Types of filmi families Bollywood introduced us to
The lost-and-found family, sanskaari parivaar, feuding folks, or friends as family—Hindi cinema has familiarised us with a bunch of fascinating households and tropes attached to them.
The Great Indian Family is one of the pet subjects of Hindi cinema. The tales of familial duty, drama, and discord have resulted in some of the biggest hits (and flops). Through the years, Bollywood has familiarised us with various kinds of parivaar and the tropes attached to them. Here are the most popular and recurring ones:
The lost and found family
A happy and close-knit family experiences a tragic separation. Causes could range from natural calamities to errant villains to simple misunderstandings. The good thing is that they always manage to reunite in the end.
Notable films: Waqt (1965), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
2. The selfish gharwaale family
Bollywood has taught us when you fall on bad days, everyone you thought was family turns their back on you: ungrateful children, self-centred siblings, and opportunistic relatives.
Notable films: Mehrban (1967), Avtaar (1983), Swarg (1990), Baghban (2003)
3. The why-are-we family
Here we have diverse, unwilling parties who are made to stick it out with each other, and they end up finding love, affection, and support with one another.
Notable films: Khatta Meetha (1978), Parichay (1972), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006)
4. The sanskaari family
It could mean only one thing: the saccharine-sweet, song- and dance-loving families of the Sooraj Barjatya movies. The average routine for the members includes swaying to a medley of songs, feasting on a lavish meal together, and planning the next family function.
Notable films: Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999)
5. The bickering family
Not all parivaar are connected by pyaar. Some are driven apart by pointless arguments and petty jealousy. And when things go out of hand, help appears in the most unlikely way.
Notable films: Bawarchi (1972), Hero No. 1 (1997), Khoobsurat (1999)
6. The national integration family
Keeping up with the motto unity in diversity, these families have a mini-India residing in them.
Notable films: Teen Batti Char Raasta (1953), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
7. The hellish family
Pretty much every other Bollywood film of the ’80s told the tale of a family where the evil in-laws mistreated a doormat daughter-in-law until a daring one came along and set them straight.
Notable films: Sau Din Saas Ke (1980), Ek Din Bahu Ka (1983), Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), Ghar Ho To Aisa (1990)
8. The Mommy Rules family
The stern matriarch runs the household with an iron grip, often leading to tiny, harmless mutinies.
Notable films: Gharana (1961), Khubsoorat (1980), Jamai Raja (1990), Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)
9. The dour daddy family
A patriarch with an ego the size of an elephant waxes eloquent about khaandaan ki izzat, alienating his family in the process.
Notable films: Mughal-E-Azam (1960), Bobby (1973), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
10. The house-is-overrun-by-kids family
A good Samaritan raises a bunch of orphans as their own, and we have a big, beautiful, and unconventional family where these boisterous kids may lack the luxuries of the world but certainly not love.
Notable films: Brahmachari (1968), Dream Girl (1977), Mr. India (1987)
11. The ‘ghar ka batwaara’ family
The peace and harmony of a big, happy unit goes for a toss due to an inflexible family member or money matters, causing the ignominious ghar ka batwaara.
Notable films: Khandan (1965), Do Raaste (1969), Anokha Bandhan (1982), Sansar (1987)
12. The friends waala family
Not bound by blood but by love, camaraderie, and loyalty—friends are family we choose, and Bollywood agrees.
Notable films: Dosti (1964), Anand (1971), Rang De Basanti (2006)
13. The pet-saves-the-day family
Solving mysteries, averting family crises, or reuniting lovebirds—the furry or feathered members of the family are sometimes (no, always) the smartest and most resourceful ones.
Notable films: Sachaa Jhutha (1970), Coolie (1983), Betaab (1983), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)
14. The sweet, easygoing family
The middle-cinema specialised in slice-of-life stories centred around Indian families that enjoyed a sweet, uncomplicated existence. The most dramatic thing happening in their lives was either a practical joke gone too far or assuming a disguise to land a job.
Notable films: Piya Ka Ghar (1972), Chupke Chupke (1975), Baton Baton Mein (1979), Gol Maal (1979)
15. The modern-day family
Grudges are nursed, quirks are managed, and interventions are called—contemporary Hindi cinema’s handling of modern familial relationships is both refreshing and realistic.
Notable films: Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Kapoor & Sons (2016), Badhaai Ho (2018)
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