Who defined Bollywood moments
Several movies showcasing man-canine bond have set the box office ringing, says Shabiha Nur Khatoon.
Dogs are the best companions of human beings. It’s a unique relationship with the canine companion taking the role of a protector, helper and lifesaver. Dogs are incredible friends because they are with you through thick and thin and the relationship gradually deepens over the years.
The entertainment industry has portrayed the bond between man and dog in innumerable ventures. We have stars and we adore them. But there have been cases when our stars have taken a backseat and let someone else hog the limelight. Yes, we are talking about their canine co-stars. Dogs have always been a big favourite in Bollywood and Hollywood. Time and again, dogs have given superhit flicks. From the early days of cinema to current times, we have been shown dogs playing the role of central characters. A peep into some of the films:
Pluto’s Pranks
Dil Dhadakne Do is the story of a dysfunctional Punjabi family that invites their friends on a cruise trip tocelebrate the parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. The film has been garnering immense appreciation and the performance of every character has been applauded.
Apart from the entire cast Pluto Mehra, the bullmastiff, has also been getting loads of puppy love from viewers. Pluto Mehra, a dog, plays a very important role in the film. The adorable member of Mehra family, Pluto is seen doing commentary on what’s happening in the family. Pluto was the biggest star on the sets; during shooting the set was kept as empty and quiet as possible.
Entertainment
Entertainment is one of the few movies made in India with a dog playing a parallel lead along with the protagonist Akshay Kumar. A comedy drama where Akhil (Akshay Kumar) discovers that his late biological father, who was a billionaire, has willed his entire estate to a golden retriever called Entertainment. He tries to kill him to get his inheritance only to end up developing a deep bond with the dog due to his fierce loyalty. The movie culminates with a melodramatic scene with Akshay talking about how humans owe so much to dogs given their loyalty and commitment — something which every dog lover and parent would endorse.
Saving Bhidu
The National award winning Chillar Party didn’t have a super dog but the story of the bond of friendship and commitment revolved around that of a dog named ‘Bhidu’ (meaning Buddy in Marathi). The 2011 children’s film is about a group of kids living in a housing society who initially take a dislike to Fatka — a street kid who lives in the society and cleans cars, and his dog Bhidu, a stray. After unsuccessful attempts initially the kids start getting along and soon Fatka and Bhidu become a part of the gang.
However, the problem starts when a minister whose secretary was attacked by Bhidu for hurting Fatka, announces a plan to catch and cull all stray dogs — leaving the kids with 30 days to get a NOC from their society to save the dog. What follows is a slew of innovative attempts by kids to get the signatures for the NOC culminating in a ‘chaddi’ march and TV debate with the minister who ultimately helps them change the hearts of society members and save Bhidu. The story is all about saving and adopting strays — an important message packaged beautifully.
Biased Umpire
Hum Aapke Hain Kaun is another classic Bollywood venture starring Tuffy, the Indian Spitz who played a pivotal role. Tuffy not only attracted the audience with his biased umpiring antics and as a gullible guard of the groom’s shoes, the movie’s climax is almost impossible to imagine without the dog’s role. The dog plays a crucial role in bringing the lovers together.
When Nisha (Madhuri) is on the verge of getting married to her brother-in-law Rajesh (Mohnish), she writes a letter to Prem (Salman) explaining why she cannot be his wife. She tells Tuffy to deliver the letter to Prem, but Tuffy decides to give it to Rajesh, who on reading it confronts Prem and Nisha. When he discovers the truth, he steps aside to let his brother Prem marry Nisha. The film was a blockbuster and Tuffy with his designer goggles and outfits was a big hit! The best part of the movie was Tuffy was shown as just another member of the big family.
Dobby, The Rescuer
Maa (1992) is a movie where the spirit of the female lead, Mamta (Jayaprada), seeks to save her son and take revenge on the money-hungry relatives of her husband (Jeetendra).
But no one can see or hear her, except for the family dog Dobby. There are heart-rending scenes where Mamta helplessly watches her infant son being hurt. Dobby comes to the rescue. He diligently follows Mamta’s instructions and protects the child. The dog becomes a medium through which the otherwise powerless lady gains control over her circumstances.
Moti’s Undying Loyalty
Teri Meherbaniyan is one film that has a dog not only playing the lead role but taking over completely after the hero dies. The 1985 hit was a unique movie where the hero of the movie (Jackie Shroff) was not the lead actor but a friendly brown Labrador — Brownie — was. Ram, played by Jackie Shroff adopts Moti (Brownie) after he accidentally runs over the dog. Over a period of time, they end up developing a deep bond. Unfortunately, Ram is murdered by the villains and that’s when fiercely loyal Moti avenges his death by going after each villain — biting, barking and mauling them to death. The movie celebrated the dog’s loyalty and intelligence by showing Moti performing Ram’s last rites. In the movie the dog takes off from where the hero leaves and the rest lies on the shoulder of Moti who avenges his master’s murder.
