Bollywood’s been belting out self-love anthems for decades, long before the world even knew it was a ‘thing’. Take ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ from Dil Se (1998) – a song that’s all about living life on your own terms.
But self-love was never just about individuality; it was about embracing one’s cultural heritage too. ‘Kajra Re’ from Bunty Aur Babli (2005) is a prime example. The song’s all about celebrating the beauty of traditional Indian attire – and the joy of wearing it with confidence.
Then there’s ‘Mast Magan’ from Student Of The Year (2012), which is all about embracing your quirks and loving yourself just the way you are. And let’s not forget ‘Pehli Nazar’ from Jab We Met (2007) – a song that’s all about the magic of first love and the freedom to be yourself.
Self-Love, Bollywood Style
So what does this mean for Indians? It means that self-love has been a part of our cultural narrative for a long time – even if it wasn’t always explicitly stated. And it’s a reminder that our movies have always been more than just entertainment; they’ve been a reflection of our values and our aspirations.
As we move forward, it’s heartening to know that self-love is here to stay – and that our movies will continue to celebrate it in all its forms.