Bollywood Tearjerkers: When Strangers Become Family, From Bajrangi Bhaijaan to Jab We Met
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Today, July 17, 2025, marks the tenth anniversary of the release of Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The film, directed by Kabir Khan, moved people's hearts on both sides of the border and brought India and Pakistan closer via its music, story, and, most importantly, its conclusion. Later, Pawan (Salman Khan), a devout Hindu man who won't take in a lost mute Pakistani girl named Munni (Harshaali Malhotra), battles criminals to protect her from becoming a human slave and assist her in crossing the border. The conclusion, in which she accepts Pawan as her Mama (uncle), is particularly emotional. The incident had a significant effect on a lot of people. In Bollywood, there are several stories like this where strangers become family.
Bollywood tearjerker movies in which strangers become family members
The movie Vivah (ShemarooMe through OTTplay Premium)
Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao's Vivah would be one of the more evident selections on the list. These strangers go through uncomfortable times after their arranged marriage, but by the conclusion of the film, they become a genuine family. Prem (Shahid Kapoor) sees Poonam (Amrita Rao) at her lowest point, but he chooses to not only marry her but also cover the cost of her surgery before she becomes his permanent family member. Many people were moved by this scene.
Jab We Met (LionsgatePlay via OTTplay Premium)
The cheerful Geet (Kareena Kapoor Khan) encounters the melancholy Aditya (Shahid Kapoor). He leads a life full of anxiety, but she makes the most of every second. They first meet as strangers, but Aditya quickly develops a strong connection with Geet. At the conclusion of the film, just as he believes she has discovered love elsewhere, Geet returns to Aditya and selects him as her family. For how legendary it is, the moment is etched in the minds of every Bollywood enthusiast.
Zee5's Bareilly Ki Barfi (via OTTplay Premium)
Kriti Sanon, who plays Bitti, is still searching for her ideal Mr. Perfect, who is really Chirag Dubey, a writer played by Ayushmann Khurrana. Despite being right in front of her, he believes that Pritam Vidrohi (Rajkummar Rao) has won her over, but then something unexpected occurs. The wholesome twist comes from the charming universe of Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's Bareilly Ki Barfi.
Jab Harry Met Sejal (Netflix)
In Europe, Harry (Shah Rukh Khan) is a fugitive tour guide who misses his family in Punjab but never acknowledges it, not even to himself. This is until he encounters Sejal (Anushka Sharma), a self-assured but innocent woman. She forces him to accompany her on a search for her ring. Harry and Sejal come to the conclusion that they were looking for one another the whole time during their trip. Harry takes a risk and returns to India, where he understands that Sejal was the missing piece he had been looking for all along, and that his life is now complete. Sejal not only becomes a member of his family but also helps him reestablish contact with them.
On Netflix, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani
The outgoing Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) persuades his introverted classmate Naina (Deepika Padukone) to accompany him and his pals to Manali. Since the trip transforms her as a person, this is a decision she would never forget. Now, the bashful Naina makes new acquaintances, while the flirty Bunny realizes his true aspirations in life. Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a tale about strangers becoming a new family.
