Friendship Day Dedicated To Big B Ef

Dear Amitji.

Today, July 30, is observed as the International Day of Friendship. The Friendship Day was proclaimed by the U.N. General Assembly in 2011 with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

Sir, often we, the Ef, find ourselves developing a special bond, a special relationship, which we can call nearest to being the “ best friends” we know. We enjoy each other's presence, we share joys and sorrows selflessly, we chat endlessly, we look forward to seeing each other's response to your Blog  of the Day together, we are restless together when it is unduly delayed, worried when you or anyone of us is sick and pray together for speedy recovery. Often we may hide a thing or two from our family who may be closer to us, but feel comfortable sharing with all whom we consider our true friends on this platform. Recently you observed and expressed in a post that these days we talk to each other more than to you .. well, this is the reason. From DAY - 1 to DAY - 3000 and still counting, we continue to come closer and closer, enlarging the sphere of our friendship to include our families and loved ones. It was so overwhelming and touching to see so many of my Ef friends feeling concerned when my wife went for a critical surgery recently and wishing her speedy recovery after successful surgery. Believe me, Sir, it brought tears to her eyes when I told her of the so many of the Ef posting prayers for her health on your very precious Blog page when she went for the surgery and expressing a sigh of relief on her return from the hospital. What better the best friends would have done?

Friendship has been a popular formula for films because people can relate to it and often the returns on them exceed expectations. So, the filmmakers down the ages have adopted it as a risk-free and rewarding investment. Here are my most favorite five movies  from among scores of successful films from Bollywood that are based on the theme of friendship:

Dosti (1964)

Starring Sudhir Kumar and Sushil Kumar

Story of two physically challenged teenagers one blind and other lame. They stuck together in all circumstances and help each other by any means possible. One of the classics in Bollywood Movies on Friendship.

Anand (1971)

Starring Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan

Friendship of soon to die patient and his doctor who wants to save him anyhow. Story revolves around how Anand teaches Doctor about living life happily and positively. One of the Best Bollywood Movies on Friendship.

Sholay (1975)

India’s epic movie on friendship, love and drama – Sholay that had Dharmendra and Amitabh in the lead roles. Their friendship was so strong they were even ready to put their life on the line for the other person. After this movie released “Jai-Veeru” and “friendship” were used as synonyms. To add to this the song “Yeh dosti” became the mantra of friends.

Rang De Basanti (2006)

Starring Aamir Khan, R Madhvan, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Siddharth, Soha Ali Khan.

When one of their friends died in an air force plane crash, rest decided to take revenge. Story about a group of friends who decided to raise their voice and die against corruption and injustice in Indian Air Force.

3 Idiots (2009)

Aamir Khan, R Madhvan and Sharman Joshi met in Engineering college and became friends for life. When one went on to live his secret life, other two decided to find him anyhow. Story of three classmates and their eventful journey in and outside of college life. One of the most successful Bollywood Movies on Friendship.

“I like the friend who finds time for me in his calendar. But I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar.” - Swami Ameetananda

With regards and best wishes

Tilak Rishi