‘Devdas’, ‘Parineeta’ to ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’: Times when Bollywood captured the grandeur of Durga Puja

The enchanting festival of Durga Puja holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians, especially those from West Bengal. With its vibrant colors, mesmerizing music, and rich cultural traditions, Durga Puja has inspired numerous Bollywood filmmakers to showcase its grandeur on the silver screen. As we once again get to see glimpses of Durga Puja celebration in the ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ trailer we couldn’t stop ourselves from revising the festive memories attached to some of the classics like ‘Devdas’, Parineeta’ or ‘Kahaani’. These are some of the best Bollywood films that have beautifully captured the essence and magnificence of Durga Puja, leaving an indelible mark on the audience, especially on all the Bengalis out there.

Actors who stepped out of their comfort zone and nailed it

The trailer of the Karan Johar film is already out and it comes with a series of quintessential Bengali markers, especially the scene against backdrop of Durga Puja. The few seconds glimpse is indeed a visual treat with the dance moves from Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, the vibrant music and also the grand set. Even though Durga Puja is as gigantic as we see in the glimpses but after all it is Karan Johar’s signature style.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus "Devdas" is known for its grandeur and opulent sets. The film showcases the celebration of Durga Puja in the famous Paro's (played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) household, where extravagant festivities take place. The ornate decorations, elaborate costumes, and soul-stirring dance sequences during Durga Puja highlight the larger-than-life aspect of this timeless classic.

Based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel "Parineeta" and directed by Pradeep Sarkar, it tells a love story set in Kolkata during the 1960s. The film beautifully portrays the essence of Durga Puja, showcasing the traditional rituals, the iconic Kumartuli idol makers, and the fervor that engulfs the city during the festival. The vibrant visuals and soulful music enhance the overall experience, making it a memorable depiction of Durga Puja in Bollywood.

Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, "Kahaani" is a gripping thriller set against the backdrop of Durga Puja in Kolkata. The film follows Vidya Bagchi (played by Vidya Balan), a pregnant woman in search of her missing husband. With stunning visuals of pandals, dhakis (traditional drummers), and the electrifying atmosphere of the festival, "Kahaani" skillfully weaves the festival's aura into the narrative, adding an extra layer of suspense and intrigue.

The premise of the entire film somehow revolved around the Durga Puja in this Rituporno Ghosh film. The story takes place in Bengal and is set at the end of the 19th century. Jackie Shroff played Bhubaneswar Chowdhury, who is an affluent and overwhelming zamindar. His main endeavor is to amuse and charm the British so that they honour him with the Raibahadur title. There are quite a few adversaries and he has to outwit them, so he decides to put Queen Victoria's face on the body of the Goddess Durga whose clay idol is made every year for the renowned Durga Puja. When the handsome sculptor (Abhishek Bachchan) gets attracted to Jashomoti (Soha Ali Khan), he makes a respected work of art – He carves a Durga idol with Jashomoti's face on it, sealing her fate.

Based on O. Henry’s popular short story ‘The Last Leaf’, the 2013 Hindi film ‘Lootera’ directed by Vikramaditya Motwane starts with a Durga Pujo scene in the backdrop. It beautifully shows the iconic folk theatre of Bengal, Jatra, and captures its theatrical beauty.

These Bollywood films have successfully captured the grandeur and cultural significance of Durga Puja, allowing audiences across the globe to witness the magnificence of this joyous festival. Through stunning visuals, vibrant music, and compelling narratives, these movies have immortalized the essence of Durga Puja and continue to be cherished by both cinema lovers and devotees alike. As Bollywood continues to explore diverse themes and celebrations, we eagerly await future cinematic portrayals that capture the enchantment of festivals like Durga Puja.