10 Slice of Life 70’s Bollywood Classics

70s era ushered in a new wave of middle of the road cinema which focussed on slice of life events and occurrence that would be highly relatable to the audiences, not only during the 70s but viewers watching them during the television telecasts would also lap up such offbeat movies. Revisiting and listing top ten favourites from the Slice of Life Genre of 70s Bollywood, brief and quick synopsis. 

Buddha Mil Gaya(1971) directed by the principal of offbeat cinema Hrishikesh Mukherji lovingly called Hrishida was a comical suspense musical. R.D. Burman’s music was soulful, can you forget Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mei Aayi(Kishore)? With the ever jovial Om Prakash portraying the intriguing Buddha who’s connected to a series of cold blooded murders and the fresh cast of Navin Nishchol, Deven Verma & Archana, this may not be a blockbuster but it’s certainly a fun watch. 

Considered a cult classic that paved way for realistic middle of the road films Rajnigandha(1974) is like a fresh fragrant revelation that oozes simplicity and romanticism at its best. Vidya Sinha’s working woman role reflected the changing tradition of the 70s society, and Amol Palekar was everything a loveable middle class lover could be like. Salil Choudhary’s title song Rajnigandha Phool Tumhare(Lata) is sweetness personified. 



Apparently it’s adapted from a Bengali classic but only Hrishida knows how to perfect the art of remaking. Chupke Chupke(1975), A laugh riot about a professor who doubles up as a driver at his in-laws house leading to comical situations this was a squeaky clean family comedy. Dharmender, Amitabh, Om Prakash, Asrani everyone was in fine form. SD Burman’s scores in his final years were as fresh as ever like Ab Ke Sajan (Lata) and Chupke Chupke Chal Ri(Lata). 



Basu Chatterji’s Chhotisi Baat(1976) is the perfect medicine recommended for stress and low self esteem. Ashok Kumar, Amol Palekar and Asrani raised the bar higher with their superlative acts, how a young man low on confidence and self esteem takes guidance from an expert inorder to woo his beloved was a simple and sweet love story with generous dose of humour and motivational spirit. 



Chitchor(1976) a low budget Rajshri production was high on entertainment, soulful music and impressive performances. A Classic case of mistaken identities leads to comical as well as poignant situations, only actors like Amol Palekar and Zareena Wahab could’ve brought out the simplicity and naïveté of their characters so realistically and beautifully. Ravindra Jain’s melodies were a bonus, still on several playlists Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara(Yesudas), Jab Deep Jale Aana/ Tu Jo Mere Sur(Yesudas/Hemlata). 



A simple Love story about opposites attracting. Dillagi(1978)is about Two professors with diverse personalities who share a bittersweet camaraderie leading to hilarious events in this Basu Chatterji comedy. Though not a box office money spinner at that time it’s highly appreciable for the then superstars Dharmender and Hema to play roles outside their comfort zones. 



Yet another clean and entertaining movie from Basu Chatterji’s den. Khatta Meetha(1978) remake of a Hollywood hit dealt with two elderly people contemplating marriage in their old age which also means getting together of their respective children under one roof. Several laugh out loud scenes later you realise this is actually “all about loving your family”, both Ashok Kumar and Pearl Padamsee were irresistibly cute and charming as the lead pair. Rajesh Roshan composed the all time classic Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat(Kishore/Lata). 



Extra marital affair a serious issue was projected as light humour by B R Chopra in his runaway hit comedy Pati Patni Aur Woh(1978) starring Sanjeev Kumar, Vidya Sinha & Ranjita in the titular roles. Chopra’s expertise ensured the subject was dealt with humorously without any hint of offensive content. The song Thande Thande Pani Se(Mahendra/ Asha/ Sushma) is till date a popular chartbuster. 



Basu Chatterji’s Baton Baton Mein(1979) chronicles the life of Christian community settled in Bombay in the late 70s, an helicopter mother desperately hunting a well earning groom for her daughter eventually leading to situational comedy formed the base of this musical love story. Uthe Sab Ke Kadam Tara Rum Pum Pum(Lata/ Kishore) is an all time chartbuster. Amol Palekar was perfectly cast with a French beard and the lovely Tina looked as fresh as a daffodil. 



Golmaal(1979) still rates as an all time classic comedy. Hrishida was at his all time peak and the movie turned out to be a major box office success in a crowd of action dramas released around the same time. Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt’s onscreen chemistry had the viewers enjoying the comedy of errors. R.D. Burman’s music was like an icing on the cake with hits like Aanewala Pal(Kishore) and the title song. One comedy where even the supporting artists got generous footage on screen like Deven Verma, Om Prakash and David Abraham. How can one forget Dina Pathak entering Palekar’s house through a congested bathroom window & getting stuck?