Ye Jawaani hai deewani

While the movie did reasonably well at the box office, it still fell short of reaching that iconic, clique status that was enjoyed by Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Chahta Hai. Which is a shame because it captured the most important human relationships better than either of those movies. Without compromising on the song and dance – without which no Bollywood movie can attain any lasting fame.

Here is my take on how Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani captures the most important relationships – the ones that people have with their loved ones and with money.

On Money

Haath ki dhool hoti hai paisa – sambhalne ke liye nahin, udaane ke liye hota hai

Money is meant to be spent (blown) – not saved. This is Bunny’s motto – and he lives by it. He spends freely on himself and his friends – and refuses to let money (or lack thereof) ever get in the way of friendship. When his best friend’s restaurant investment goes south, Bunny offers him his life savings – (only to be rejected). The movie is filled with such instances, placing money matters squarely below friendship and love.

On Love (on finding the right one)

Bunny (Ranbir) is unsure why Aditi is getting married. He asks her the reason behind her decision to get married.  Aditi’s reply is touching. She says ‘I had everything even before I met him. It’s not like my life lacked anything. But then, after meeting him, I realized – I could also be happy. Sometimes, just spending time with someone is all that is needed.’

To the age old question ‘How do you know when someone is the one? The answer is simple – you know because every moment with them is special. You want to spend more time with them (not for the physical attraction – but just for their company). Your soul knows a soul partner (someone for the long haul) – and this is its way of indicating that the person in front of you is your soul mate.

On Parenting

This was one of Farooq Sheikh’s last role as an actor (he passed away shortly thereafter). And also one of his most touching. He captures the struggle of a parent trying to both – control and guide – a rebellious son. When his son chooses to leave for the U.S. instead of staying home, Farooq’s parting words to his son are:

No matter where you are and what you are doing, remember, I am always with you.

And of course, when Farooq says it, it is touching without any sense of overacting or pretense.

The Songs

1. hai re mera ghaagra – Madhuri Dixit and Ranbeer Kapoor light up the stage – well choreographed and catchy tune.
2. Dilli Waali  Girlfriend – This time, Deepika and Ranbir light up the ‘wedding dance’ stage.
3. Battameez Dil – People are still foot tapping to this , arguably the greatest tune in this soundtrack. Certainly, the best choreographed one – and Ranbir’s dance skills really shine through. 
4. Balam Pichkari – Deepika’s ‘letting her hair down’ song.
5. Subhanallah – another beautiful tune.
6. Kabeera – for a really sentimental, touching song – entreating Ranbir to stay at home (with his loved ones) instead of always being on the run.

Summary

A humorous , yet touching script, capable acting by the leads and supporting actors – and a soundtrack that can be heard over and over again, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani did not, IMO, get a fair reception. In my books, it was/is worthy of the iconic status of some of Bollywood’s greatest works – including KKHH, KKKG, ZNMD and DCH. Your thoughts?