7 Train Defining Moments Of Bollywood

If you are an avid Bolly buff, then chance are that you would have surely witnessed encounters of the train kind. Trains as a prop add to the visual aesthetic of the film, besides extending themselves as a character to the film’s narrative. While this is not a definitive list by any means, it does attempt to highlight some of the memorable moments which have left an indelible impression on our minds.

1) Kick (2014) : Salman Khan‘s thrilling stunt in Sajid Nadiadwala‘s directorial debut had the masses lapping it up. Salman is seen riding a bicycle and in a fraction of a second, passes by a railway crossing, escaping a speeding train! This sequence was quite a hit with the spoof-makers too.

2) Chennai Express (2013) : The first time pairing of SRK, Deepika and Rohit Shetty proved to be an Eid bonanza for the viewers. The film is about how SRK’s life completely changes after he boards the Chennai Express. There is a hilarious take off on the original DDLJ train sequence which had the viewers chuckling. The film also had an entertaining antakshari sequence between SRK and Deepika inside the train where the duo converse in the guise of the game. Chennai Express was a huge blockbuster at the box office.

3) Jab We Met (2007) : The train here was a pivotal character in the film and director Imtiaz Aliutilised it’s characteristics to maximum effect. The close quarters of the train were utilized beautifully to bring the characters of Geet (Kareena Kapoor Khan) and Aditya (Shahid Kapoor) together and establish their bonding.

4) Dil Se (1998) : ‘Chal Chaiyya Chaiyya Chaiyya Chaiyya‘ – Buxom belle Malaika Aroraseductively sways her booty to A.R.Rahman‘s rhythmic trance along with Shah Rukh Khandancing like there’s no tomorrow. All this atop a train with a medley of dancers lending support. Need we say any more? This one remains one of the most iconic train sequences of Bollywood and also stood out for the unique song picturisation and location.

5) Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) : ‘Jaa Simran Jaa …Jee Le Apni Zindagi‘ – A strict father finally surrenders to the power of love and lets his daughter go and catch the train that will change her life. Even after all this time, the scene is firmly etched in our memories. Who can forget the expression on Amrish Puri’s face when he lets Kajol go and the sigh of relief on Shah Rukh’s face to have finally won the love of his life. The train here was a key factor which enhanced the dramatic quotient of the sequence.

6) The Burning Train (1980) : This was one of the epic disaster films of the 80s and was almost completely set on a train. It boasted of a multi star cast and the top names of those times. Parts of the train catch fire and the movie then traces Dharmendra, Jeetendra andVinod Khanna‘s efforts to save the people onboard. Vinod Khanna and Danny Denzongpa‘s fighting sequence in the burning train made for a thrilling watch.

7) Aradhana (1969) : Here the train acted as a catalyst for romance between the lead pair ofRajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. A stylish Sharmila who is on a train is serenaded by the ever charming Kaka who is on a jeep to the melody of Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu. The song, film and sequence were a blockbuster way back then. It is a small wonder that girls would kill to be romanced in that manner even now.