Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Turns 7: Naina-Aditi Give Us Friendship Goals

Seven years ago, our generation was blessed with a movie that would stay with us forever. If there's a film that I've watched so many times that I can now say the dialogues in sync, it is definitely Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. The Ayan Mukherji directorial explores varying themes that youngsters face including relationships, romance, ambition, but most importantly, friendship. When my dad proudly gives the example of Jai and Veeru portraying the most selfless friendship, I barge in with Naina and Aditi reflecting the most uplifting one. While Kalki Koechlin's Aditi was this badass girl living her life to the fullest who I adored with all my heart, I saw myself in Deepika Padukone's geeky Naina, struggling to find her place and questioning her identity until she fell in love with herself.

Many of us have companions with starkly opposite personalities and it's one of the most beautiful relationships. Staying who you are and respecting the other person as they are is how female friendships should look like.

An unexpected bond

When Naina sees her after the fun Holi celebration, the first thing she asks her is, "Tum theek ho?", which reflects how she knew all along what Aditi felt and wanted to be by her side.

Imagine finding a school acquaintance while you are grocery shopping and having an awkward conversation since the two of you hardly spoke to each other back in school. That's where the movie starts. Aditi tells Naina how she is going on a trip with Bunny and Avi, which triggers the free-spirited girl hidden within the nerd biology student. She joins them on the trekking trip where she discovers herself and falls in love with who she is. Cut to eight years later, Naina is the bridesmaid at Aditi's wedding and while raising a toast to her best friend, she reveals how she has witnessed every phase that Aditi has been through. An unexpected friendship proves to be a lifelong bond.

Being there for each other

Often, all we need is a "Are you alright?" from a friend to make us feel better. Aditi was put off as she was tired of Avi disregarding her feelings for him. When Naina sees her after the fun Holi celebration, the first thing she asks her is, "Tum theek ho?", which reflects how she knew all along what Aditi felt and wanted to be by her side. The eight years of friendship reflect how they were there for each other while Bunny distanced himself from the group and Avi developed gambling and alcohol issues. Also, when Bunny decides to run away from the wedding to explore Udaipur, it is Naina who persuades him not to because she wants Aditi to be happy. Isn't that what a best friend does?

Despite having such contrasting personalities, it is amazing how they connect with each other so much.

Also Read: Bollywood Movies That Promote Female Friendships

Embracing the differences

Naina is that studious girl who looks at all the "cool" people and wishes to be like them, all this while not realising that she was one of them in her own subtle way. On the other hand, Aditi is the fiery, crazy girl who lives life to the fullest. Despite having such contrasting personalities, it is amazing how they connect with each other so much. Be it on the trip when they dance and have fun together, or at Aditi's wedding when they are posing for pictures and just sit and share anecdotes.

Across all the themes the film touched upon, this strong female friendship caught my attention the most. I feel that they deserved more spotlight in the movie, though. I so wish to have more such portrayals in contrast to the ones that show women characters ready to bite each other heads off. Here's to friendships like Naina and Aditi!

Saavriti is an intern at SheThePeople.TV. The views expressed are the author's own.