From K3G’s Poo To ZNMD’s Arjun: If Famous

Bollywood Characters

Hosted Thanksgiving

Quick Summary

What’s the one thing that elaborate feasts and iconic Bollywood characters have in common? They both leave an impression! Bollywood characters have a long history of being loved enough to be a part of our daily conversations. And whether it’s the stuffing or the sides, Thanksgiving feasts are meant to be memorable. If you marry the two? Well, it’s a cinematic feast, indeed!

Deep Dive

Few things in life are as much fun as stepping out for a movie or enjoying a free dinner hosted by your loved ones. Well, this time, let’s combine the two and imagine what would happen if famous Bollywood characters hosted Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the US and Canada, celebrated as a way to give thanks for the blessings of the past year. 

Read ahead to know how iconic characters from the world of Hindi movies would decide the guest list, curate the menu, and turn a festive dinner into an Oscar-worthy feast. Perhaps these fictional feasts can give you a few creative ideas for your next epic dinner, too. Bring out the popcorn, and get scrolling. 

Poo from K3G

Poo, aka Pooja from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, made it clear that her company is reserved for those blessed with “good looks, good looks, and good looks”. And that is probably what defined her choice of guests and food.  

Who’s On The Guestlist?

Here are the top choices for who would make the cut (no minuses here, iykyk): 

• Considering Poo went on to marry her childhood crush, it’s safe to assume the entire Raichand family is part of the crowd. 
• Everyone else from the K3G universe who made the film so iconic: Sayeeda Begum, Ghasitaram, Rukhsar, and of course, Poo’s London clique. Maybe Robbie and Sheena (who repeated an outfit, remember) make it to the list, too? 
• Outside of the K3G universe, Shanaya from SOTY 1, Natasha from ZNMD, and Sam and Kunal from Dostana might also grace the table.  

What’s On The Table?

When the guest list is dropping looks like the stars, how can the dishes be left behind? 

• Expect a table of tandoori-marinated turkey, colourful roasted vegetables, and creative takes on mac-and-cheese.
• Festive beverages like cranberry spritzers might also find their way on the table, along with a large batch of classic mulled wine. 
• But in the midst of it all, a little Chandni Chowk fare has to be there. Thus, the classic pumpkin pie might just be replaced with ladoo cheesecake!

Arjun from ZNMD

Everyone knows Mr Moneybanks from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, aka Arjun, was actually an aspiring chef. One who was prompted by diving instructor Laila, the love of his life, to actually live his life. Thus, his Thanksgiving feast is bound to be a celebration of diverse tastes, culinary expertise, and, of course, those expensive ingredients. Caviar, anyone?

Who’s On The Guestlist?

With Arjun, the guest list could be a mix of his old life and new: 

• No gathering at Arjun’s could be complete without “The BWOYS”, aka Kabir and Imran. Also expect their parents and partners, if any, to grace the feast. And perhaps Arjun’s former work wife, Joe, (the recipient of “moshi moshi”), too? 
• Of course, Arjun’s need to impress and interact with peers may have him inviting other celebrated chefs like Roshan Kalra from Salaam Namaste. Or even Raghu from Bawarchi (anything is possible in cinema!). 

What’s On The Table?

Turkey is too mainstream for Arjun’s table. This is a medley of cuisines involving dishes that leave an impression:

• Expect mains like lobster bisque, baked spiral ham, or even a pumpkin lasagna served with sides like baked asparagus fries and street-style corn salad. 
• Beverages might lean towards classic and bougie, like expensive reds that pair perfectly with the seafood, or a crisp white to enjoy with the caviar and crackers.
• And for desserts? Let’s bring out the big guns with French macarons, Croquembouche, or even homemade ghevar. 

Shashi from English Vinglish

By the end of English Vinglish, Shashi Godbole had learned to love and respect herself. And taught a lesson or two to her children and husband. Her friends, niece, and of course, Laurent, played a large role in helping her reach there. Thanksgiving, thus, would be the perfect occasion for her to celebrate new and old relationships with good food. Which, of course, she’ll prepare on her own. 

Who’s On The Guestlist?

This is one diverse table because here’s who’s coming: 

• All of Shashi’s former classmates, along with her teacher, David. Accompanied by her nieces, partner(s) and sister, of course. Dare one hope for a glimpse of Laurent? Why not! 
• Shashi might just go out on a limb and invite other mothers to come along. Like Kusum Duggal from Do Dooni Chaar and Priyamvada Kaushik from Badhaai Ho. 

What’s On The Table?

As a seasoned cook, expect local dishes, underrated gems, and a beautiful balance of traditional and novel items. 

• A creamy pasta, sweet potato casserole, herbed rice, and multi-flavoured bruschetta for the table. All vegetarian, simple, and full of flavour. 
• Desserts may see an upgrade with dishes like bebinca – still Indian, but a lot more complex than your usual ladoo.

Rocky & Rani From Rocky Rani Ki Prem Kahani

The poster couple for opposites attract, Rocky and Rani are a chaotic duo. So their guest list and menu are bound to be an eclectic mishmash that no one would think of putting together. And yet, it makes sense. 

Who’s On The Guestlist?

Let’s get the party started with friends, family, and a few friendly faces from outside the RRKPK universe:

• The Chatterjees and Randhawas might just dominate the table, but they’re certainly not the only ones in the room.
• Geet and Aditya from Jab We Met, Rahul and Anjali from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Dr Milli and Prince Vikram from Khoobsurat also bring the same “controlled chaotic” energy to the room. 

What’s On The Table?

Rocky is likely to replicate the entire traditional feast, with Dhanlaxmi ladoos at the end. Rani will probably rein in his cooking (or ordering) experiments. This is what the final menu might look like: 

• For mains, it doesn’t get more classic than roast turkey, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes. But the mac and cheese might just be replaced with dal makhani risotto for a surprise twist. 
• For drinks, the cocktail station may boast of Hot Toddy, Mulled Wine, and Moscow Mule — all classics, along with straight shooters like whiskey on the rocks. 
• Not to forget the dessert table, where fusion will be the name of the game. Dhanlaxmi’s traditional ladoos might become ladoo truffles, placed next to chai-spiced cookies, kulfi tiramisu, and even cranberry thandai (for those brave enough to try something cold in winters). 

Raj from DDLJ

The man who taught entire generations, including Baldev Singh, about the power of love is sure to set up a Thanksgiving feast that’s full of warm goodies and witty delights. 

Who’s On The Guestlist?

• Like every other character on the list, Raj’s guest list also starts with families (Malhotras and Singhs) and ends with friends (Rocky, Monty, Sheena, and the gang). 
• One can also expect the other romantic heroes to make an appearance, be it Prem from Maine Pyaar Kiya, Bunny from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, or Kabir from Dil Dhadakne Do.

What’s On The Table?

Raj is likely to get the whole gang involved with the prep and the feast. 

• The mains could include potato au gratin, creamy pastas, and tandoori chicken instead of turkey. 
• For desserts, Raj might go the simple but sensational route and bring out the cakes, cookies, and brownie-and-ice cream combo. 
• And the drinks? Well, hope someone sourced the beers (iykyk) on time, else it’s pumpkin spiced latte to the rescue.

Rani from Queen

Ah! The queen of hearts from Karol Bagh, Rani, had the Europe trip of a lifetime. And as the undisputed queen of golgappas, she can certainly throw a feast to remember.

Who’s On The Guestlist?

Rani’s guest list might just be diverse enough to rival Shashi’s and Arjun’s. 

• It might be time for Vijaylaxmi to meet Rani’s family in person. Along with her Amsterdam group: Oleksander, or rather Sikandar, Taka, and Tim. And if someone’s betting, the odds are in favour of Roxette scoring an invite too. 
• Rani’s not likely to forget her childhood friend Payal. But Vijay, and his sorry ass, are persona non grata! 

What’s On The Table?

Just like she made Delhi’s version of French toast, Rani is likely to curate a menu that marries comfort with tradition. 

• To start with, every guest is dipping into a DIY chaat station. Because who doesn’t like spicy golgappas, right?
• Butter chicken and rice might be replacing roast turkey and mashed potatoes. Served with the traditional dinner rolls, green bean casserole, and corn salad. 
• For dessert, nothing pairs better than gajar ka halwa and apple pie, along with hot masala chai. 

Dining With The Stars

At the end of the day, a feast is not just a reason to let chaos rain in the kitchens. It’s also a way to celebrate with your loved ones, flex your cooking skills, and make memories that last a lifetime. But if there’s a little cinematic magic thrown in on top, then who won’t love it, right?