Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan in K3G
For many women in India, Karwa Chauth as a festival took a more concrete shape and form thanks to movies like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Baghban. The elaborate Karwa Chauth scenes in these films underlined the importance of the festival, and also turned into a fad of sorts. There is something fascinating about dressing to the nines and proving your love for your spouse by fasting all day. The female audience of Bollywood movies bought into the trend pretty quickly, and Karwa Chauth also became popular among people who are traditionally not obliged to observe it.
Karwa Chauth is observed in certain Hindu communities, predominantly by married women. It is a day-long fast women observe as a symbol of their love for their husbands, praying for their long lives. Wives fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the health of their husbands. The fast is broken after spotting the moon in the evening. Husbands are supposed to feed their wives to break the fast.
Actress Kajol has been part of two elaborate Karwa Chauth sequences on screen, thanks to her films Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Earlier this year, she said that the simple ceremony has become more grand and elaborate because of Bollywood movies.
"Karwa Chauth in K3G and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge has spoilt Karwa Chauth for all men and women. Now they have to wear good clothes. Earlier, it was just a simple ceremony. Suddenly Karwa Chauth became this big function, a fashion deal where everyone has to get dressed. Women have to wear jewellery, poori dukaan ban kar baith jaao bas. Bhookh bhi chalegi as long as you are looking good while you are starving," she had said.
She added that women walk up to her and tell her that her films have spoiled Karwa Chauth for them. "Tum logon ne humare liye Karwa Chauth kharab kar diya (You guys have spoilt Karwa Chauth for us)." The actress also shared how today's paparazzi are also keen on knowing how celebrities are celebrating Karwa Chauth. She shared, "It has become an event. Now even paparazzi come outside our house to see ki chaand ko dekha ya nahi iss saal. (Whether they are observing the festival this year or not)," she added.
Kajol played the role of Simran in DDLJ, who was seen observing a fast for Shah Rukh Khan before their marriage. In K3G, the festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur in London. The song Bole Chudiyan was filmed during the Karwa Chauth sequence.
