Mr. and Ms. Lonely

Loneliness is an emotion that is experienced by the spurned in love. One only feels alone when the realization hits that there's no one by their side to wipe their tears or give them a much needed pep talk.

There are innumerable instances where one would inevitably connect to a character because of the many similarities they share with them. More often than not, the character is struggling in life, love, etc, or is just lonely. Below are some of the most unforgettable characters of Bollywood films that tugged at our heartstrings because they were so incredibly lonely.

 

Mother India (1957)

Revolving around a single mother who is griefstricken with poverty, Mother India is truly one of the most epic Hindi films to date.  Setting a perfect example of how strong women really are, Radha (Nargis) struggles day and night to raise her two sons well, despite being cast aside by everyone. Who can be lonelier than a woman who toils into the night without a word of appreciation?

 

Mera Naam Joker (1970)

Known as one of Raj Kapoor's most memorable performances, one must be surprised to find Mera Naam Joker on the list. Having had a hard time during his childhood, Raju (Raj Kapoor) is determined to make people laugh since he believes that's his purpose in life. Despite having sincerely loved three women, who all turned him down or used him for personal gains, he never received true love. Who can be lonelier than a man who can make everyone laugh but not experience the same happiness?

 

Devdas

Without a doubt, everyone knows the famous Devdas-Paro-Chandramukhi story, something which has been adapted on the silver screen from times of yore. Be it Bimal Roy's 1936 adaptation featuring Dilip Kumar in the titular role, or Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2002 adaptation with Shah Rukh Khan leading the helm, the story has never failed to tug at our hearts. Right from his childhood, Devdas (Dilip Kumar/Shah Rukh Khan) was attached to Paro (Suchitra Sen/Aishwarya Rai Bachchan); she was his first and only love. It is said that love makes one do crazy things and that is proven in this film. After Paro was married off to a rich and much older man, Devdas resorted to booze for comfort. Although he was a recipient of love from the courtesan Chandramukhi (Vyjayanthimala/Madhuri Dixit Nene), he never reciprocated her love.  Who can be lonelier than a man who finds solace in a bottle instead of the loving arms of another woman?

 

English Vinglish (2012)

This film targets the illiterate lot of society, and sadly, it happens to be a huge lot. Whilst one may be ashamed of being labeled as an illiterate, Shashi (Sridevi) bore the brunt of it from all angles. Even though she learnt English later on, the initial phase of her life was quite lonely. Who can be lonelier than a woman who doesn't have her husband or children's support and appreciation?

 

Ek Villain (2014)

It is not uncommon for an unsuccessful man to beridiculed by his wife. However, what ensued in Rakesh's (Riteish Deshmukh) life is beyond understanding. Sulochana's (Aamna Sharif) constant insults left Rakesh so traumatically scarred that he started murdering and brutalizing any woman who spoke rudely to him. Who can be lonelier than a man who turned into a murderer because he was unsuccessful in life?

 

Whilst these characters and their stories cut deep and tugged at heart strings in the theatres, there are many on the outside who go through these exact emotions. That's why, we at BollyCurry encourage you to be kind and share a smile; you never know what the stranger next to you is enduring. Until next time, share your favourite character who you can identify with in the space below.

 

Author: Mohini N.

Editors: Ritchelle C. and Gunia K.

Graphics: Shikha A.

 

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