Bollywood’s ode to friendship: From classics to cult hits

Friendship has always been one of Bollywood’s most cherished and enduring themes, weaving its way through decades of storytelling. From soulful tales of selfless bonds to glamorous portrayals of modern camaraderie, Hindi cinema has celebrated this special relationship in countless ways.

Related Story: 'Uunchai' of friendship in Hindi Cinema: Rajshri Films' Dosti To Amitabh Bachchan's Dostana

Bollywood's Timeless Celebration of Friendship with Dosti, Yaarana, Dostana & More

Rajshri Productions’ Dosti (1964) set the benchmark with its moving story of two differently‑abled boys whose unbreakable bond helps them navigate life’s hardships. Songs like “Chahoonga Main Tujhe” made it unforgettable.

1964 #Dosti #SudhirKumarSawant #SushilKumar#SatyenBose with #TarachandBarjatya #BanChand #GovindMoonis crafted masterpiece #RajshriProductions
Why don't they make such movies?#Bollywood #MohammedRafi #RDBurman #LaxmikantPyarelal #MajroohSultanpuri blew life into movie
❤🔥💥 pic.twitter.com/ydm9XxDHRo

— NITESH KUMAR (@KumarNikstwiter) July 13, 2025

The 1970s and ’80s celebrated larger‑than‑life friendships on screen. Sholay (1975) immortalised Jai and Veeru’s legendary loyalty, while Yaarana (1981) showcased the heartfelt friendship between Amitabh Bachchan and Amjad Khan. Dostana (1980), starring Amitabh and Shatrughan Sinha, brought together two friends caught in a love triangle, blending action, drama, and deep camaraderie. Chashme Buddoor (1981) added humour and charm to college friendships.

#Sholay sold over 150 Million tickets since it released in 1975 @SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/UGua9eA1dG

— Moses Sapir (@MosesSapir) August 7, 2024

In the new millennium, Dil Chahta Hai (2001) redefined urban male bonding, becoming a cult classic for its relatable take on love, ambition, and self‑discovery. Bollywood also embraced lighter, glamorous takes. Dostana (2008) added a quirky twist, Desi Boyz (2011) mixed humour with heart, and Student of the Year (2012) brought glossy campus drama to younger audiences.

Blockbusters like 3 Idiots (2009) celebrated friendship as a stand against societal pressures, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) explored how travel strengthens bonds, and *Chhichhore* (2019) delivered a deeply emotional reminder of supporting friends through life’s toughest battles.

It's Been 13 Years Since We Made To Realise That #ZindagiNaMilegiDobara,So We Must Seize The Day,Must Not Live In A Box Or In Regrets,If Heart Says Something Just Do It & Say "Sorry" Only When It Comes From Heart,You Truly Mean It.#13YearsOfZNMD #ZNMD #HrithikRoshan #KatrinaKaif pic.twitter.com/uCYfq5trW4

— Hrithik's forever...💟 (@iSangitaC) July 15, 2024

Similar Story: Allu Arjun shares heartwarming stories of his friendship with Prabhas & Mahesh Babu

From the innocence of Dosti to Amitabh Bachchan’s unforgettable friendships in Yaarana and the original Dostana, right up to the energy of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Bollywood proves that friendship is a story that never gets old, on screen or in our hearts.