Director Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) is one of those films that did well at the box office and also remained in the hearts of the audiences.
Fondly abbreviated as YJHD, it had everything that makes a film a success — a brilliant star cast, romance, a combination of peppy and sombre music, and even an item number by Madhuri Dixit Nene.
However, what made it memorable was its theme. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani captures the overall life of the restless millennial, their idea of romance, their friendship, and their muddles, perfectly. The characters are so well written, that it is impossible for anyone not to identify with many of them. This is what makes one live the film, even on a 10th viewing.
Celebrating the the film's fifth anniversary today, we list out five things Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani teaches us about life.
1) Some things are just not meant to be
The film nonchalantly tells us it is okay not to be loved back by the person you are in love with.
The train sequence in the first half of the film shows Aditi's (Kalki Koechlin) silent reactions to Avi's (Aditya Roy Kapur) constant flirtations with other girls. She is in love with him, a fact that is only a secret to him. However, she keeps it that way, because for her, friendship comes first. Well, she ends up getting married to Taran (Kunaal Roy Kapur), who is an awkward, but sweet boy and loves her ardently.
2) Routine can be lethal
Yes, decisions are meant to be taken after much thought, but not always. In fact, sometimes acting on instinct can be fun.
The female lead in the film, Naina (Deepika Padukone), is a nerdy and shy medical student. She is constantly gorging on her textbooks and always tops her class. However, she is not happy with all the academic success and feels something lacking in her life. One day, on a whim, she decides to go on a trek without even asking her parents. This impulsive decision teaches her about life, love and friendship.
3) Money is not everything in life
Though this fact has been harped on since time immemorial, looks like it always fell on deaf ears. So, here you are again. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, while respecting luxury, makes it clear that it cannot be what you live for. If life is a whole course meal, money is just the pickle.
Kabir Thapar a.k.a Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) is a handsome, charming youngster who dreams to travel, explore and discover the corners of the world. In one of the most interesting converstaions with his friend Avi, Bunny says, "Haath ka mail hota hai paisa, ise bachaya nahi udaya jata hai [Money is just like dust in hand, it is supposed to be wasted not saved]."
Like all bighearted friends, Bunny happily sponsors the trip for Avi, who has lost his money betting on a cricket match.
4) Parents might disapprove of children's passion, but will support anyway
Late veteran actor Farooq Shaikh played Bunny's father in the film. Though concerned about Bunny's craving for adventure, he knows that is what will make his Bunny happy. Thus, the father gifts what his son needed the most for the impending trip — an expensive rucksack.
5) Make time for relationships before it's too late
You have no choice but to follow your passion, but this does not mean you forget your loved ones. Stay connected with family and friends, for they love you for who you are.
In Bunny's quest for action and adventure, he loses track of what is happening back home. He is not only unaware of his father's death, but also absent when his best buddy needed him the most.
In the end, all that you will take from life is happy memories, and that tunnel of happiness starts from home. YJHD said all this without spelling it out or sounding preachy.