Ah, chai! That comforting, fragrant, and beloved Indian beverage that transcends being just a drink. In Indian cinema, chai holds a special place, often serving as a backdrop for pivotal moments, whether it is humour, romance, or heartfelt connections. Let us take a fun look at how tea has made its way into some of Bollywood’s most iconic moments and why it remains a cultural symbol in films.
The Chaiwala: More than just a vendor
The chaiwala is a character almost as quintessential to Bollywood as the heroes and heroines. Often found on the streets, busy markets, and humble villages, the chaiwalas offer more than just a cup of tea; they provide a setting for conversations, friendships, and life-changing decisions.
Remember the iconic song Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua from Shri 420 (1955)? As Raj Kapoor and Nargis share an umbrella in the rain, they exchange tender glances, unaware of the chaiwala nearby, savouring his own cup of tea and watching the romance unfold.
In Raanjhanaa (2013), for example, Kundan (Dhanush) spends countless hours at the tea stall, not just drinking chai but plotting his next steps. The tea stall is where friendships blossom, secrets are spilled, and life, quite simply, unfolds.
Tea moments that make a mark
An unforgettable scene that brings tea into the spotlight is from the vintage film Kundan (1955). As the characters gather at a lively roadside hotel, a friendly server chimes in with unmatched enthusiasm, Aao hamare hotel mein chai piyo jee garam. Biscuit kha lo naram naram! The scene unfolds playfully as his cheerful call sets the backdrop, making tea and comfort food the quiet heroes of this charming moment that invites everyone to relax and feel at home.
Likewise, in Chennai Express (2013), Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) stepping off a train for a quick chai leads to an entire adventure. What starts as a simple cup of tea triggers a series of hilarious and chaotic events, reminding us that in Bollywood, even a cup of chai can change everything.
Tea: A symbol of comfort and connection
Tea in Bollywood is not just a prop; it is a symbol of connection and comfort.
In Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001), a simple scene where Amitabh Bachchan’s character Yash shares a quiet moment with Nandini (Jaya Bhaduri) over tea exemplifies how chai fosters a warm connection between family members.
Another such instance is from English Vinglish (2012), where Shashi (Sridevi) finds solace in brewing and serving tea. Her love for tea helps her bond with those around her, becoming a tool for her to regain confidence and independence.
Iconic movie scenes featuring chai
Bollywood has immortalised chai in numerous scenes, reflecting its role in everyday life. Here are ten standout moments where chai took centre stage:
Ram aur Shyam (1967): A nervous Ram (Dilip Kumar) fumbles with trembling hands as he serves tea to Anjana (Waheeda Rehman), the moment filled with unspoken emotions and anticipation.
Bawarchi (1972): Rajesh Khanna’s character Raghu gathers a dysfunctional family around cups of chai, uniting them in a ritual that symbolises peace and harmony.
Gol Maal (1979): Bhavani Shankar (Utpal Dutt) unexpectedly visits Ram Prasad (Amol Palekar) to uncover the truth about Kamala Srivastav (Dina Pathak) as his mother. While enjoying a cup of tea, the deception of the twin brother, Lakshman Prasad (also Amol Palekar), continues under the guise of warmth.
Baazigar (1993): The character Babulal’s (Johny Lever) declaration, Khaas maukon par khaas chai (Special tea for special occasions), underscores how chai can make or break important moments, even a marriage proposal.
Andaz Apna Apna (1994): Amar’s (Aamir Khan) landmark line, Do dost ek pyale mein chai piyenge, isse dosti badti hai (Two friends sharing a cup of tea strengthens friendship), is the perfect example of how tea fosters relationships in Bollywood.
Parineeta (2005): Tea serves as a bridge for important conversations, as a simple chai scene between Shekhar (Saif Ali Khan) and his mother Rajeshwari Roy (Surinder Kaur) shows how chai facilitates pivotal discussions.
Sarkar (2005): Subhash Nagre (Amitabh Bachchan) sipping tea while holding a saucer, backed by the intense Govinda Govinda soundtrack, shows the power and confidence associated with something as simple as tea.
Wake Up Sid (2009): Ranbir Kapoor’s character Sid takes Konkona Sen Sharma’s character Aisha to Marine Drive, where they share chai by the sea, building an intimate bond over the beverage.
Barfi (2012): A reunion over chai between Murphy (Ranbir Kapoor) and Shruti (Ileana D’Cruz) beautifully highlights how even unresolved love can find rekindling over a cup of tea.
Khoobsurat (2014): The simplicity of chai in a roadside stall helps break down the royal façade of a prince, Yuvraj Vikram (Fawad Khan), allowing a deep connection with a commoner, Mili (Sonam Kapoor).
Chai, a symbol of everyday life in Indian cinema
From budding romances to familial reconciliations, tea has long played a role in some of Bollywood’s most cherished moments. Here, chai isn’t just a drink. It is a symbol of warmth, love, and bonding.
The next time you sip your cup of chai, remember, you are part of a cultural phenomenon that has graced the silver screen for decades, bringing characters together in ways only Bollywood can.
About the author
With decades in the mad, mad world of advertising, Anupam Ganguli is synonymous with creativity, strategy, and storytelling. A true adman, author, and design buff, he’s the wizard behind landmark campaigns and 360-degree solutions that have shaped and birthed countless Indian brands. His flair does not stop at ads, though. He has named iconic structures across Gurugram, Faridabad, Kaushambi, and Noida, leaving his mark on more than just billboards. When it comes to storytelling and design, Anupam brings brands to life, setting the benchmarks for advertising excellence, often with wit and style.
Notes
- The collage used here has only been made for representational purposes. All the images therein are owned by their respective copyright holders.
- A version of this article had first been posted by Anupam Ganguly in The Reviewer Collective group on Facebook. His permission to publish it here is gratefully acknowledged.
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