“You can take an Indian out of India but can’t take India out of an Indian.” This is not just a saying. This is an emotion that lies in the heart of every individual that calls this part of the world their motherland. There are over 1.36 crore Indians living in different parts of the world. Thousands of Indians move to different countries in the world for studies or job purposes. What changes is the time zone, eating habits and maybe living habits? However, an Indian is always an Indian no matter wherever one goes.

Indians living in the country are very keen on knowing how their country mates living in different countries lead their life.

The only way we get to know about our countrymen living in foreign countries is through social media, the internet or movies. While social media is still not accessible to all, movies have been there for a long time. A number of Bollywood movies based on non-resident Indians have been made in India and they have received immense love from the audience. There is a different charm in watching your countrymen doing good in different countries and it is one of the reasons behind the success of such movies.

Another reason is the Indian culture that does not fade away with increasing distances or changing boundaries. We’ve brought to you a list of 7 such movies that are based on non-resident Indians.

I Proud To Be An Indian

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I Proud To Be An India is a movie based on racism faced by Indians in London. The Sohail Khan-starrer movie is directed by Puneet Sira and got released on February 13, 2004. Sohail Khan plays the role of an Indian man who travels to London for a family wedding and finds out the racism faced by the Indian community by a racist group in London. But unlike others, Sohail Khan (I) decides to fight back. After facing a setback and several challenges, ‘I’ beats the racist group with the help of his family and fellow Indians. This is a story of strength, courage and fight back. This is a must-watch for Indians.

Swades

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Swades is not just one of the best movies of Shahrukh Khan but also one of the finest movies of Bollywood based on non-resident Indians. The movie starring Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi is a story of an NRI working in NASA. The man is shocked to see the condition in which his grandfather and fellow villagers are living when he returns to India. He finds it hard to leave the country and return to the luxuries. He helps his fellow villagers in generating electricity by setting up a Hydroelectricity plant. The movie has some very famous songs. The movie was released in 2004 and has been directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.

Purab aur Paschim

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Purab aur Paschim is one of the most iconic movies in Hindi cinema. The remarkable movie starring Manoj Kumar and Saira Banu is a must-watch for people who think the Indian culture is inferior. Manoj Kumar shows a mirror to fellow Indians and some foreigners while describing the greatness of the country. The movie released in 1970 was produced by Manoj Kumar as well. 

Also Read, Celebs from Bollywood who are NOT Indian citizens

Patiala House

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If you come from a very conservative family where you are not allowed to have the career option of your choice, you might change your family’s perspective after showing the film to them. It is also a wonderful movie for cricket lovers. The movie features Akshay Kumar, Rishi Kapoor and Anushka Sharma. It is the story of an NRI man who wants to play cricket for England but his father doesn’t want him to play for any other country. Moreover, he can’t play for India as he is a British citizen. The movie came out in 2011.

Namaste London

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“Maybe your grandfather didn’t tell you that we have the third-largest army in the world. And even then, I fold my hands in humility before you because we don’t believe that we are above or beneath any individual.” This is a part of Akshay Kumar’s monologue from the movie that spread like a wildfire. Vipul Shah directed Namaste London features Akshay Kumar, Katarina Kaif and Rishi Kapoor. It is the love story of an Indian man who falls in love with an NRI woman who looks down upon Indian culture and is very proud of being a Westerner. However, Akshay shows her the greatness of Indian culture and eventually wins her love.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

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Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is one of the most popular romantic Hindi films of all time. The Aditya Chopra directed, and Shahrukh Khan and Kajol starrer movie was released in 1995. It is the story of Raj and Simran. Raj, an NRI boy, falls in love with Simran, an NRI girl. The love story of the couple witnesses a roadblock as Simran’s weather wants to marry his daughter to an Indian boy in order to bring her back to India. It also holds the record of being the longest-running film in the history of Indian cinema. It ran for over 20 years in Maratha Mandir theatre of Mumbai.

Also Read, 10 Bollywood Movies Where Age Gap Between The Lead Couple Was…

Pardes

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The musical drama that released in 1997 is a musical drama film portraying a unique love story. The movie features Shahrukh Khan, Mahima Chaudhary, Apurva Agnihotri and Amrish Puri. Kishori Lal (Amrish Puri) wants an India bride for his NRI son (Apurva) and gets him engaged to Ganga (Mahima). The twist in the plot comes as Ganga falls in love with Arjun (Shahrukh), Kishorilal’s foster son. This is one of the best love stories of the Indian cinema.