Be (Self)Kind... The Bollywood Style!

Be (Self)Kind... The Bollywood Style!

Some rare Bollywood movies give us a lot more than just great songs and changed perceptions, they gift us metaphors for life. Beneath those iconic dialogues and some layered song lyrics lie valuable life lessons on forgiveness, internal peace, patience, acceptance, etc. 

This World Kindness Day, let's recollect some iconic Bollywood movies (the movie buffs probably know them all by heart) that taught us to be kind, not just to others but to ourselves, too.

Make This Zindagi Dear Again

Almost all of us carry invisible baggage. We often replay our mistakes and others’ in our minds over and over again until they become our definition without us even realising it. When Kaira’s past trauma & fears start reflecting in everything she does in Dear Zindagi, Dr. Jehangir Khan addresses the issue by saying, “Don't let your past blackmail your present, to ruin your beautiful future.” A poetic lesson that letting go of the past is the first step towards self-kindness.

So, forgive yourself for not knowing better back then, for all the missed opportunities, for not doing certain things differently, but most importantly for the person you couldn’t be. Because being kind doesn’t mean ignoring your pain, it means acknowledging it and choosing NOT to let it harden you. 

Now, who wouldn’t listen to Shah Rukh Khan?

Live the Day Like It Won’t Milega Dobara

If you think of it, self-kindness and courage aren’t that different from each other. They both require vulnerability. In Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, when Laila realises that Arjun spends his life chasing control by planning everything every day, including his plan to retire at 40, she suggests him to, “Seize the day, my friend. Pehle iss din ko poori tarah jiyo, phir 40 ke baare mein sochna.” An easily forgotten reminder that it’s okay to rest, breathe (bas, saas lete raho…), and not let future worries or even plans rob today’s joy.

Hence, self-kindness, especially in today’s fast-paced world, can be saying no to burnout, choosing family & amigos over deadlines, and most importantly, simply being present. Because overthinking tomorrow often means missing the small beautiful things happening right now, and straining your mental well-being.

And, putting your mental health at risk is NOT FUNNY!

Realise That Yeh (Excessive)Trying Hai Dewaani

Sometimes, when we hold on too tightly to everything, it leaves no space for what’s meant to be. Therefore, at times, doing less instead of trying to do everything can be self-kindness. When Bunny wanted to see the entire Udaipur city’s attractions in one day in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Naina becomes his pause and grounds him by saying, “Jitna bhi try karo Bunny, life me kuch na kuch toh chootega hi. Toh jahan ho wahin ka mazaa lete hai." A much-needed realisation that something or the other will always slip through the cracks, and maybe, that’s okay.

So accept that you can’t hold on to everything - people, places, or plans. Cherish what you have and where you are, just like Naina. Find joy in every moment, be it an impromptu trek, letting go of someone or something you love, or your BFF’s wedding, and fill those moments up with enough warmth and take pictures along the way.

Because we all need a yaadon wala mithai ka dabba to look back, reflect, & smile.

As you can see, or have rather watched in these iconic Bollywood movies, being self-kind doesn’t require moving mountains, just moving gently. That’s why, promise to be gentler with others, but most importantly and firstly with yourself. After all, yeh dear deewani zindagi na milegi dobara.

And, if this blog has done its job, you’ll probably watch one of these movies tonight. Or maybe all?