A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ALL THE WAYS IN WHICH BOLLYWOOD HAS EXPLORED REBIRTH IN CINEMA
by ASJAD NAZIR
WITH the Covid-19 lockdown slowly coming to an end, most people around the world will be starting again and those who have defeated the killer disease will feel like they are having a rebirth.
Luckily, Bollywood has been exploring the theme of reincarnation in interesting ways across the decades with stories from different genres, which have expanded the horizons of commercial Indian cinema. This has resulted in timeless classics and may provide some sort of inspiration for those who feel like they are starting all over again.
So that is why Eastern Eye decided now was a good a time as any to present an all you need to know A to Z of reincarnation in Bollywood.
A is for Aayega Aanewala: India’s first major reincarnation movie hit Mahal (1949) featured record-breaking song Aayega Aanewala, which was the first big step towards turning Lata Mangeshkar into the greatest singing star in India. Aayega Aanewala was the most successful song ever at the time and was used cleverly in the plot to reconnect those supposedly separated. This would inspire other films to do the same.
B is for Buzzing: Although 2012 release Eega is a South Indian film, a Bollywood version dubbed in Hindi titled Makkhi was released. Perhaps the most unique reincarnation film, it revolves around a deceased man returning as a fly out to avenge his own murder.
C is for Chandni Chowk To China: The big budget 2009 release wasn’t great, but it was unique in the fact that it revolves around a Delhi-based vegetable cutter who is tricked into thinking he is the reincarnation of a Chinese war hero.
D is for Dangerous Ishhq: The 2012 film attempted something different with the genre. It told the tale of the same two lovers in four different time periods, who keep getting separated by the antagonist and how they finally try breaking the deadly cycle. Although the theme was unique, the only decent thing about the movie was the marvellous music.
E is for Ek Paheli Leela: The Bollywood reincarnation genre got a little steamy for the first time in 2015 with former adult film star Sunny Leone playing the lead role in the story of two lovers separated and reconnected in a later life.
F is for Future: The one thing pretty much all reincarnation dramas in Bollywood have in common is that the protagonists from past lives return to modern day, but 2008 science fiction film Love Story 2050 attempted something different. The hero finds his murdered lover reborn when he hops in a time machine and travels to the future.
G is for Ghost: A popular element in Bollywood reincarnation dramas has been the presence of a ghost and most have been restless spirits looking for some type of closure. In Madhumati and Om Shanti Om, the ghost returns to exact revenge, but in Neel Kamal it is a heartbroken man looking to reconnect with a lost love who has returned in human form.
H is for Hamesha: Another common staple of the Bollywood reincarnation drama is the antagonist staying alive after he has murdered the protagonists. That is exactly what happens in 1997 drama Hamesha where the villain kills a love rival and sees the object of his affection commit suicide, then many years later he encounters the reincarnated versions of them. A similar thing happens in Karan Arjun, where two protagonists are reborn to exact revenge on the villain. The villain also remains in alive in films, including Om Shanti Om and Karz.
I is for Immortal love: The connecting factor of all romantic reincarnation dramas is immortal love and two people destined to be together, reuniting after being reborn. Whether it is unrequited love, a romantic reunion or one protagonist needing closure, the common thread is an eternal love across the ages.
J is for Janam Janam: In Bollywood a protagonist who is unaware of a previous life usually finds out after visiting a certain location, which will usually trigger memories from the past and this has occurred in many films. In 1988 drama Janam Janam, an architect takes shelter in a mansion during a journey to a distant town and while there starts recollecting a past life.
K is for Karz: The 1980 cult classic is widely regarded as one of the all time greatest reincarnation films. Apart from the story that ticked all the boxes of the genre, the film is remembered for the music, moments and song titles that would go onto inspire other movies. It also resulted in a rubbish 2008 remake starring Himesh Reshammiya, but we won’t talk about that.
L is for Love: The most common subject in a Bollywood reincarnation film is love, which usually involves the two soul mates being separated and then being reunited after they are reborn. Most times, both will take human form and on other occasions, like in 1968 film Neel Kamal, one will reappear as a ghost looking for closure.
M is Madhumati: The greatest Bollywood reincarnation film is the classic starring Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala and Pran. The highest grossing Bollywood film of 1958, Madhumati won a record-breaking number of Filmfare Awards and inspired pretty much every film that followed in the genre in some way, which included the climax of smash hit 2007 release Om Shanti Om. There are also scenes, camera angles, characters and plot elements that reappeared in films from diverse genres.
N is for Night: Whether it is stumbling on to a past life or being contacted by a ghost in some way, the spooky elements of the genre not surprisingly occur in the night in most of the films. This has not only added atmosphere, but also been used as an element to trigger memories.
O is for Om Shanti Om: The highest grossing Bollywood film of 2007 showed the reincarnation genre was alive and well. The smash hit movie that introduced Bollywood audiences to current queen Deepika Padukone took elements from diverse dramas in the same genre from the past and repackaged it for a modern day audience, which included a song with a record-breaking number of star cameos.
P is for Portrait: One way a protagonist finds out about a previous life is stumbling on to a painting in a mansion of themselves. The painting will then subsequently trigger memories from a past life as was the case for 1976 film Mehbooba and many other movies.
Q is for Quest: Every reincarnation drama is essentially about the completion of a journey that was interrupted in one life. There will either be lovers reuniting, a soul being set free, revenge or some kind of justice, so there will be a beginning in one life and an end in the next.
R is for Revenge: The second most common theme in reincarnation dramas after love is vengeance. That revenge will usually revolve around the person being murdered being reborn to seek revenge. In popular 1995 film Karan Arjun, two slain brothers are reborn to exact revenge on the bad guy.
S is for Songs: The main element of songs in a movie has been to provide entertainment, but in most reincarnation movies songs have been used as trigger to remember a past life, which has included films like Karz, Neel Kamal, Mehbooba, Mahal and so many more.
T is for Trigger: Every film in the genre has some sort of trigger that reawakens memories from a past life and songs have been the most popular, but there have been others. Two interesting ones were a fear of fire in Om Shanti Om and a riverboat ride in 1967 romantic drama Milan.
U is for Urumeen: One of the ways Bollywood has had access to reincarnation dramas is Hindi dubbed versions of South Indian films. Hit 2015 Tamil film Urumeen was set across three generations and released in Hindi in 2018 as Hindustani Jaanbaaz. Most successful Bollywood reincarnation dramas have been dubbed into regional languages or inspired remakes.
V is for Visions: Quite often memories from a past life will result in a protagonist having hallucinations and flashes from a past life, which were included in 1995 romantic drama Prem.
W is for Woman: In 2005 comedy Mr Ya Miss, they decided to do things a little differently by having a womaniser learn important life lessons when he is reincarnated as a lady and slowly learns the error of his ways.
X is for X Factor: One of the main commercial appeals of the genre has been getting popular stars to play more than one role, which meant film fans got a double dose of their favourite star.
Y is for Yuga Purusha: The popularity of 1980 film Karz was such that it was remade in the Kannada language as Yuga Purusha. The regional Indian language 1989 musical was a blockbuster hit at the box office.
Z is for Zakir: In 2017 drama Raabta, Zakir is the main villain and commits a murder that separates two lovers and then he, along with the protagonists, gets reborn centuries later to relive a similar scenario. Like all the antagonists, he commits the heinous act that connects the story to the rebirth.
It may be an essential life skill, but for many, cooking at home can feel intimidating – especially for beginners.
With the cost-of-living crisis, more people are choosing to prepare their own meals and experiment with dishes in their kitchens. Others, inspired by restaurant dishes, social media trends and the rise in home cooking during Covid-19, are now looking to improve their own culinary skills.
The master chef offers simple, easy tips for making tasty and healthy meals at homeInstagram/ thegrande_stratford
Eastern Eye joined this spicy trend by inviting acclaimed chef Sultan Al-Mahmood from the Grande Restaurant in London to share his expert cooking advice for all abilities.
With more than 30 years of experience – including cooking for celebrities, politicians and the Bangladesh national cricket team, as well as running multiple restaurants – the master chef offers simple, easy tips for making tasty and healthy meals at home.
Basics: Before diving into complex recipes, start by learning fundamental skills like chopping vegetables, boiling food such as pasta, and making simple dishes like omelettes. Also understand what different ingredients – especially spices – do. A solid foundation in the basics will set you up for success with more advanced cooking.
Recipes: One of the most common mistakes is not reading a recipe properly. Always read the full recipe before you begin to ensure you have all the ingredients and tools you need. Then follow the instructions carefully – including timings, portion sizes and temperatures.
Always prioritise safety in the kitchenInstagram/ thegrande_stratford
Plan and prepare: A little planning goes a long way. Have all ingredients ready before you start – this includes cutting, peeling and chopping anything in advance. It will make the cooking process smoother and less stressful.
Organisation: A calm, clean and organised kitchen is far more efficient than a cluttered one. Keep your essential tools within reach, and clean as you go. A tidy workspace not only makes cooking more enjoyable but also means less cleaning up afterwards.
Safety: Always prioritise safety in the kitchen. Use oven mitts for hot dishes, turn pot handles inward, store knives properly and take care when handling hot oil or boiling water. Be mindful of flames and keep children away from potential hazards.
Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs, seasonal produce and good-quality protein-rich foods will elevate the flavour of your dishes and are usually healthier too.
Tools: A workman is only as good as his tools – and the same applies in the kitchen. Invest in good-quality knives, pots and pans. Many people continue using old or worn-out equipment, which can make cooking more difficult. Keep knives sharp for better and safer results.
Spices: Indian cuisine offers a wide variety of spices, yet many people use only a handful. Start learning about the different spices available and how they affect flavour. Gradually incorporate more into your cooking for better depth and variety.
Perfect pans: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can affect cooking time, temperature and taste. Always preheat your pan before adding ingredients – it helps prevent sticking and improves results. Heat: Understanding temperature is essential. Know the difference between low, medium and high heat, and learn how to control your oven or hob settings. Heat affects everything from texture to taste.
Avoid overcrowding the panInstagram/ thegrande_stratford
Embrace mistakes: Cooking is a lifelong learning process – even for professionals. Mistakes will happen. Use them as opportunities to improve your skills and confidence in the kitchen.
Get inspired: Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are full of expert guidance in all cuisines. Use them to expand your knowledge and techniques. Recipe websites and blogs are also helpful learning tools.
Cooking classes: Join a cooking class to learn from experts. The sessions provide hands-on experience, build confidence and are often fun, social environments. There are more classes available now than ever before, including many that are focused on Indian cuisine.
Learn from elders: If classes are not an option, learn from older family members. There is a reason so many people say their parents cook the tastiest food – they have experience and are usually happy to pass it on.
Storage: Proper storage extends the life of both raw ingredients and cooked food. Invest in airtight containers and learn what belongs in each compartment of the fridge or freezer. Good storage habits reduce waste and keep food fresh.
Taste: One of your best cooking tools is your own palate. Taste your food as you cook – it helps you adjust seasoning and prevents surprises when serving. Also get feedback from family and friends to help improve your dishes.
Experiment: Once you are comfortable with the basics, do not be afraid to experiment. Try new flavours, cuisines and techniques. Most importantly, enjoy the process. The more you cook, the more confident you will become.
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As we mark Diabetes Awareness Week (10–16 June), it’s time to shine a light on how disproportionately it affects south Asian women
We often talk about diabetes and menopause as two separate issues. But for many South Asian women in midlife, they collide quietly, invisibly, and with lasting impact.
As we mark Diabetes Awareness Week (10–16 June), it’s time to shine a light on this hidden overlap - and how it disproportionately affects women in our community.
At The Sattva Collective CIC, I work with South Asian women who are often battling low energy, mood changes, increased abdominal fat, and disrupted sleep. These aren’t just symptoms of a busy life - they’re red flags. Often, they’re signs of both perimenopause and early-stage Type 2 diabetes. And unless we start having this conversation more openly, too many women will fall through the cracks.
Why is this happening?
During menopause, oestrogen levels decline. This has a knock-on effect on metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and fat storage - all key players in diabetes risk. Meanwhile, cultural expectations of South Asian women - to keep giving, keep cooking, keep showing up - don’t leave much space for self-care or rest.
Add to this our traditional diets, which often lean heavily on carbs and fried foods, and it’s no surprise that South Asian women are particularly vulnerable.
But many don’t seek help until their health is seriously compromised. Why? Because in our culture, suffering quietly is often seen as strength.
We need to redefine what strength looks like.
True strength is recognising when your body is whispering for help - and responding before it starts screaming.
It’s choosing yourself, even when the world expects you to choose everyone else first.
It’s booking that health check. Asking the difficult questions. Saying no. Resting. Eating for nourishment, not just tradition. And surrounding yourself with women who are also reclaiming their health and their voice.
The South Asian Midlife Reality
Midlife for many of us is a crossroads. Culturally, we’ve been taught to keep going - no matter the cost. But the cost is becoming too high. Type 2 diabetes is preventable. And menopause is manageable. But only if we’re willing to challenge the silence and prioritise our wellbeing.
What you can do today
Don’t ignore symptoms. Tiredness, cravings, or foggy thinking could be more than hormones or stress.
Get screened. Especially if diabetes runs in your family or if you had gestational diabetes.
Eat mindfully. Incorporate fibre-rich vegetables, lentils, and whole grains while reducing sugary and processed foods.
Rebuild rituals. Turn meals, movement and rest into acts of self-respect, not duty.
Join a community. Being with others who understand your journey can be deeply healing.
As South Asian women, we deserve to thrive, not just survive. Let Diabetes Awareness Week be the turning point where we begin to see our health, our hormones, and our future through a lens of compassion and care.
(Kiran Singh is a lifestyle coach and menopause wellness coach. For more information about her work, you can visit kiransinghuk.com)
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning over the safety of certain pistachio-filled chocolate bars known as “Dubai chocolate”, amid growing popularity in the UK. The agency says some rogue imports could pose health risks, especially to those with allergies.
Allergen risk from mislabelled imports
Although many of the products being sold are safe, the FSA has found several chocolate bars that lack proper ingredient labelling or include potentially dangerous additives. The agency said some of these products do not comply with UK food safety standards and may not clearly highlight allergens, which is a legal requirement.
Professor Robin May, the FSA’s chief scientific adviser, said: “The vast majority of food in the UK is safe, but some imported Dubai-style chocolate products don’t meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies.”
He advised shoppers to stick with “trusted retailers”, such as supermarkets or well-established online sellers, where products are more likely to be made with UK consumers in mind and labelled correctly.
What is Dubai chocolate?
The treat first gained popularity in 2021, when it was created by British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda in Dubai. The chocolate bar features a filling of pistachio cream, tahini, and knafeh — a traditional Arab dessert made from shredded filo pastry soaked in syrup.
Its rise to fame was fuelled by social media. One video of a food influencer trying the bar went viral on TikTok, gaining more than 100 million views. Since then, the product has become highly sought after across the UK.
Growing demand and pistachio shortage
Dubai chocolate has become so popular that it has been blamed in part for a global shortage of pistachios. The soaring demand has led major brands, including Lindt, and supermarket chains such as Lidl and Waitrose, to release their own versions of the snack.
However, the FSA warns that some bars sold through unverified sellers may be illegal imports, containing unauthorised colourings or ingredients. UK law requires all food sold to include English-language labelling, a full ingredient list, highlighted allergens, and the contact details of the responsible UK or EU-based business.
Ongoing investigation
The FSA is working with local authorities to remove any unsafe products from shelves and is continuing its investigation to understand the scale of the issue. In the meantime, consumers with food allergies or intolerances are urged to only purchase bars clearly intended for UK sale.
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A 1993 study in the UK suggested a curious correlation
The date Friday the 13th has long been linked to misfortune. Whether you are superstitious or not, it is a date that stands out, referenced in films, books, songs and urban legends alike. But where did this association with bad luck begin, and does it really deserve its eerie reputation?
Biblical roots of the superstition
The origins of the Friday the 13th superstition are widely believed to stem from Christian tradition. According to Biblical accounts, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, the day he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who was also the 13th guest at the Last Supper. This combination of the number 13 and the day Friday laid the groundwork for its ominous legacy.
Is Friday the 13th really unlucky?
Despite its reputation, there is no scientific evidence that Friday the 13th brings more bad luck than any other day. Still, the superstition persists.
A 1993 study in the UK suggested a curious correlation: even though fewer people drove on Friday the 13th, the number of transport-related accidents was higher than usual. However, the findings were based on data from only one town, leading to questions about the study's validity.
In contrast, a 2011 German study found no increased risk of accidents or bad luck on Friday the 13th compared to other days.
Some researchers believe it's not the day itself that’s unlucky, but that people may act differently because they expect bad things to happen, potentially creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
A phobia with a long name
If Friday the 13th fills you with dread, there’s an official name for that fear: friggatriskaidekaphobia. The term comes from ‘Frigga’, the Norse goddess for whom Friday is named, and ‘triskaidekaphobia’, the fear of the number 13.
Historical events on Friday the 13th
While there’s no proof the day is cursed, several tragic events have happened on Friday the 13th, fuelling the superstition:
13 October 1307: Hundreds of Knights Templar were arrested by the French monarchy, many later executed.
13 September 1940: Buckingham Palace was bombed during WWII.
13 March 1964: Kitty Genovese was murdered in New York, sparking a national conversation on bystander apathy.
13 November 1970: A cyclone in Bangladesh killed over 300,000 people.
13 October 1972: A plane crashed in the Andes, later portrayed in Society of the Snow.
13 September 1996: Tupac Shakur died following a shooting in Las Vegas.
13 January 2012: The Costa Concordia cruise ship crashed off the Italian coast, killing 30 people.
Of course, tragic events occur on many other dates too. But Friday the 13th continues to capture the imagination, precisely because of its long, often grim, cultural history.
Whether you see it as superstition, coincidence or cultural myth, Friday the 13th has cemented its place as the world’s most infamous date. While there's no proof it's any more dangerous than any other day, its eerie reputation ensures it never goes unnoticed.
If you have ever struggled to drag yourself to the gym after a long day at work – or if your motivation tends to dip midworkout – you are not alone. The simple solution to this all-too-common problem is a gym buddy.
A workout partner, or even a small gym crew, can be a game-changer for any fitness journey. Whether you are a regular gym-goer or just starting out, pairing up with someone can improve consistency, boost motivation and make exercise more enjoyable.
The great news is that the gym is an easy place to make new friends. From chatting between sets to joining group classes or asking someone for a spot, the shared goal of getting fitter often leads to genuine connection. Many gyms now offer community events, buddy challenges and team-based training programmes that encourage interaction. Before long, a stranger at the squat rack might become your most trusted accountability partner.
Here is why the buddy system works:
Accountability: It is much harder to skip leg day when someone is waiting for you. A gym buddy keeps you on track simply by showing up – and expecting you to do the same. Over time, it becomes a positive habit.
Motivation: A good workout partner pushes you when you are tempted to quit. A shared high-five after hitting a new personal best is far more satisfying than a solo win. They also encourage you to push just a little harder.
Safety: Whether you are attempting a bench press or trying a new move, a buddy can spot you – helping prevent injury and building confidence when lifting heavier weights. Competition: A bit of friendly rivalry can work wonders. Trying to match each other’s efforts boosts performance and makes workouts feel more dynamic and engaging.
Partner exercises: There are many exercises you can do with a partner – from medicine ball passes and resistance band rows to partner planks and tandem squats. These moves build trust and make sessions more interactive. It is also a fun way to break routine and add energy to your training.
Social connection: The gym can be a surprisingly social space. Striking up a conversation by the dumbbell rack or joining a group circuit session can lead to lasting friendships. Many gyms also offer running clubs, weekend bootcamps or group hikes. For some, the gym becomes not just a place to train, but a community.
Shared goals: Having someone to share milestones with – whether training for a race, hitting a strength target or losing weight – offers valuable emotional support. Working toward a goal together builds teamwork and creates moments of mutual celebration.
Whether it is your best mate, partner, co-worker or someone you met at spin class, having a gym buddy can transform fitness from a chore into a shared lifestyle. The encouragement, laughter and collective effort can turn an ordinary workout into the highlight of your day.
Having a gym buddy can transform fitnessInstagram/ flexandfuel_official
So next time you are tempted to train alone, consider teaming up. You might get double the results – and discover the best gym hack yet.
Nesreen G and Jayeeta Dutta believe in creating sustainable ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and are here to share top tips. They don’t just chase goals, they crush them. Instagram: @flexandfuel_official