Tarot Cards for Bollywood’s Ultimate Redemption Arcs
Bollywood is known for its dramatic redemption arcs—where characters rise from their lowest points to achieve greatness or inner peace. Its symbolic of the Fool’s Journey in itself, where taking a leap can land you at a very, very low point out of which climbing out can seem impossible. But once you climb out and face your fears, you’re going to be unstoppable. Of course, then, there’s nothing better than Tarot to summarise these arcs. Each card carries a specific meaning and journey. Let’s explore how some major Tarot cards align with classic Bollywood redemption stories.
The Fool
In many Bollywood movies, the protagonist begins as a naive or flawed individual. This is represented by The Fool, a card symbolising innocence, risks, and a new journey. Think of characters like Sanjay Dutt’s Munna in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.—a carefree man who embarks on a life-changing journey filled with challenges and learning.
The Tower
Every redemption arc has a turning point—a moment of crisis where the character loses everything. The Tower card perfectly captures this chaos and sudden upheaval. For example, in Rang De Basanti, the characters face an intense moral awakening after a tragic event, leading to their transformation.
The Hermit
The redemption phase often involves deep self-reflection, represented by The Hermit. This is when the protagonist steps back, learns, and grows. Aamir Khan’s character in Taare Zameen Par embodies this phase as he helps a struggling child while reflecting on his teaching methods.
The Star
The ultimate redemption is represented by The Star, which symbolises hope, renewal, and success. Films like Chak De! India showcase this beautifully, where the protagonist redeems himself by inspiring and leading his team to victory.
Tarot cards offer a unique lens to understand Bollywood’s redemption arcs. From crisis to triumph, each phase of the journey resonates with the deeper meanings of these symbolic cards. Growth and redemption are universal themes, both in life and on screen.
