Eleven years ago, a quirky Bollywood gem hit the screens, blending gut-busting laughs with a powerful message on body positivity and arranged marriages. Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar’s ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ captured hearts and box offices alike, proving that unconventional stories can triumph.
Shot in the quaint lanes of Haridwar, the film resonated far beyond its modest sets. On its 11th anniversary, Ayushmann took to social media to relive the magic, spotlighting his all-time favorite scene. In this hilarious moment, the newlyweds—Prem Prakash and Sandhya—are locked in a silent cold war post-wedding. Words fail them, so they turn to 80s Bollywood songs to communicate their frustrations.
The clip Ayushmann shared has fans in splits even today. ‘One of my favorite scenes from Dum Laga Ke Haisha,’ he captioned it. ‘They’re angry, not talking, yet expressing everything through music. I love how it shows emotions finding a way when words don’t. Music becomes dialogue, saying more than words ever could.’
This debut for Bhumi Pednekar was groundbreaking. At around 100 kg during filming, she shattered stereotypes as a leading lady embracing her curves for a story about weight, relationships, and acceptance. Post-release, she shed 35 kg, but the film’s impact endures.
Financially, it was a sleeper hit. Made on a Rs 14 crore budget, it raked in Rs 40 crore domestically and Rs 43 crore worldwide. Critics praised its tight scripting, family values, and social commentary, all woven into a feel-good narrative.