Hello dear friends,
I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood.
Today’s writing prompt asks a fascinating question:
“What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you wish you could experience again for the first time?”
At first glance, this may seem like a question about entertainment. But if we think deeply, it is really a question about emotions, memories, and those rare experiences that leave a permanent imprint on our hearts.
Many books entertain us. Many movies impress us. Many television shows keep us engaged. But only a few become a part of our lives.
If I could experience one movie again for the very first time, without any memory of it, my choice would undoubtedly be the timeless Hindi classic “Anand.”
More Than a Movie
Some films tell a story.
Some films teach a lesson.
But Anand does something far greater—it gently holds a mirror before life itself.
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and brought to life by the unforgettable performances of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, Anand is not merely about a man suffering from a terminal illness. It is about how one chooses to live despite knowing that life is limited.
The first time I watched Anand, I expected sadness. What I discovered instead was wisdom wrapped in humor, hope, and humanity.
As the famous dialogue reminds us:
“Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi.”
Life should be meaningful, not merely long.
That single line contains a philosophy powerful enough to change the way we view our own lives.
The Beauty of Unexpected Emotions
One reason I would love to experience Anand again for the first time is the emotional journey it creates.
The movie makes us laugh when we least expect it.
It makes us smile through tears.
And when the final moments arrive, they leave us speechless.
The power of the film lies in its simplicity. There are no grand spectacles or complicated plots. Instead, it presents ordinary human emotions with extraordinary honesty.
Watching Anand spread joy while carrying the burden of his own mortality reminds us that everyone is fighting battles we cannot see.
As the saying goes:
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
This lesson feels even more relevant today than it did decades ago.
Lessons About Living
Most people spend their lives preparing to live.
They wait for the perfect opportunity, the perfect job, the perfect house, or the perfect moment.
Anand teaches us that life is happening right now.
Every sunrise, every conversation, every shared cup of tea, every laugh with a friend is a gift.
The movie encourages us to appreciate what we have rather than constantly chasing what we lack.
One of my favorite life quotes says:
“Do not count the days; make the days count.”
Anand lives this philosophy beautifully.
Although he knows his days are numbered, he fills them with laughter, friendship, compassion, and unforgettable memories.
In many ways, he is richer than people who have decades ahead of them but never truly live.
Why First Experiences Are So Special
Psychologists tell us that our brains remember first experiences vividly because they are filled with novelty and emotion.
The first time we encounter a powerful story, we do not know what is coming next.
Every scene surprises us.
Every emotion feels fresh.
Every lesson arrives naturally.
Even though I have watched Anand several times, I can never fully recreate the feelings I experienced during that first viewing—the anticipation, the laughter, the tears, and the profound silence after the film ended.
That is the magic of a masterpiece.
A Movie That Stays With You Forever
Many films entertain us for a few hours.
Anand has stayed with us for years.
Its dialogues become life lessons.
Its characters feel like old friends.
Its message continues to echo in our hearts long after the credits roll.
Whenever life becomes stressful or uncertain, I find myself remembering Anand’s spirit—his ability to smile despite adversity and spread happiness despite his pain.
Perhaps that is why the film remains beloved across generations.
It speaks a universal language: the language of humanity.
My Final Submission
If I could experience any movie again for the first time, it would undoubtedly be Anand.
Not because it is perfect, but because it reminds us of what truly matters.
It teaches us that life is precious, relationships are priceless, and happiness is often found in the simplest moments.
As another beautiful quote reminds us:
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
Anand is one of those rare moments.
And if given the chance, I would gladly relive that emotional journey once again—as if I were watching it for the very first time.
Thank you for reading.
“Babumoshai, zindagi aur maut uparwale ke haath mein hai… lekin jeena kaise hai, yeh humare haath mein hai.”
BE HAPPY… BE ACTIVE… BE FOCUSED… BE ALIVE
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Categories: infotainment
Retiredकलम 
very nice .
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This was such a wonderful read Verma ji. 🌷 I love how you connected the prompt to something much deeper than entertainment. Anand has a rare ability to make us laugh, cry, reflect, and appreciate life all at once. Your writing perfectly conveys why some stories stay with us long after the credits roll.🤍✨
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I agree this statement is true for myself
Psychologists tell us that our brains remember first experiences vividly because they are filled with novelty and emotion.
Many people I know are just the opposite, they want to do the same things over and over again and their pleasure centers are in that repetition.
I love the part when you talk about being ready to do something.
We’re never ready.
But we figured out. This is no dress rehearsal.
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What a wonderful read Verma! Thank you so much for sharing. Those first time experiences with different art mediums are truly special as these art pieces often express our complicated emotions.
A book that I would love to read for the first time again is The Idiot. Although I didn’t like it at first, I still adored it! I want that intense longing for discovery through Dostoevsky’s many words he wrote in that novel. I want the heartbreaking yet tender feeling of rereading it after falling in love with it.
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