We all have watched GODFATHER and continue to watch it, whenever it is shown on any of the television channels. Apart from the fact that it has a riveting story line, what endears and invites us again and again to watch it is the fact that it underlines the importance that family has to be given, in fact the whole series is built on the role that the family plays in the evolution of an individual and it governs his existence in the society. GODFATHER may have been the fictional account, but fact of the matter is that the family is the basic construct that gives meaning to the life of an individual. It is more so pertinent to all the business entities, politics etc., and even though one may have rebelled from the family in the times of crisis, it is the family that provides the helping hand.

In the world of Hindi cinema as well, as it is celebrating its 100th year, families have played an integral part in carrying forward the legacy of Hindi cinema. Here is a look at few such families of Hindi cinema, the caveat being that the families that have been selected as a test case are those that have conducted them with utmost grace in facing a crisis, but have not expressed view on a controversial matter: If there is one family that has conducted itself in a poignant and stoic manner, it is the Bachchan family which comes out top. Right from the time when Big B was mired in the Bofors controversy to his political affiliations, matters pertaining to his son and daughter-in-law no dirty linen has been washed in the public and this is the reason why his fan following continues to increase with each passing day.