Dear Zindagi
{{short description|2016 film by Gauri Shinde}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Dear Zindagi
| image = Dear Zindagi poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| alt = A woman with her arms outstretched stands at the beach at sunset.
| director = Gauri Shinde
| producer = Gauri Khan
Karan Johar
Gauri Shinde
| writer = Gauri Shinde
| starring = Alia Bhatt
Shah Rukh Khan
| music = Amit Trivedi
| cinematography = Laxman Utekar
| editing = Hemanti Sarkar
| production_companies = Red Chillies Entertainment
Dharma Productions
Hope Productions
| distributor = NH Studioz
| released = {{Film date|df=y|2016|11|23|North America|2016|11|25|Worldwide|ref1=}}
| runtime = 150 minutes{{cite web |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/dear-zindagi-film |title=Dear Zindagi (PG) |work=British Board of Film Classification |date=21 November 2016 | access-date=6 January 2017 | url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107170704/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/dear-zindagi-film |archive-date=7 January 2017 |df=dmy-all}}
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| budget = {{INR}}22 crore{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-dear-zindagi-budget-to-box-office-estimates-here-s-the-detailed-trade-analysis-2276524 |title=Dear Zindagi: Budget to box office estimates – here's the detailed trade analysis! |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=24 November 2016|access-date=25 November 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126100258/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-dear-zindagi-budget-to-box-office-estimates-here-s-the-detailed-trade-analysis-2276524 |archive-date=26 November 2016}}
| gross = {{INR|138.91 crore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/dear-zindagi/box-office/|title=Dear Zindagi Box Office - Bollywood Hungama|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=25 November 2016 |accessdate=9 December 2023}}
}}
Dear Zindagi ({{Translation|Dear life}}) is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language coming-of-age comedy-drama film written and directed by Gauri Shinde. Produced by Gauri Khan, Karan Johar, and Shinde under the banners Red Chillies Entertainment, Dharma Productions, and Hope Productions respectively, the film stars Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan in lead roles, with Ira Dubey, Kunal Kapoor, Angad Bedi, Ali Zafar (in his final Hindi film appearance), Yashaswini Dayama, and Rohit Saraf in supporting roles. The narrative follows Kaira, a budding cinematographer dealing with personal and professional insecurities, who finds a new perspective on life after undergoing therapy sessions with unconventional psychologist Dr. Jehangir "Jug" Khan.
Principal photography took place across Goa and Mumbai between January and May 2016. The music was composed by Amit Trivedi with lyrics primarily by Kausar Munir.
Released theatrically on 25 November 2016 (preceded by a limited release in North America on 23 November), Dear Zindagi received positive reviews from critics, with praise directed at Shinde’s direction, the film’s themes and dialogues, its soundtrack, and the lead performances—particularly those of Bhatt and Khan. A commercial success, the film grossed ₹138.91 crore (US$20 million) worldwide.
At the 62nd Filmfare Awards, the film received two nominations: Best Actress (Bhatt) and Best Lyricist (Munir for "Love You Zindagi").
Plot
Kaira, a young and ambitious cinematographer in Mumbai, aspires to direct her own films. Though creatively driven, she is emotionally guarded and often cynical, finding comfort primarily in her close-knit group of friends—Fatima, Jackie, Raunaq, and Ganju. Her personal life becomes increasingly complicated when she ends her relationship with her childhood sweetheart Sid and begins a brief affair with her friend Raghuvendra, a film producer. The situation worsens when Raghuvendra gets engaged to another woman. Shortly after, Kaira is evicted from her apartment due to the building society's policy favoring families and married couples.
With no other option, Kaira relocates to her family home in Goa, despite longstanding emotional distance and unresolved resentment towards her parents. Plagued by insomnia and inner turmoil, she reluctantly begins therapy with Dr. Jehangir "Jug" Khan, an unconventional and empathetic psychologist. As their sessions progress, Jug helps Kaira confront her suppressed insecurities and fears. Meanwhile, she initiates a relationship with Rumi, a charming musician, but ends it upon realizing their incompatibility.
Through therapy and reconnection with her younger brother Kiddo, Kaira gradually confronts the root of her emotional struggles—her feelings of abandonment stemming from being left with her grandparents during her childhood while her parents rebuilt their lives. Jug helps her understand that this abandonment has caused her to fear emotional attachment and preemptively end relationships to avoid getting hurt. He encourages her to view her parents as flawed individuals rather than idealized caregivers, thereby empowering her to begin the process of emotional reconciliation.
During their final session, Kaira admits that she has developed feelings for Jug. He gently explains that it is not uncommon for patients to feel this way toward their therapists, but a romantic relationship between them would be unethical. The two part on amicable terms, sharing a warm farewell.
Kaira eventually completes her short film and debuts it at a screening attended by her family, friends, and former partners. Having come to terms with her past, she opens herself to new possibilities, initiating a conversation with a furniture designer at the event—signaling a renewed sense of self and emotional openness.
Cast
{{div col}}
- Alia Bhatt as Kaira, an aspiring cinematographer, who is also referred to as "Shaira."{{cite news |url=http://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/alia-bhatt-explains-how-playing-a-regular-girl-in-dear-zindagi-was-more-challenging-than-her-role-in-udta-punjab-266347.html |title=Alia Bhatt Explains How Playing A 'Regular' Girl In 'Dear Zindagi' Was More Challenging Than Her Role in Udta Punjab |newspaper=India Times |date=28 November 2016|access-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204114607/http://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/celebs/alia-bhatt-explains-how-playing-a-regular-girl-in-dear-zindagi-was-more-challenging-than-her-role-in-udta-punjab-266347.html |archive-date=4 December 2016}}
- Shah Rukh Khan as Dr. Jehangir "Jug" Khan, a psychologist.{{cite news |title=Shah Rukh Khan just revealed a big Dear Zindagi spoiler: His role is a cameo |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-just-revealed-a-big-dear-zindagi-spoiler-his-role-is-a-cameo/story-IKg0pKEs1eCIF8bKD4HtBI.html|access-date=26 January 2017 |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=23 November 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123055603/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-just-revealed-a-big-dear-zindagi-spoiler-his-role-is-a-cameo/story-IKg0pKEs1eCIF8bKD4HtBI.html |archive-date=23 November 2016}}
- Kunal Kapoor as Raghuvendra, a film producer, one of Kaira's boyfriends
- Angad Bedi as Sid, a restobar owner, another of Kaira's boyfriends
- Ali Zafar as Rumi, a musician and singer-songwriter, yet another of Kaira's boyfriends.{{cite web |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1239186/ali-zafar-opens-working-alia-bhatt-srk-dear-zindagi/ |title=Ali Zafar opens up on working with Alia Bhatt, SRK in Dear Zindagi |date=22 November 2016|access-date=3 December 2016 |newspaper=The Express Tribune|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124075943/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1239186/ali-zafar-opens-working-alia-bhatt-srk-dear-zindagi/ |archive-date=24 November 2016}}
- Ira Dubey as Fatima, Kaira's friend, who is also referred to as "Fatty"
- Rohit Saraf as Kiddo, Kaira's younger brother
- Yashaswini Dayama as Jackie, Kaira's friend
- Gautmik as Ganju, Kaira's friend
- Yashwant Singh as Kaira's uncle
- Salone Mehta as Kaira's aunt
- Baby Dishita as little Kaira
- Nitika Anand as family friend
- Amit Nagraj as little Kiddo
- Aban Deohans as Kaira's mother
- Atul Kale as Kaira's father
- Martha Xavier Fernandes as Kaira's maternal grandmother
- Madhav Vaze as Kaira's maternal grandfather
- Ivan Sylvester Rodrigues as vice president of a hotel, friend of Kaira's father
- Akanksha Gade as maid Alka
- Aditya Roy Kapur as a furniture dealer (guest appearance)
{{div col end}}
Source:{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/dear-zindagi/cast/ |title=Dear Zindagi: Cast |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=19 July 2016|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002195232/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/dear-zindagi/cast/ |archive-date=2 October 2016}}
Production
= Development =
Dear Zindagi marked the second directorial venture of Gauri Shinde following her acclaimed debut English Vinglish (2012). The film was jointly produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment, Karan Johar under Dharma Productions, and Shinde under her banner Hope Productions. Speaking about the film’s inspiration, Shinde stated that Dear Zindagi was not based on any singular personal experience but was “inspired by life in general,” particularly the emotional connections people form and how those influence their worldview.{{cite news |date=25 November 2016 |title=There is no point in directing a film if I can't have my say, says Dear Zindagi director Gauri Shinde |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dear-zindagi-director-gauri-shinde-interview-there-is-no-point-in-directing-a-film-if-i-cant-have-my-say-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-4393603/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613180901/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dear-zindagi-director-gauri-shinde-interview-there-is-no-point-in-directing-a-film-if-i-cant-have-my-say-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-4393603/ |archive-date=13 June 2017 |access-date=17 July 2017 |newspaper=The Indian Express}} By August 2015, Shinde confirmed she had nearly completed the screenplay,{{cite news |date=20 August 2015 |title=Gauri Shinde's next: Can't wait to be with Shah Rukh Khan, says Alia Bhatt |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/alia-bhatt-cant-wait-to-be-with-the-man-himself-shah-rukh-khan-in-gauri-shindes-next/1/459780.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201210924/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/alia-bhatt-cant-wait-to-be-with-the-man-himself-shah-rukh-khan-in-gauri-shindes-next/1/459780.html |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=India Today}} and pre-production work began in December of the same year.
Much of the technical crew from English Vinglish returned for the film, including editor Hemanti Sarkar, co-writer Krishnan Hariharan, and cinematographer Laxman Utekar. Kausar Munir, who served as the film’s lyricist, also contributed as a language consultant and co-writer. Production designer Rupin Suchak was a new addition to the team.{{cite web |date=19 July 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/7991087 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722042124/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/7991087 |archive-date=22 July 2016 |access-date=19 July 2016 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} Shinde selected Mumbai and Goa as the primary filming locations due to the narrative’s urban and coastal themes.File:Alia Bhatt.jpg (pictured) was eager to work with Shah Rukh Khan in Dear Zindagi]]
= Casting =
In early reports from India Today, Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan were announced as leads. Shinde confirmed that the film would not feature a conventional romantic plot between their characters, describing their relationship as one of emotional mentorship rather than romantic entanglement.{{cite news |date=5 October 2015 |title=Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan to star in Gauri Shinde's next |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/alia-bhatt-shah-rukh-khan-to-star-in-gauri-shinde-s-next/story-yc1exh7W6kysvs9mJIvyxH.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110014855/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/alia-bhatt-shah-rukh-khan-to-star-in-gauri-shinde-s-next/story-yc1exh7W6kysvs9mJIvyxH.html |archive-date=10 January 2017 |access-date=9 January 2017 |newspaper=Hindustan Times}} Khan played Dr. Jehangir “Jug” Khan, a therapist, while Bhatt portrayed Kaira, a budding filmmaker struggling with personal and professional dilemmas. Bhatt expressed enthusiasm about working with Khan for the first time, calling it a significant opportunity in her career.{{cite news |date=12 October 2015 |title=Gauri Shinde: You won't see a typical romance between Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/you-wont-see-a-typical-romance-between-srk-and-alia-bhatt-gauri-shinde/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201143509/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/you-wont-see-a-typical-romance-between-srk-and-alia-bhatt-gauri-shinde/ |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=The Indian Express}}{{cite news |date=6 April 2016 |title=Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan won't romance Alia Bhatt in Gauri Shinde's next |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/revealed-shah-rukh-khan-wont-romance-alia-bhatt-in-gauri-shindes-next/1/636633.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201143846/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/revealed-shah-rukh-khan-wont-romance-alia-bhatt-in-gauri-shindes-next/1/636633.html |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=The Indian Express}}
Supporting roles were filled by a diverse ensemble, including Kunal Kapoor as a film producer, Angad Bedi as Kaira’s childhood friend, and Ali Zafar as a rock musician—his final role in a Hindi film.{{cite news |date=19 July 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi: Who plays what in the Shah Rukh Khan – Alia Bhatt starrer? |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-dear-zindagi-who-plays-what-in-the-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-starrer-2236191 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024161115/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-dear-zindagi-who-plays-what-in-the-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-starrer-2236191 |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis}} Aditya Roy Kapur made a cameo appearance as a furniture designer. Ira Dubey and Yashaswini Dayama portrayed Kaira’s friends, while debutant Rohit Saraf appeared as her younger brother.{{cite news |date=25 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi movie review: Incredibly cute Alia, Shah Rukh Khan need a more consistent script |url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/dear-zindagi-movie-review-incredibly-cute-alia-shah-rukh-khan-need-a-more-consistent-script-3123586.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202051219/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/dear-zindagi-movie-review-incredibly-cute-alia-shah-rukh-khan-need-a-more-consistent-script-3123586.html |archive-date=2 December 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=Firstpost}}
= Filming =
Principal photography commenced on 21 January 2016 in Goa.{{cite news |date=21 January 2016 |title=Gauri Shinde starts working on Shah Rukh Khan-Alia Bhatt starrer |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/gauri-shinde-starts-working-on-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-starrer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201212849/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/gauri-shinde-starts-working-on-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-starrer/ |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=The Indian Express}} The film was shot across two primary schedules—Goa and Mumbai—with a few sequences later filmed in Singapore. The Goa schedule concluded by late February 2016, and the team proceeded to Mumbai for the next phase.{{cite news |date=25 February 2016 |title=Alia Bhatt completes Gauri Shinde's first schedule, will miss 'hanging' SRK |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/250216/alia-bhatt-completes-gauri-shinde-s-first-schedule-will-miss-hanging-srk.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201214307/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/250216/alia-bhatt-completes-gauri-shinde-s-first-schedule-will-miss-hanging-srk.html |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle}} Alia Bhatt documented much of the production process on social media, including a farewell selfie with the crew in Singapore to mark the film’s completion on 20 May 2016.{{cite news |date=20 May 2016 |title=See pic: Alia Bhatt wraps up shooting for Gauri Shinde's upcoming flick |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-see-picture-alia-bhatt-wraps-up-shooting-for-gauri-shinde-s-upcoming-flick-2214729 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520151705/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-see-picture-alia-bhatt-wraps-up-shooting-for-gauri-shinde-s-upcoming-flick-2214729 |archive-date=20 May 2016 |access-date=21 May 2016 |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis}} In interviews, Bhatt spoke about the intense emotional depth of the shoot and her excitement at working alongside Khan for the first time.{{cite news |date=9 March 2016 |title=OMG! Shah Rukh Khan gave sleepless nights to Alia Bhatt during shoot of Gauri Shinde's next |url=http://www.india.com/buzz/omg-shah-rukh-khan-gave-sleepless-nights-to-alia-bhatt-during-shoot-of-gauri-shindes-next-1017884/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201213912/http://www.india.com/buzz/omg-shah-rukh-khan-gave-sleepless-nights-to-alia-bhatt-during-shoot-of-gauri-shindes-next-1017884/ |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=India.com}}
On 23 June 2016, The Times of India officially confirmed the title of the film as Dear Zindagi.{{cite news |date=23 June 2016 |title=Is Shah Rukh Khan-Alia Bhatt's Gauri Shinde flick titled 'Dear Zindagi'? |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Is-Shah-Rukh-Khan-Alia-Bhatts-Gauri-Shinde-flick-titled-Dear-Zindagi/articleshow/52880918.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205041404/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Is-Shah-Rukh-Khan-Alia-Bhatts-Gauri-Shinde-flick-titled-Dear-Zindagi/articleshow/52880918.cms |archive-date=5 February 2017 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=The Times of India}}
Soundtrack
{{Main|Dear Zindagi (soundtrack)}}
The soundtrack for Dear Zindagi was composed by Amit Trivedi, with lyrics primarily written by Kausar Munir. It was released by Sony Music India, with the full album made available on 4 November 2016.{{Citation |title=Dear Zindagi songs |url=http://gaana.com/album/love-you-zindagi-from-dear-zindagi |access-date=15 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118214930/http://gaana.com/album/love-you-zindagi-from-dear-zindagi |archive-date=18 November 2016 |url-status=live}} An audio jukebox of the album was subsequently released on YouTube on 10 November 2016.{{cite web |last=Sony Music India |date=10 November 2016 |title=
The album features a recreated version of the classic song "Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le," originally composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Gulzar and sung by Suresh Wadkar for the film Sadma (1983). The rendition in Dear Zindagi was included alongside original tracks, all of which reflect the film’s introspective tone and coming-of-age narrative.
Release
Dear Zindagi was released in the United States and Canada on 23 November 2016, followed by a worldwide release on 25 November 2016. It opened in approximately 1,200 theatres across India and 600 overseas.{{cite web |date=26 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi box office collection day 1: Alia Bhatt film wins audience's love |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dear-zindagi-box-office-collection-day-1-alia-bhatt-shah-rukh-khan-4395116/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126132047/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dear-zindagi-box-office-collection-day-1-alia-bhatt-shah-rukh-khan-4395116/ |archive-date=26 November 2016 |access-date=26 November 2016 |publisher=The Indian Express}} A special screening was held in Mumbai on 23 November 2016.{{cite news |date=24 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi review: Sushant Singh, Dia Mirza and other Bollywood celebrities rave about Shah Rukh-Alia's film |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/dear-zindagi-review-sushant-singh-dia-mirza-other-bollywood-celebrities-rave-about-shah-705394 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127174239/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/dear-zindagi-review-sushant-singh-dia-mirza-other-bollywood-celebrities-rave-about-shah-705394 |archive-date=27 November 2016 |access-date=3 December 2016 |newspaper=International Business Times}}
Reception
Dear Zindagi opened strongly in multiplexes across Mumbai, Mysore, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with a comparatively decent response in North India.{{cite news |date=2 December 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi Does Well in First Week |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=2512 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204153432/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=2512 |archive-date=4 December 2016 |access-date=7 December 2016 |work=Box Office India}}{{cite news |date=25 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi Takes bad Opening |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=2498 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127153600/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=2498 |archive-date=27 November 2016 |access-date=4 December 2016 |publisher=Box Office India}} In North America, the film released earlier to coincide with the Thanksgiving weekend. It collected ₹1.19 crore from 127 screens in the United States and ₹8.29 lakh from 16 screens in Canada on its first day. Over the extended two-day weekend, it grossed approximately ₹1.58 crore in North America.{{cite web |date=25 November 2016 |title=Box Office: Dear Zindagi Day 1 at North America |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-dear-zindagi-collects-184k-usd-1-27-cr-north-america-box-office-day-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128093908/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-dear-zindagi-collects-184k-usd-1-27-cr-north-america-box-office-day-1/ |archive-date=28 November 2016 |access-date=6 December 2016 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}{{cite web |date=26 November 2016 |title=Box Office: Dear Zindagi Day 1 in overseas |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-dear-zindagi-day-1-overseas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128100255/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-dear-zindagi-day-1-overseas/ |archive-date=28 November 2016 |access-date=6 December 2016 |work=Bollywood Hungama}} The film earned ₹94.67 crore in India and grossed ₹136 crore worldwide.{{cite web |date=26 November 2016 |title=Box Office: Worldwide Collections and Day wise breakup of Dear Zindagi |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-breakup-dear-zindagi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129171250/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-breakup-dear-zindagi/ |archive-date=29 November 2016 |access-date=28 November 2016 |work=Bollywood Hungama}}
= Critical response =
Dear Zindagi received generally positive reviews, with praise for Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan's performances, Gauri Shinde’s direction, the screenplay, music, and its thematic depth.{{cite news |date=25 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi review round-up: Here's what critics say about Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt film |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/dear-zindagi-review-round-heres-what-critics-say-about-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-film-705482 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203123910/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/dear-zindagi-review-round-heres-what-critics-say-about-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-film-705482 |archive-date=3 December 2016 |access-date=2 December 2016 |work=International Business Times}}{{cite news |date=25 November 2016 |title='Dear Zindagi' Critics' Verdict: A Must-Watch for Alia & SRK |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/2016/11/25/shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-dear-zindagi-gauri-shinde-reviews-film-critics-verdict-box-office-reactions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220075202/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/2016/11/25/shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-dear-zindagi-gauri-shinde-reviews-film-critics-verdict-box-office-reactions |archive-date=20 December 2016}} On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 73% approval rating based on 15 reviews, with an average score of 6.7/10.{{cite web |title=Dear Zindagi (2016) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dear_zindagi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413010213/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dear_zindagi |archive-date=13 April 2019 |access-date=21 May 2020 |work=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandango Media}}
Meena Iyer of The Times of India rated the film 3.5/5, describing Bhatt's character as "feisty" and commending the lead performances.{{cite news |author=Meena Iyer |date=24 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi Movie Review |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Dear-Zindagi/movie-review/55592513.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421160636/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Dear-Zindagi/movie-review/55592513.cms |archive-date=21 April 2021 |access-date=25 November 2016 |work=The Times of India}} Namrata Joshi of The Hindu gave 3/5, highlighting the chemistry between Bhatt and Khan despite "heavy-handed writing."{{cite news |author=Namrata Joshi |date=30 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi: Feels like group therapy |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/Dear-Zindagi-Feels-like-group-therapy/article16700774.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126065634/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/Dear-Zindagi-Feels-like-group-therapy/article16700774.ece |archive-date=26 November 2016 |access-date=26 November 2016 |work=The Hindu}} Ananya Bhattacharya of India Today called it "an emotional joyride" and recommended it for the actors’ performances.{{cite news |author=Ananya Bhattacharya |date=24 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi movie review: SRK and Alia are to watch out for |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dear-zindagi-movie-review-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt/1/819134.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125055851/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dear-zindagi-movie-review-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt/1/819134.html |archive-date=25 November 2016 |access-date=25 November 2016 |work=India Today}} Mayank Shekhar of Mid-Day rated it 3/5, describing it as a "conversational and mostly quiet" film.{{cite news |author=Mayank Shekhar |date=25 November 2016 |title='Dear Zindagi' – Movie Review |url=http://mid-day.com/articles/dear-zindagi-movie-review-alia-bhatt-shah-rukh-khan-gauri-shinde-film-bollywood-film-review/17782173 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126094033/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/dear-zindagi-movie-review-alia-bhatt-shah-rukh-khan-gauri-shinde-film-bollywood-film-review/17782173 |archive-date=26 November 2016 |access-date=6 December 2016 |work=Mid-Day}}
Conversely, Rohit Bhatnagar of Deccan Chronicle rated it 2.5/5, praising the acting but calling it a "one-time watch."{{cite news |author=Rohit Bhatnagar |date=25 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi movie review: Much ado about nothing |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/251116/dear-zindagi-movie-review-much-ado-about-nothing.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125092115/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/251116/dear-zindagi-movie-review-much-ado-about-nothing.html |archive-date=25 November 2016 |access-date=25 November 2016 |work=Deccan Chronicle}} Bollywood Hungama echoed this rating, calling it a "slow-paced cerebral tale."{{cite news |date=25 November 2016 |title=Movie Review: Dear Zindagi |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/dear-zindagi/critic-review/dear-zindagi-movie-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128232907/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/dear-zindagi/critic-review/ |archive-date=28 November 2016 |access-date=29 November 2016 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} Sweta Kaushal of Hindustan Times gave 2/5, criticizing its "hollow banter."{{cite news |author=Sweta Kaushal |date=28 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi review: Shah Rukh Khan is charming but this life is unreal |url=http://hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/dear-zindagi-review-shah-rukh-khan-is-charming-but-this-life-is-unreal/story-Q2qdCtY4pO2rBQzj39ZEHN.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128085139/http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/dear-zindagi-review-shah-rukh-khan-is-charming-but-this-life-is-unreal/story-Q2qdCtY4pO2rBQzj39ZEHN.html |archive-date=28 November 2016 |access-date=28 November 2016 |work=Hindustan Times}} Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express found the film lacking emotional depth despite strong performances.{{cite news |author=Shubhra Gupta |date=26 November 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi movie review: Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan film offers bumper-sticker self-help |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/dear-zindagi-movie-review-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-gauri-shinde-star-rating-4393126/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125174903/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/dear-zindagi-movie-review-shah-rukh-khan-alia-bhatt-gauri-shinde-star-rating-4393126/ |archive-date=25 November 2016 |access-date=26 November 2016 |work=The Indian Express}}
Internationally, Christine Iyer of The National rated it 4/5, praising Khan’s portrayal of Dr. Jehangir "Jug" Khan.{{cite news |author=Christine Iyer |date=24 November 2016 |title=Film review: Shah Rukh Khan delivers a brilliant low-key performance in Dear Zindagi |url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-life/film/film-review-shah-rukh-khan-delivers-a-brilliant-low-key-performance-in-dear-zindagi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201213034/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-life/film/film-review-shah-rukh-khan-delivers-a-brilliant-low-key-performance-in-dear-zindagi |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |work=The National}} Manjusha Radhakrishnan of Gulf News gave 3.5/5, calling the film “joyously entertaining.”{{cite news |author=Manjusha Radhakrishnan |date=24 November 2016 |title='Dear Zindagi' movie review |url=http://gulfnews.com/leisure/movies/reviews/dear-zindagi-movie-review-1.1934694 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125080501/http://gulfnews.com/leisure/movies/reviews/dear-zindagi-movie-review-1.1934694 |archive-date=25 November 2016 |access-date=25 November 2016 |work=Gulf News}} Anisha Jhaveri of IndieWire graded it A−, citing its "powerful message."{{cite news |author=Anisha Jhaveri |date=25 November 2016 |title='Dear Zindagi' Review: Second Film From 'English Vinglish' Director Doesn't Disappoint |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/dear-zindagi-review-gauri-shinde-english-vinglish-bollywood-1201749912/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213232313/http://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/dear-zindagi-review-gauri-shinde-english-vinglish-bollywood-1201749912/ |archive-date=13 December 2016 |access-date=2 December 2016 |publisher=IndieWire}} Shilpa Jamkhandikar of Reuters criticized its tendency to over-explain emotions,{{cite news |author=Shilpa Jamkhandikar |date=25 November 2016 |title=Movie Review: Dear Zindagi |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/dear-zindagi-review-bollywood-shah-rukh-idINKBN13K0HN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125073841/http://in.reuters.com/article/dear-zindagi-review-bollywood-shah-rukh-idINKBN13K0HN |archive-date=25 November 2016 |access-date=25 November 2016 |publisher=Reuters}} while Andy Webster of The New York Times called it an "insightful movie" and a “resounding victory.”{{cite news |author=Andy Webster |date=25 November 2016 |title=Review: In 'Dear Zindagi', a Conflicted Woman in Search of a Truer Life |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/25/movies/dear-zindagi-review.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126144422/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/25/movies/dear-zindagi-review.html |archive-date=26 November 2016 |access-date=26 November 2016 |work=The New York Times}}
Accolades
Controversy
In early November 2016, reports emerged that Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar had been replaced by Tahir Raj Bhasin in Dear Zindagi, following the 2016 Uri terror attack and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s call to ban Pakistani artists. However, on 14 November, Alia Bhatt denied the rumours, stating: "Nobody is being replaced. The film will release in its full form."{{cite news |date=2 November 2016 |title=BREAKING: Ali Zafar has been replaced by Tahir Bhasin in 'Dear Zindagi' |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-breaking-tahir-bhasin-replaces-ali-zafar-in-dear-zindagi-2269527 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223162733/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-breaking-tahir-bhasin-replaces-ali-zafar-in-dear-zindagi-2269527 |archive-date=23 December 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis}}{{cite news |date=15 November 2016 |title=Ali Zafar won't be dropped from 'Dear Zindagi', according to co-star Alia Bhatt |url=http://images.dawn.com/news/1176583 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201211449/http://images.dawn.com/news/1176583 |archive-date=1 December 2016 |access-date=1 December 2016 |newspaper=DAWN Images}} Although Zafar had recorded two songs for the film, his versions were replaced in the soundtrack album by Arijit Singh.{{cite news |date=7 December 2016 |title=REVEALED: Reason why Arijit Singh agreed to dub Ali Zafar's songs |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/revealed-reason-arijit-singh-agreed-dub-ali-zafars-songs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208002159/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/revealed-reason-arijit-singh-agreed-dub-ali-zafars-songs/ |archive-date=8 December 2016 |access-date=7 December 2016 |work=Bollywood Hungama |publisher=Subhash K. Jha}}{{cite web |date=18 October 2016 |title=Pak actor Ali Zafar's part in 'Dear Zindagi' will not see the light of day |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/181016/pakistani-actor-ali-zafars-part-in-dear-zindagi-will-not-see-the-light-of-day.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806183849/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/181016/pakistani-actor-ali-zafars-part-in-dear-zindagi-will-not-see-the-light-of-day.html |archive-date=6 August 2017 |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle}} Zafar’s original renditions were later released online.{{cite web |date=1 February 2017 |title=Tareefo Se by Ali Zafar Dear Zindagi |url=https://soundcloud.com/ali-zafar/tareefo-se-by-ali-zafar-dear-zindagi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303073618/https://soundcloud.com/ali-zafar/tareefo-se-by-ali-zafar-dear-zindagi |archive-date=3 March 2018 |access-date=1 February 2017 |via=Soundcloud}}{{cite web |date=16 February 2017 |title=Tu Hi Hai Ali Zafar version from Dear Zindagi |url=http://gaana.com/album/tu-hi-hai-ali-zafar-version-from-dear-zindagi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204341/http://gaana.com/album/tu-hi-hai-ali-zafar-version-from-dear-zindagi |archive-date=16 March 2017 |access-date=15 March 2017 |publisher=Sony Music India |via=Gaana}}
Following the film’s release, Canadian company Temple Street Productions served a legal notice to Dharma Productions, alleging that Dear Zindagi plagiarized elements from their television series Being Erica. Director Gauri Shinde denied the allegation.{{cite web |date=12 December 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi plagiarised? Shahrukh Khan, Alia Bhatt starrer gets sued |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/dear-zindagi-plagiarised-by-being-erica-team-shahrukh-khan-alia-bhatt-starrer-gets-sued/471801/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212141909/http://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/dear-zindagi-plagiarised-by-being-erica-team-shahrukh-khan-alia-bhatt-starrer-gets-sued/471801/ |archive-date=12 December 2016 |access-date=12 December 2016}}{{cite web |date=12 December 2016 |title=Dear Zindagi makers to be sued by Being Erica creators for plagiarism? |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-dear-zindagi-makers-to-be-sued-by-being-erica-creators-for-plagiarism-2281920 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214111106/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-dear-zindagi-makers-to-be-sued-by-being-erica-creators-for-plagiarism-2281920 |archive-date=14 December 2016 |access-date=12 December 2016 |work=Daily News & Analysis |publisher=UPALA KBR}}{{cite web |date=6 December 2016 |title=Is Dear Zindagi copied from Canadian TV series Being Erica? Gauri Shinde clarifies! |url=http://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/367971/dear-zindagi-copied-canadian-tv-series-being-erica-gauri-shinde-clarifies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208134401/http://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/367971/dear-zindagi-copied-canadian-tv-series-being-erica-gauri-shinde-clarifies |archive-date=8 December 2016 |access-date=12 December 2016}}{{cite web |date=5 December 2016 |title=How 'Dear Zindagi' Is a Replica of the TV Series 'Being Erica' |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/2016/12/05/dear-zindagi-inspired-being-erica-alia-bhatt-shah-rukh-khan-gauri-shinde-canadian-tv-series-copy-original |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220092246/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/2016/12/05/dear-zindagi-inspired-being-erica-alia-bhatt-shah-rukh-khan-gauri-shinde-canadian-tv-series-copy-original |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=12 December 2016}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://www.redchillies.com/movies/dear-zindagi Official website]
- {{IMDb title|5946128}}
- {{Rotten Tomatoes|dear_zindagi}}
{{Karan Johar}}
{{Dharma Productions}}
{{Red Chillies Entertainment}}
{{good article}}
Category:2010s Hindi-language films
Category:2010s coming-of-age drama films
Category:Films about depression
Category:Indian coming-of-age drama films
Category:Reliance Entertainment films
Category:Films scored by Amit Trivedi
Category:Red Chillies Entertainment films