takes centuries lol, of Rajesh and Pooja, the birth of their first child and the happiness of the big family matters the same as well. And sadly, things takes a tragic turn when Pooja dies following an accident, fell from stairs, leaving behind a child and grieving family.
The family begins to worry about Rajesh and his child's future. So, the elders consider marrying Nisha to Rajesh so that the child can have a mother and the household can regain some stability. As it is a common belief that, "Aurat ghar banati h (A woman builds a home)." This is where Prem and Nisha are forced to make an uncomfortable choice, whether to compromise their love or family's happiness.
Do not be sad.
The climax brings the lovers together again, but the emotional journey is quite real.
It also raises a serious question: how much should we sacrifice for our family, and what is the max limit for giving up on us for others happiness?
Now I am not going to answer that question in depth. But I would love to keep my love, so the family needs to compromise. Hehe, not a single doubt in that choice.
The Protagonist - Salman Khan.
Today's Salman Khan - Salu Bhai - may look like a macho man. But back in those days, he was the real charm of that era. And that role really suited him well. As the name - Prem, suggests. He is playful, energetic, affectionate, and being the younger one childish in the most entertaining way. He does not need to make a big fuss; all he needs is his smile and expressions to make the best out of it.
And Madhuri Dixit?
She is absolutely delightful and beautiful as Nisha. Her screen presence, expressions, dancing and real like chemistry with Salman make their relationship one of the film's biggest attractions.
Together, they represent a version of Bollywood romance that feels genuine and real. The characters flirt, tease one another, get jealous, and gradually fall in love. Their relationship develops in the middle of family gatherings rather than in isolation from the rest of the world.
And for me, this is part of what makes the film interesting, especially when viewed through the lens of Salman's career. He was not yet the action heavy superstar that many audiences would come to associate with him in present times. Here, he is the charming romantic lead, the younger brother who jokes around, participates in family celebrations and falls naturally in love.
The desi household and a wedding that never seems to end
I believe this whole desi stuff demands its own section.
Because almost in every household, the procedures are same. There are ceremonies, songs (tappa in Punjabi culture), playful competitions (such as pass the pillow), teasing between relatives, an angry aunt, means, too much sugar, dancing, gifts and endless gatherings.
So, in short: a big debt. Lol!
And then there are the relatives. Every family have someone who jokes too much, someone who is all serious about traditions, the elderly portion where saintly debates are happening, and someone, whose child is there to cry.
Of course, the movie presents a rather idealised version of family life. Moreover, the family is wealthy, so it is far from reality. But the realistic touch is there.
In the end, if you happen to be attending a desi wedding; do not be surprised if somebody starts singing "Didi tera devar deewana." Just remember they are being them. Because ome cinematic legacies are based on reality.
Rating as of now
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| IMDb | 7.5/10 |
| Personal Rating | 80/100 |
Source
Rating: 80/100
