Kabir Khan from ‘Chak De! India' to Jaya Nigam from ‘Panga’: Here's how these on-screen characters inspire notably during the pandemic

The lockdown might have taken a toll on most of our lives emotionally and mentally. As we start looking for motivation and things to rely on, there’s no denying that fictional characters have been successful in becoming an integral part of our life. Now and then we try relating to them and look up to them. Fortunately, the Bollywood movies have given us some amazing on-screen characters over the years, who are worth being our inspiration. Right from Kabir Khan in ‘Chak De! India to ‘Karan’ in Lakshya, these iconic characters have created a niche for themselves and are always remembered for their values and their thought-provoking dialogues from their films. While the cinematic craft keeps gifting their admirers with more such beautiful individuals, they continue to be an inspiration for people of all ages. Here’s to looking back at these on-screen personalities and their performances which have impacted our lives.

Ever since the release of ‘Chak De! India’, Kabir Khan became one of the most inspiring characters in the history of Indian cinema. Every emotion he was vocal about gave his fans goosebumps. Some of his iconic dialogues from the movie were "Vaar karna hai toh saamne wale ke goal par nahi, saamne wale ke dimaag par karo. Goal khud-ba-khud ho jayega." Another encouraging verses from the on-screen character was, “agar yeh sattar minute is team ka har player apni zindagi ki sabse badiya hockey khel gaya…toh yeh sattar minute khuda bhi tumse vapas nahi maang sakta…” Kabir Khan was played by Shah Rukh Khan who did justice to his role and made sure that even today people come back to his creation.

Dr Jehangir Khan lovingly called as Dr Jug certainly won our hearts with his charm, wit and sensibility in ‘Dear Zindagi.’ The movie denoted Dr Jug as a free-spirited psychologist who helps his patient ‘Kaira’ to gain a new perspective on her life. The story not only emphasised on relationships but also focused on the importance of mental health and self-love. Heartwarming dialogues like "never let your past blackmail your present to ruin a beautiful future" were just so naturally delivered. The one dialogue which truly proved capable of giving a reality check to today’s youth was “Kabhi Kabhi hum mushkil raasta sirf isliye chunte hain kyunki humein lagta hai important cheezein paane ke liye humein mushkil raaste apnana chahiye. But why? Asaan raaste kyun nai chun sakte? Kya burai hai usme? Khas kar ki jab us mushkil ka saamna karne ke liye hum taiyaar hi nahi hain.” Dr Jug was portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, while Alia Bhatt played the character of Kaira.

“Main udna chahta hu… daudna chahta hu.. girna bhi chahta hu bas rukna nahi chahta" it’s an undeniable fact when Bunny said these lines, there was a pump of adrenaline rush inside our veins. This line is dedicated to all the individuals out there who want to accomplish things in life with hunger and excitement. Bunny emphasises on living on the edge, and overcome every hurdle with ease. It’s also true that every millennial has a little spark of Bunny hidden within themselves. Unapologetically true to themselves, to live every dream. The character was played by Ranbir Kapoor. The film also has Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapoor in pivotal roles.

The movie didn’t just give goosebumps to us, but also made us realise about girl power. The biopic of Mahavir Singh Phogat, an Indian amateur wrestler who trained his daughters in the wrestling game, was soul stirring and well received by the audience. One remarkable dialogue from the movie was, “Agar silver jeeti toh aaj nahi toh kal tanne log bhool javenge…gold jeeti to misaal ban javegi…aur misaalein di jaati hain” The movie inspires one to be the best, and always lead no matter what circumstances one faces in life. Aamir Khan did justice to the on-screen portrayal of Mahavir Singh Phogat. The film also starred Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh in pivotal roles.

When movie buffs got introduced to the character of Sashi, she was the talk of every Indian household. Sashi is a middle class woman in a well to do family as well a small entrepreneur, who enrols herself in an English-speaking course to get rid of a feeling of insecurity developed due to constant mocking from her daughter and husband. In this process, Sashi finds her inner calling and gains self-respect for herself. She succeeds in learning English and gave a beautiful speech in the end. Her monologue consisted of a heart-touching verse that was, “Family... family can never be... never be... never be judgemental! family will never... put you down... will never make you feel small. Family is the only one who will never laugh at your weaknesses. Family is the only place where you will always get love and respect.” Late actress Sri Devi was seen playing the role of Shashi Godbole in the story. The film also features Adil Hussain and Priya Anand in relevant roles.

While every character in the movie were unique and significant in their way, it was ‘Rancho’ who inspired millennials the most. A character spreading positivity and emphasising one to follow one’s passion to gain success - Rancho created a separate space inside our hearts. Also to mention, an evergreen phrase ‘All is Well’ allows one to believe in hope and always keep calm no matter how devastating situations can become. “Kamyab hone ke liye nahi, kabil hone ke liye padho…kamyabhi jhak mar ke piche aayegi…” the dialogue delivered by Rancho which was portrayed by Aamir Khan, struck a chord inside us. The movie also had Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan, and Kareena Kapoor in pivotal roles.

“Dekho Duniya mein kam jo bhi karo, achhi tarah karna zaruri hain” 'Lakshya' wasn’t just any Bollywood movie, it introduced us to a character way ahead of its time. The movie talks about the persistent worries about a college grad to becoming a responsible adult. The movie depicted a teenage boy named Karan, an individual very relatable to every person who’s at his/her growing stage. Watching him from being a directionless youngster to a patriotic officer in the Indian Army, was indeed captivating. Karan inspires us to be a better version of ourselves. Hrithik Roshan, who played the role of Karan Shergill was highly applauded for his acting skills and making one connect to his lifestyle. The film also starred Preity Zinta and Amitabh Bachchan in strong characters.

In the movie, we see a forgotten kabaddi world champion who makes her come back with the utmost dedication and will power. The story allows one to enter into the life of Jaya Nigam, a traditional housewife who was a kabaddi champion but her dreams are impeded once she has the responsibilities of carrying out the household chores. Despite that, her family supports her to achieve her dreams as she makes her comeback fighting internal conflicts and societal expectations. “Aisi bahut saari pareshania hongi jo ek saal baad na tumhe yaad rahenge na mujhe, yaad rahenga toh sirf yeh, ki tumhare pass ek mauka aaya tha, aur tumne woh jaane diya” a dialogue which reminds one to embrace opportunities as they arrive and make full use of it. Jaya pushes us to realise our potential no matter how old we are. It’s never too late to achieve what one is truly capable of deserving. Jaya Nigam was portrayed by Kangana Ranaut. The film also starred Richa Chadha, and Jassi Gill in pivotal roles.