It’s happened to all of us: we’ve seen something in a Bollywood movie and wished that something like that could happen in our lives. While our films are mostly chock-full of things that we can never live out, what about those things that we can actually do? After being inspired by this thread on Quora, I’ve compiled a list of ten things that have happened in Hindi films that you should definitely do at least once in your life. Call it your Bollywood Bucket List and get cracking!
1. Leave everything and go on an impulsive vacation
We’ve all had those moments where we’ve literally wanted to dump everything and take off (like Shahid Kapoor in Jab We Met, even if not that extreme). But how many of us have actually acted on that feeling? One day, it needs to be done.
2. Watch the night sky
Even if watching the night sky is not really your thing, like Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, there is something to be said for disconnecting from everything (read: switching off your cell phone!) and just taking a break. Whatever your “thing” is, find time to do it occasionally.
3. Play a sports tournament
For those of us who weren’t particularly sports-inclined in school and didn’t take part in competitions, this is something I think we need to do. Even if it’s not sports, just being a part of something that’s at least somewhat competitive – and physically challenging – is worth exploring. Maybe a marathon?
4. Take a trip of a lifetime with your best friends
We’ve all wanted to do it while watching Dil Chahta Hai: sometimes, you just need to take off with your friends and go somewhere special. Make it a big one – something that you know you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.
5. Overcome the situation that is bringing you down and do your own thing
Maybe it means getting over that guy who has dumped you (like Rani in Queen) and going off on your own, or maybe it means something else – whatever it is, make a conscious decision, at least once in your life, to do something drastic and make the best out of a bad situation. Don’t just ride it out until it gets better, as we usually do in such times, but actively attempt something to turn it all around.
6. Put yourself out there emotionally, because regrets are worse
Putting yourself out there emotionally is probably one of the biggest risks you could take, since there’s nothing quite like that vulnerability. Make the move, though, for whatever it is. It may end up backfiring, but at least you have an answer either way, rather than living with a “what if?” Have your “mujhe afsos karna nahin aata” moment, even if you’re otherwise fairly shy!
7. Make a grand gesture for the person you love
Bollywood films are all about over-the-top moments and elaborate proposals, and while it’s not really advisable to hold our love lives to filmy standards, every one in a while – or at least once! – it may be worth your while to make a really big gesture for the person you love.
8. Make a difference
Maybe you won’t bring electricity to the villages like Shah Rukh Khan in Swades, but there are a bunch of little things you can do to make some changes. The list is endless; find what is most important to you and make a difference in that area.
9. Make amends
If you’re upset with someone, make the conscious choice to forgive them, because holding on to resentment will only bring you down. And if you’ve done someone wrong? Fix that. You don’t want to go through life with this over your head.
10. Dance in the rain
Dance anywhere, really (what better than Bollywood to teach you that?) but specifically dance in the rain. Kiss in the rain, too. The monsoon brings a lot of trouble with it, but it’s also romantic as heck, so make use of that.
What’s on your Bollywood bucket list?