Just a thought.
Shriya isn't necessarily (a practising) Hindu, and the Diwali might not be celebrated purely for religious reasons but more for cultural ones, in a similar way that many Christians celebrate Christmas not for the actual birth of Jesus but to uphold traditions and spend time with their families.
Also, I felt the church scene -- I'll admit I laughed when I suddenly remembered how often Johar indulges in portraying these! -- wasn't misplaced or genuinely religious. I know for a fact that many people don't mind praying in other religions' houses of worship. Also, it could be that the place where they (in the movie) live doesn't have a Hindu temple nearby to which they could go to pray.
But most of all, there are many signs that this movie is noticeably nonreligious: their house has neither shrine nor deities representations (crucifixes, statues, pictures and such); the conversation Aman has with his children tactfully avoided falling into religious discourse; even at the church, you don't see them performing typical rites of any particular religion (praying and lighting a candle are not, I believe, staples of Christianity).
To state Johar is pushing a religious agenda through this movie is completely unfounded. Hell, if there are movies where religion could play a major part, it's a film such as this one, where death, sickness and suffering are dealt with in a intimate way.
I didn't really like the movie, to be honest, but if there's one aspect I appreciated is that they weren't preachy at all about religion.
reply
share
RRHowell41
13 years ago
Shreya does all her praying shown in the movie in a Christian context, both with and without kids. She prays in church Roman Catholic style. She was shown praying when troubled about her relationship with her boyfriend.
Maya celebrates Diwali, and her daughter gets married Hindu style.
This movie wasn't preachy about religion, but it also wasn't unrealistic about it. Why shouldn't Shreya be Christian?
reply
share