Bollywood understands the undeniable truth that chai is more than just a beverage – it's a powerful symbol of the bonds that tie characters together. It's a cultural phenomenon that symbolises the very essence of human connection. Through countless iconic scenes and memorable moments, Bollywood has captured the heartwarming magic of chai, showcasing how it serves as a catalyst for forging bonds, bridging gaps and fostering relationships.
Table of Contents
- Bawarchi (1972)
- Baazigar (1993)
- Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
- Parineeta (2005)
- Sarkar (2005)
- Wake Up Sid (2009)
- Barfi (2012)
- Khoobsurat (2014)
- In Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Bollywood Movie Scenes Featuring Chai
Grab your go-to Wagh Bakri chai as we go back to the 10 iconic Bollywood moments where chai is in the limelight.
Bawarchi (1972)
A total Bollywood blast starring the legendary Rajesh Khanna and the ever-charming Jaya Bachchan. The film revolves around the character portrayed by Rajesh Khanna, a humble yet mysterious cook who enters the lives of a dysfunctional family, ultimately bringing about positive changes through his culinary skills and compassionate nature.
One scene amidst the narrative shows the bawarchi gathering the entire family to sit together and enjoy a cup of chai (tea). This simple yet significant act underscores the cultural significance of chai as a catalyst for family bonding in Bollywood since the movie's release. Through the shared ritual of sipping chai, the characters engage in conversations, set aside their differences and strengthen their familial ties.
Baazigar (1993)
This Bollywood thriller stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Shilpa Shetty in lead roles. The film is around a young man portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan, who seeks revenge for his father's death by resorting to deceitful tactics.
In the movie, Johnny Lever plays the role of Babulal, a forgetful butler. In one of the scenes, guests arrive at Kajol's place with a marriage proposal. Babulal, says out the importance of tea, he says “Khaas maukon par Khaas Chai..” (Special Tea for Special Occasions. He also says how serving this special tea to the guest will make the potential groom immediately agree to getting married.
The reference to serving special tea on a special occasion, such as a marriage proposal, underscores the significance of tea in fostering new bonds. In this context, tea symbolises not only hospitality but also the initiation of new relationships or agreements, emphasising its role in bringing people together and marking significant moments in life.
If you are in a rush, don’t serve boiled water like Babulal, rather go for the quick fix – dip those Masala Tea bags in boiling water and voila!
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
This cult classic Bollywood comedy film stars Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor, etc. The story revolves around two slackers who both compete for the affections of a wealthy heiress while getting entangled in a series of comic misadventures.
The dialogue by Aamir, "Do dost ek pyaale mein chai piyenge, isse dosti badti hai'' encapsulates the profound truth about tea's role in nurturing bonds and connections. It brilliantly portrays how something as simple as sharing a cup of tea can lead to laughter, friendship and even love, thereby affirming the age-old adage that sharing tea with a friend deepens your friendship! This sentiment perfectly aligns with the message of Wagh Bakri, which emphasises the importance of building and deepening relationships.
So, next time someone shares their chai, you know you have got a friend for life!
Parineeta (2005)
Award winning bollywood movie starring Vidya Balan, Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt in the lead roles. At its heart, the story follows a young woman from a middle-class Bengali family and the son of a wealthy businessman, as they navigate their feelings for each other amidst various challenges and misunderstandings.
One notable scene in "Parineeta" captures the essence of how important conversations often take place over chai. In this scene, Saif and his mother share a morning tea together, engaging in a conversation about his encounter with a girl. This scene exemplifies how tea serves as more than just a beverage in Bollywood movies; it symbolises a catalyst for important conversations.
So, why not plan a delightful tea date with your mom soon? Because, honestly, nothing beats the joy of sharing stories over a cup with her.
Sarkar (2005)
Bollywood crime thriller based on the classic film "The Godfather," it stars Amitabh Bachchan in the titular role. The movie explores the world of politics and crime in Mumbai, focusing on the main lead, a powerful and influential figure who commands respect and fear in equal measure.
This movie's scene with Amitabh Bachchan sipping tea in a traditional style holding a saucer is iconic. His every tea-sipping scene paired with the "Govinda, Govinda" background music, radiates passion and determination, painting him as a robust and confident character.
Wake Up Sid (2009)
Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Konkana Sen, this bollywood film revolves around a carefree and irresponsible young man living a lavish lifestyle in Mumbai. His life takes a turn when he fails his college exams and is subsequently forced to confront his responsibilities and find his true passion in life.
In one of the scenes where Ranbir’s character takes Konkona’s character to Marine Drive. They talk about Mumbai’s beauty, their fears, their dreams, all while SIPPING CHAI. The tranquil setting beside the sea coupled with the comforting act of sharing chai creates an intimate atmosphere conducive to open dialogue. This scene beautifully illustrates how even two strangers can bond over chai. How tea serves as a facilitator for genuine connections and introspective conversations, fostering understanding, empathy and camaraderie between individuals.
The scene testifies to the statement of Wagh Bakri tea ‘Hamesha rishtey banaye’.
Barfi (2012)
Bollywood movie starring Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D'Cruz in lead roles. Set in the 1970s, the film follows the story of a charming and carefree deaf-mute man and his relationships with two women.
In one of the scenes where Ileana D'Cruz's character comes back to talk to Ranbir Kapoor's character, over chai. This beautifully portrays the idea that people can rekindle their love for each other over a simple cup of tea. Despite their past differences and circumstances that led them apart, the shared act of drinking chai becomes a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and connection.
This movie is an absolute masterpiece in terms of every aspect!
Khoobsurat (2014)
The movie stars Sonam Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Kirron Kher and Ratna Pathak Shah in prominent roles. The story revolves around a free-spirited physiotherapist who is hired by a royal family to help treat their paraplegic King.
There's a poignant scene where the prince (Fawad Khan) takes the physiotherapist (Sonam Kapoor), to a street-side chai shop. This moment is significant as it showcases the prince's willingness to break free from his royal constraints and embrace the simplicity of everyday life. This allowed her to see the prince in a new light.
It highlights how chai serves as a cultural equaliser, bringing people together regardless of their social status, and fostering meaningful connections in unexpected settings.
In Conclusion
From budding romances over a chai stall to heartfelt conversations between friends, Bollywood beautifully portrays how tea strengthens relationships and bridges differences. Much like Wagh Bakri tea’s aroma or the comforting appeal of Assam tea, filmmakers have skillfully integrated the essence of tea into their stories. Whether it’s the spicy passion of Masala tea or calming green tea bags, each type adds depth to the story. From Lata Mangeshkar’s “Isiliye mummy ne meri tumhe chai pe bulaya hai” to Anu Malik’s "Ek Garam Chai Ki Pyali Ho”, Chai is also popular in bollywood songs. But we'll talk about it next time! In another blog.
Now it’s time to get brewing! Head over to Buy Tea online and explore the amazing selection of teas including green teas and iced tea. Find your perfect blend and recreate your favourite Bollywood scene.
Yeh dil maange more… chai...and Bollywood scenes!
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How many flavours of iced tea do you have?
We have 4 flavours of iced tea: Lemon iced tea, peach iced tea, orange iced tea and cranberry iced tea.
2) Do you have any green tea bags that can be used for gifting?
Wagh Bakri offers a collection of green tea bags. You can buy them on buytea.com.
3) How to use masala tea bags?
Using Masala tea bags is quite easy in three steps: Place the tea bag in a cup, pour hot water and let it infuse. Dip the tea bag a few more times. Best enjoyed with milk and sugar/honey.
