24 MAR 2023

10 Best Dialogues From The Namesake

SHAURYA THAPA

the namesake turns 17 

The Namesake marks 17 years of its Indian release. Based on the novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, The Namesake was directed by Mira Nair and starred Irffan, Tabu, and Kal Penn. 

photo: imdb

an immigration story 

The film revolved around Bengali immigrants Ashoke (Irffan) and Ashima (Tabu) who struggle with their new life in America while their son Gogol (Penn) is caught between two worlds. 

photo: imdb

based on jhumpa lahiri's novel

The script written by Nair's frequent collaborator Sooni Taraporewala faithfully adapts some of Lahiri's original quotes.

photo: imdb

Here are some of the best dialogues from The Namesake...


ashoke on books

"My grandfather always says that is what books are for. To travel without moving an inch."

photo: imdb

WHAT'S IN A NAME? ASK GOGOL!

"Just as I'm about to kiss her, she looks at me and she says, "What's your name?" Gogol Ganguli. End of seduction 101." 

PHOTO: IMDB

Ashima: He wants to keep Gogol and not Nikhil as his good name. Fine. 

Ashoke: With a president named Jimmy, there is nothing we can do. 


ASHIma on shifting homes

"For 25 years I missed my life in India. And now, I will miss my life here. And all of you, who became my family."

photo: imdb

ashoke on keeping memories

"The camera! It is in the car. All this and no picture, huh? We just have to remember it then. Huh? Will you remember this day, Gogol?"

photo: imdb

gogol's namesake

"Did you guys know all this stuff about him [Russian writer Nikolai Gogol] when you decided to name me? That he was paranoid, suicidal, friendless, depressed?"

photo: imdb

NOWHERE LEFT TO GO...

"Remember that you and I made this journey, that we went together to a place where there was nowhere left to go.”

photo: imdb

meeting indian parents 101

photo: imdb

"There are some things you should know. Um, no kissing, no holding hands. I've never seen my parents touch, let alone anything else."

a son remembers his father 

photo: imdb

"Pack a pillow and blanket. Go, see the world. You will never regret it, Gogol."
-Gogol to himself (final lines)