Boishali Sinha lays bare the untold story of dogs in Indian cinema.
For over a century, Indian cinema has celebrated love, revenge, heroism and sacrifice—but some of its most loyal, expressive and unforgettable performers have been those who never spoke a single line: dogs. From faithful companions of heroes to stars with their own fan clubs, dogs have carved out a special corner in the heart of Indian film history.
The Early Years: Silent Loyalty
In the early days of Indian cinema, when sound was still a novelty, emotions were everything. Directors relied heavily on expressive faces, body language, and music to tell stories. Dogs, with their natural instincts and emotive eyes, fit perfectly into this world.
One of the earliest examples came in the 1940s with Hunterwali Ki Beti, a stunt film starring Fearless Nadia. Alongside her was her faithful dog, who not only followed her into action sequences but even helped her fight villains. At a time when even trained human stunt doubles were rare, the dog’s performance was thrilling for audiences and became a talking point in movie circles.
As Indian cinema entered the 1950s and the ’60s, the emotional depth of stories increased, and so did the roles of dogs. Films like Noorie (1979) and Teri Meherbaniyan(1985) would later make history, but the seeds of canine storytelling were sown much earlier—with the idea that a dog could not only accompany a hero but be the hero.
Shaped by Emotion: Dogs as Symbols of Loyalty
In Indian storytelling, the dog has always been a symbol of faithfulness and purity of heart. Mythological tales, from Mahabharata’s Yudhishthira and his loyal dog to folk legends across regions, have celebrated dogs as embodiments of unconditional love.
Cinema inherited this tradition naturally. In the 1960s and the ’70s, dogs began appearing not just as background pets but as pivotal characters. They became guardians, avengers and silent witnesses to human folly. One of the most iconic early portrayals came in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994). While the film was a family drama filled with dance and laughter, it was Tuffy, the white Pomeranian, who quietly held the story together. When Tuffy ran with the wedding card, delivered messages and even helped reveal a crucial misunderstanding, he became a household name.
Tuffy’s real name was Redo, and he was trained by animal expert Karl Lewis. During production, the film’s cast—especially Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan—grew attached to him. Director Sooraj Barjatya later said, “He was the most obedient actor on set. He never forgot his cue.” Redo’s performance was so natural that during the film’s emotional climax, many in the crew reportedly teared up when Tuffy reunited the family.
The Rise of Canine Heroes: 1980s to 2000s
If there was one film that gave dogs their due as protagonists, it was Teri Meherbaniyan (1985), starring Jackie Shroff and a black Labrador named Moti. After Jackie’s character is murdered, Moti avenges his master’s death—biting, attacking and chasing down every villain responsible. The audience rooted for Moti as passionately as they would for any human hero.
The film was a massive success, not only commercially but emotionally. People left theatres crying and cheering for the dog. The idea that an animal could carry an entire Bollywood narrative—without speaking a single line—was revolutionary. Moti became a legend. Even today, whenever Indian cinema lists its most iconic animal performances, Moti’s name is spoken with reverence.
Inspired by Teri Meherbaniyan’s success, several filmmakers experimented with animal-centric plots. In the following decades, dogs appeared in various avatars: as companions (Maine Pyaar Kiya), as emotional triggers (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai), and as family members (Entertainment, Chillar Party). In Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989), a golden retriever acted as the emotional glue between Salman Khan and Bhagyashree’s characters. Similarly, in Chillar Party (2011), the stray dog Bhidu became a symbol of friendship and courage, fighting against social prejudice.
Behind the Scenes: The Trainers and the Tricks
What the audience rarely sees is the effort behind those wagging tails and soulful eyes. Dogs on film sets go through months of gentle training and acclimatization. Animal trainers like Karl Lewis, Hafeez Contractor and later teams from the Animal Welfare Association for Films in India have been instrumental in ensuring safety and comfort for animal performers.
Training starts with trust. Unlike human actors, dogs can’t be “directed” in the traditional sense. They must feel safe, rewarded and connected to their trainers. On Indian film sets—often chaotic, loud and unpredictable—this is no small feat.
In Entertainment (2014), where Akshay Kumar co-starred with a Golden Retriever named Junior, the filmmakers created a calm, air-conditioned space for the dog. Junior’s handlers were always present, ensuring that he was never stressed. “He was treated like a star,” Akshay said in interviews. “He had his own makeup room and a dietitian-approved menu.”
Junior’s performance, full of comic timing and warmth, delighted audiences and proved that even in modern slapstick comedies, dogs could steal the show.
Caring for the Stars: Welfare and Ethics
In the past, animal welfare on film sets was often overlooked. But in recent years, with stricter rules from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and growing awareness among filmmakers, conditions have improved. Animals now require certificates confirming they were not harmed, and trained handlers must supervise every scene.
Films like Haathi Mere Saathi (both the 1971 original and the 2021 remake) emphasized this change. The earlier version, starring Rajesh Khanna, used real elephants, dogs and birds, often without modern safety standards. By contrast, the newer film used advanced visual effects for dangerous scenes and prioritized animal welfare.
