Insaan ka kartavya hota hai koshish karna. Kaamyabi, nakaamyabi sab uske haath mein hai.- This is just one of the hard-hitting mantras that Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara taught mankind. The meaning of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara in English is Life Will Never Happen Again and indeed the Zoya Akhtar directorial guided us to seize the day and make the most of our lives. Starring Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Kalki Koechlin and Abhay Deol, the film released exactly 10 years ago. Aren’t we growing older a little too fast?

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was about three childhood friends, Arjun, Kabir, and Imran. They reunite for a road trip that begins from Spain. The three-week-long road trip wasn’t what they expected as it changes the course of Arjun, Kabir, and Imran’s lives forever and for good. Every character had a well-rooted, strong, impactful and relevant story to tell, individually. Arjun was a workaholic; Kabir was facing problems with his fiancée whereas Imran was on a search for his biological father. The ladies had cathartic roles to play. 

Today, as we look back at Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, we can’t help but flip through the pages of the bible of life lessons authored by Zoya and Reema Kagti. From teaching us the importance of living in the moment to reiterating the fact that money can’t buy happiness, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has been iconic and a must-watch film in many ways.  

You only live once, enjoy it like there is no tomorrow 

The title- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara- justified that we get to live only once and we should make the most of the time we have. Well, Arjun, Kabir, and Imran indeed did a fabulous job in injecting this simple yet impactful mantra into our lives. The dialogue, “Insaan ko dibbe mein sirf tab hona chahiye… Jab woh mar chuka ho,” rightfully sums up that one should just spread their wings without worrying about tomorrow. You shouldn’t restrict yourself for anybody and anything.   

Say no to workaholism

The dialogue, “Apne kaam ko apni life ke saath confuse mat karo. Tumhara kaam tumhari life nahi, sirf uska ek hissa hai,” is enough to make us feel guilty for blurring the line between personal and professional life. There has to be a balance and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has this mantra written all over the film. 

Never hide anything from your friends 

After your family, you are the closest to your friends. No matter how much you try to keep things secret, they will catch you. Knowing you better than yourself, your friends can be the best advisors when you land in trouble. 

Money can’t buy happiness 

Money can definitely buy you a luxurious trip to Spain but without your close ones, the vacation will seem colourless. You need to have your near and dear ones close by when you achieve success or want to share your happiness, after all only they will revel in your glory and make your achievement meaningful.  

Learn to overcome your fears 

Hrithik’s Arjun had a fear of diving as he did not know how to swim whereas Farhan’s Imran was afraid of heights. However, they decide to overcome their fears. Likewise, it is important for us to follow their footsteps, no matter how small or big the problem is. The dialogue, “Apne andar chhupe dar ko mitana chahte ho na? Toh ye raha hum sabka sabse bada darr – Maut. Let’s face it,” proves it well. 

Take a break! 

Hrithik’s character Arjun realized that he missed out on a lot by not taking a break. Similarly, it is important for us to unwind, relax and be at ease occasionally. Life is too short to miss out on good things. This is a FOMO we don’t want to experience! 

Happiness is in forgiving 

Alexander Pope, in his poem- An Essay on Criticism, told, “To err is human, to forgive divine.” Incorporating this quote, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara taught us to forgive people for their mistakes. Especially, if the person is someone you love. 

You actually can choose your family

Farhan’s Imran got a chance to finally meet his biological father, played by Naseeruddin Shah. However, the first meeting didn’t turn out to be the way Imran expected. He ultimately realizes that even though we have no control over the family we are born into we can definitely choose to make our own family with the people who love us.

Love should be effortless

Love was one of the key aspects of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Zoya proved that love has to be effortless and should be felt from within, genuinely. While Hrithik and Katrina's love story was effortless, Abhay and Kalki's failed relationship also taught us a lot. 

Seize the day

“Seize the day my friend… Pehle is din ko poori tarah jiyo, phir chalis ke bare mein sochna.” This is a mantra that has become important in such unprecedented times.