Bollywood Films That Must Be Seen By Western Audiences

Aradhana (1971)

After an unwedded woman’s lover dies at war, she gives up her son for adoption. However, she promises to watch him from a distance over his life and make sure he does well. Over time, Aradhana, or ‘poignant worship’, became a central theme of the film.

As well as being a theme in the film the idea of traditional social values is also challenged. The film is largely remembered today for its intense performances and for highlighting the golden age of Bollywood.