Mother India (1957)

This epic melodrama came at a time when women were used as mere props by men in movies. Breaking all trends, ‘Mother India’ became one of the first women-centric movies, personifying the power of women. This Nargis-Sunil Dutt starrer is still regarded as one of the best films of Hindi cinema.

Mughal-E-Azam (1960)

This 1960 Indian epic film – directed by K.Asif – is probably the biggest and the best love story ever narrated by any filmmaker. More than half a century may have passed by since the movie was made, but the dialogues, songs like ‘Jab Pyaar Kia Toh Darna Kya’, passionate love and Madhubala’s unmatched beauty are still remembered by one and all.

Guide (1965)

Listed number 5 by Time Magazine in its list of Best Bollywood Classics, ‘Guide’ – starring Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman – is widely considered to be one of the masterpieces of Indian cinema. So much so that a US version of the Box Office hit was made and screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007 – more than 40 years after its release.

Chupke Chupke (1975)

This comedy starring Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Sharmila Tagore is one hell of a joy ride. Professor Parimal Tripathi still lives in the memory of people as one nervous and lovable character. The movie – which revolves around a mind-blowing prank – is yet unparalleled.

Deewaar (1975)

The Amitabh Bachchan – Shashi Kapoor starrer – directed by Yash Chopra – shows the tumultuous politics of the early 70s in India. The movie – which established Amitabh as the “angry young man” – was a smashing hit at the Box Office and was also ranked as the 4th highest grossing flick in 1975.

Sholay (1975)

Apart from being remembered for its amazing storyline and characters, this action film is full of power-packed dialogues, which till date have failed to fade away. Dialogues like ‘Yeah haath mujhe dede thakur’, ‘Basanti inn kutton ke saamne matt naachna’ and ‘Arrey oo sambha kitne aadmi thee?’ are still fresh in every cine lover’s memory.

Don (1978)

Don – which has gained the status of a cult movie – was declared a hit at the Box Office in the year of its release. Dealing with powerful people in crime, the Amitabh Bachchan starrer turned out to be so successful that a remake and its sequel – starring Shah Rukh Khan – have been made till date and have also turned out to be super hits.

Mr. India (1987)

‘Mogambo Khush Hua’ – the dialogue which has become synonymous with Amrish Puri – is one of Bollywood’s favourite quotes till date. Not one celebration of the film fraternity goes by without enactment of this dialogue. Probably one of the first few Bollywood films on superheroes, Anil Kapoor and Sridevi’s mind-blowing performances have made this movie a must-watch for people of all age.

Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)

Starring Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla in their first major roles, this romantic movie created ripples at the Box Office owing to the strong emotion of love at its core. The movie turned out to be such a success that the protagonists shot to fame overnight.

Andaz Apna Apna (1994)

One of the best comedy films till date, this movie – which stars Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Raveena Tandon and Karishma Kapoor – is widely remembered for its songs, unique storyline and witty one-liners like ‘Teja main hoon mark idhar hai’. Not to forget the acting of all the actors too.

Hum Apke Hain Kaun (1994)

Every girl’s dream of the perfect lover and the perfect wedding came true in ‘Hum Apke Hain Kaun’. With 14 songs in its kitty, the movie has touched and still touches the hearts of all its viewers. The songs, dance sequences, love, bonding and family values all round up to a must-watch for cinema freaks.

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)

Yash Chopra’s epic love story portrayed in ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ still remains fresh no matter how many times one watches it. Raj and Simran – the protagonists in the film – have almost been epitomised by every lover and the dialogue ‘Jaa Simran jee le apni zindagi’ is not unknown to anybody in the country.

Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

Words fail when it comes to describing movies like ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. With a mix of emotions – love, friendship, lust, jealousy and ego – this movie fails to fade with time.

Lagaan (2001)

Aamir ‘Mr. Perfectionist’ Khan’s movie – which narrated the story of farmers oppressed by the British during their rule – not only touched the hearts of the audience, but became such a hit that it was nominated in the best foreign film category at the Oscars.

Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)

Among one of Sanjay Dutt’s best performances, this comedy flick strung a lot a notes in the heart of the audiences at the same time – love, friendship and crime. Apart from Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi also came into the limelight for his ability to tickle the funny bone of the viewers.

Rang De Basanti (2006)

One of Aamir Khan’s best performances till date, the movie dealt with the prevalent corruption in the Indian system. Even though the movie faced stiff resistance from the Defence Ministry of India, it still won the hearts of the audience due to the truth reflected in the story.

Chak De India (2007)

One of the first movies dedicated to the sport hockey, and that too women’s hockey, ‘Chak De India’ drifted to an entirely new genre of filmmaking. Considered to be among Shah Rukh Khan’s best performances ever, the movie managed to reign over the Box Office despite not having a lead actress, a love story or any love songs.

3 Idiots (2009)

Loosely adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s ‘Five Point Someone’, this movie was nothing like anything seen before in Hindi cinema. With the pressure building on kids to do well in their studies, the movie kind of mocked at the education system that believes only in learning and not in understanding. Defying his age, Aamir Khan looked years younger than he actually was and Sharman Joshi and Madhavan also acted their parts brilliantly.

Dabangg (2010)

Salman Khan – whose movies rarely flop at the Box Office – delivered a power-packed performance in ‘Dabangg’. Known for his witty lines and natural acting, Chulbul Pandey went on to create history with one of Bollywood’s highest grossing movies ever.

The Dirty Picture (2011)

Based on Silk Smitha’s real life, ‘The Dirty Picture’ gained commercial success and went on to win many awards including those for the best picture, best director and best actress. Naseeruddin Shah, Tusshar Kapoor and Emraan Hashmi all played their parts well but Vidya Balan stood out for her commendable portrayal of the South Indian actress.

-by Mekhla Singh