Sangam

Raj Kapoor-Rajendra Kumar-Vjayantimala starrer ‘Sangam’ (1964) is a classic tale of childhood love, friendship and sacrifice. Raj Kapoor’s ‘Sangam’ portrays complex love triangle between Sundar (Raj Kapoor), Gopal (Rajendra Kumar) and Radha (Vjayantimala), which ultimately ends in the sacrifice (the death of Gopal) of friendship for the sake of love. Apart from being a great entertainer, ‘Sangam’ is also known for his melodious soundtrack which boasts of hummable songs like – ‘Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega,’ ‘Dost Dost Na Raha’ and ‘Mere Man Ki Ganga.’

Sholay

Touted as one of the greatest Indian entertainers, Ramesh Sippy’s ‘Sholay’ (1975) broke all Box Office records during its era. Starring stars Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri, ‘Sholay’ is known for its entertaining friendship between Jai (Amitabh) and Veeru (Dharmendra) as they take down Gabbar Singh (Amjad). ‘Sholay’ is best remembered for its ode to friendship in the song ‘Yeh Dosti.’

Yaarana

One of the few films where Amjad Khan played a positive role, Rakesh Kumar’s ‘Yaarana’ (1981) celebrates male camaraderie in all its hues and splendor where childhood friendship of Kishan (Amitabh Bachchan) and Bishan (Amjad Khan) survives against all odds. ‘Yaarana’ had some lovely compositions – ‘Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan,’ ‘Chhu Kar Mere Manko and ‘Sara Zamana.’

Saagar

A comeback flick for Dimple Kapadia, Ramesh Sippy’s ‘Saagar’ (1985) is set in the pristine locales of Goa. ‘Saagar’ was based on a romantic triangle between three friends Ravi (Rishi Kapoor), Raja (Kamal Haasan) and Mona (Dimple Kapadia). Check out the film for its serenading soundtrack – ‘Saagar Jaisi Aankhonwali,’ ‘Saagar Kinare’ and ‘Sach Mere Yaar Hai.’

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Karan Johar’s directorial debut ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ (1998) was the desi version of Archie’s comics. Set in St. Xavier`s College, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukherji as three close college friends who fall in love. An emotional joyride, KKHH became an instant hit among the youth and so does its songs – ‘Koi Mil Gaya,’ ‘Ladki Badi Anjaani Hai’ and ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.’

Dil Chahta Hai

Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ (2001) was one film that changed the entire outlook of Indian films. A fresh take on contemporary India and its youth, DCH focused on the growing up years of three close friends – Akash (Aamir Khan), Sameer (Saif Ali Khan) and Siddharth (Akshaye Khanna) right from their college to their adulthood.

Rang De Basanti

Rakesyh Omprakash Mehra’s ‘Rang De Basanti’ (2006) was a youth-oriented film narrated by a British documentary maker who wants to make a film on Indian freedom fighters. When she arrives in India, she befriends a bunch of free spirits - Sonia (Soha Ali Khan), Daljit ‘DJ’ (Aamir Khan), Aslam Khan (Kunal Kapoor), Karan Singhania (Siddharth Narayan), Sukhi Ram (Sharman Joshi), who also happen to act in her documentary. However, the death of one of the actor (a pilot killed in air crash) snowballs into a murky controversy and pushes the rest of friends into activism.

Dostana

A Karan Johar film, ‘Dostana’ (2008) is a fun film based on two complete strangers Sameer (Abhishek Bachchan) and Kunal (John Abraham), who bump into each other while looking for an apartment in US, the two portray themselves as a couple to live in Neha’s (Priyanka Chopra) apartment. However, things go horribly wrong when Sameer and Kunal have hots for Neha and the latter believes them to be gay.

Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na

Imran Khan’s debut film, Abbas Tyrewala’s ‘Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na’ (2008) is a romantic story about Jai Singh Rathore (Imran Khan) and Aditi Mahant (Genelia D’Souza), two friends who happen to be completely different persons when it comes to their likes and dislikes. If Jai wants to fall in love with a sweet girl, Aditi dreams of tall, dark and handsome macho guy and eventually the duo fall in love with each other. The film had some great numbers to accompany the young romantic pair – ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi,’ ‘Pappu Can`t Dance’ and ‘Nazrein Milana Nazrein Churana.’

Rock On!!

Abhishek Kapoor’s ‘Rock On!!’ (2008) is the only film in the history of Indian cinema which is based on the trials and tribulation of being an Indian rockstar. Starring Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli and Luke Kenny as Aditya Shroff, Joe Mascarenhas, KD and Rob, the film traces the camaraderie of four friends and undying love for music, which unites them against all odds. Add to zing to the film were Hindi rock songs penned by none other than Javed Akhtar – ‘Socha Hai,’ ‘Pichle Saat Dinon Mein,’ ‘Rock On,’ and ‘Ye Tumhari Meri Baatein.’

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ (2011) is a road trip movie based in the scenic locales of Spain about three friends Arjun (Hrithik Roshan), Imraan (Farhan Akhtar), Kabir (Abhay Deol). The metaphorical trip becomes a catalyst of change as it teaches three friends some valuable lessons about life, love and friendship.

By Aman Kanth