Raksha Bandhan: Films based on brother-sister relationship

Parul Sabherwal

It is very rightly said that the first person a boy befriends is his sister and vice-versa. The relationship between a brother and sister very special. It is not very different from friendship. We fight, we make up and then fight again after some time. Brother-sister relationships have the love of a friend and the care of a parent. When it comes to celebrating love and relationships, how can Bollywood stay behind? The Hindi film industry has been replete with films and songs celebrating the beautiful bond between siblings. Screenplay writers have always tried to give a new twist and turn to the relationship and have also been successful in adding a new fragrance to the old bond, every time with a new story. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, let’s have a look at some of the films based on brother-sister bond: Boot Polish (1954): This film directed by Prakash Arora is undoubtedly one of the best movies based on the subject. Made under the RK banner the film perfectly symbolizes the sibling camaraderie in a heart-melting way. The story is about the relationship between a ten-year old boy, Bhola (Rattan Kumar) and his seven-year old sister Belu (Baby Naaz). The orphaned children’s struggle and their love for each other is depicted in a beautiful manner in the film. Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971): Superstar Dev Anand marked a new turn in the sibling relationship with the film which was directed and produced by the actor himself. It was the first time that we saw a hero in a Hindi film put life and his love on hold just to rehabilitate his drug addicted sister. The famous song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka…’ from the film also tugs at your heart strings and is a eternal favourite brother-sister song . Fiza (2000): The film starring Karisma Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan shows a different side of the relationship. Unlike most other films where the brother is protective towards his sister, ‘Fiza’ tells the story of a caring and strong sister. It is about a sister’s search for a brother who went missing during riots. With power-packed performances from both the lead actors, the film received a lot of acclaim from the critics. Iqbal (2005): The Shreyas Talpade and Shweta Prasad-starrer was yet another film that illustrated the relationship with a twist. In normal circumstances, the elder sibling is the in-charge and the decision maker but here it was very different. Shweta, who played Shreyas’ younger sister in the film, was her ‘deaf and dumb’ brother’s guiding light. My Brother… Nikhil (2005): Directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Onir, the film is inspired by the real-life story of Dominic D`Souza, India`s first known HIV/AIDS activist. It tells the story of a sister, Anamika (Juhi Chawla) who helps her brother Nikhil (Sanjay Suri) to get on with his life after he is ousted from not only the community but also his family on being diagnosed HIV positive. Set in Goa, the movie very beautifully depicts the never dying spirit and love of a sister towards her brother. The relationship between siblings is very sacred. Basic characteristics like love, trust, mutual understanding and care are the most important aspects that make the bond strong. So, just go ahead and celebrate the day with your brother or sister and create as many beautiful memories as possible. Here’s wishing all a very happy Raksha Bandhan!