Films that influenced their taste in cinema…

As celebs on Instagram take the challenge of posting 10 film stills — no poster, no title, no description — that influenced their taste in cinema, we ask TV stars about that one film in their lives

DEBINA BONNERJEE: E.T. THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL (1982)

I watched this film as a child and it made me look and think so differently about the universe, and what lies within and beyond it, since the time I laid my eyes on it.

SOURABH RAAJ JAIN: ABHIMAAN (1973)

This film is real, sensitive, humane. From brilliant performances to beautiful music, everything touches the heart. It revolves around the man’s ego, hypocrisy and insecurities, and how they can make or break a relationship.

SHANTANU MAHESHWARI: WEST SIDE STORY (1961)

After watching this film, I realised the thorough detailing that goes into little nuances. It is a musical, and just the whole rhythm of how it is all portrayed really inspired me.

APARNA DIXIT: HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM (1999)

I always observe acting skills, cinematography, plot, music, everything in a film. And this one made me fall in love with cinema all over again. From the story and songs to costumes everything was beautiful.

VARUN BADOLA: YEH WOH MANZIL TO NAHIN (1986)

The narrative draws wonderful parallels between the past and present, something that happens with us often. It’s about three friends getting nostalgic when an incident of student politics takes them back to their revolutionary days.

SAYANTANI GHOSH: GONE GIRL (2014)

The movie highlights the greys in our lives, which are also real as everything isn’t just black and white. The cinematography, the performances — how from being the innocent girl, Amy becomes this manipulative person — were interesting.

URVASHI DHOLAKIA: YENTL (1983)

The film is about how this girl disguises herself as a guy to study. But the fun part is the love triangle in the school. It’s quite an interesting and magnificent movie.

TARUN KHANNA: GUIDE (1965)

The film’s story was ahead of its times and westernised. It gives us the message that Nature is God and God is Nature. It tells you how when one person decides and puts his mind into something, he or she can conquer the whole world. This is something I follow in my life, too.