Dear Zindagi (2016)
DirectorGauri Shinde
StarringAlia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Ali Zafar
Watch onNetflix
Best for: Viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas about mental health and personal growth.
Where to watch Dear Zindagi online in India
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Apple TV StoreAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
Dear Zindagi story (no spoilers)
Kaira is a young woman navigating messy relationships and unresolved feelings about her parents. When her romantic life hits a rough patch, she meets Dr. Jehangir, a therapist who helps her untangle the patterns holding her back. Through their conversations, Kaira begins to see her family and herself differently, which pushes her toward pursuing her passion and rethinking her love life. The film is a Hindi-English drama with romantic elements, running 151 minutes. It's a quiet, conversational movie that focuses on Kaira's inner world and the therapeutic process rather than big plot twists. The tone is thoughtful and introspective, with moments of warmth and humor between Kaira and Dr. Jehangir. Gauri Shinde directs, and Amit Trivedi provides the music. Alia Bhatt plays Kaira, Shah Rukh Khan plays Dr. Jehangir Khan, and the cast includes Kunal Kapoor, Ali Zafar, Aditya Roy Kapur and Angad Bedi. It's a character-driven story about self-discovery and healing.
Should you watch Dear Zindagi?
Watch it for
- Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan share the screen as Kaira and Dr. Jehangir, anchoring the film's therapy conversations.
- Gauri Shinde directs a drama that stays focused on Kaira's emotional growth rather than melodrama.
- The 151-minute runtime gives space for the slow-burn relationship between Kaira and her therapist to unfold.
- Amit Trivedi's music adds to the reflective mood of this Hindi-English drama.
Skip it if
- You want a fast-paced romance; this is a talk-heavy drama about therapy and self-reflection.
- You prefer plots with big external conflicts; the story stays inside Kaira's head and relationships.
- You're looking for a light comedy; the tone is thoughtful and introspective.
Dear Zindagi cast
Alia Bhattas Kaira
Shah Rukh Khanas Dr. Jehangir Khan
Kunal Kapooras Raghuvendra
Ali Zafaras Rumi
Aditya Roy Kapuras Furniture Dealer
Angad Bedias Sid
Ira Dubeyas Fatima
Yashaswini Dayamaas Jackie
Rohit Sarafas Kiddo, Kaira's younger brotherDear Zindagi movie details
| Director | Gauri Shinde |
|---|---|
| Writer | Gauri Shinde |
| Music | Amit Trivedi |
| Cinematography | Laxman Utekar |
| Producer | Karan Johar, Gauri Khan, Gauri Shinde |
| Release date | 24 November 2016 |
| Runtime | 2h 31m (151 minutes) |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | English, Hindi |
| Certificate (India) | UA |
| Budget | $4.3 million (approx.) |
| Worldwide box office | $3.4 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Dear Zindagi family friendly?
The UA certificate suggests mild themes; this is a general guide, not a detailed review. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Dear Zindagi official trailer
Our verdict
Dear Zindagi is a sincere, conversation-heavy drama that gives Alia Bhatt plenty of room to carry Kaira's emotional arc. Shah Rukh Khan's Dr. Jehangir is a calm presence, and the film's focus on therapy feels refreshing for a Hindi release. It won't satisfy viewers craving action or traditional romance, but it's a thoughtful watch for those interested in self-discovery.
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RRRFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Dear Zindagi online in India?
Dear Zindagi is available for subscription streaming on Netflix in India. It is also available to rent or buy on the Apple TV Store.
What is the release date of Dear Zindagi?
Dear Zindagi was released on 23 November 2016, with a theatrical release in India on 24 November 2016.
Who is in the cast of Dear Zindagi?
The cast includes Alia Bhatt as Kaira, Shah Rukh Khan as Dr. Jehangir Khan, Kunal Kapoor as Raghuvendra, Ali Zafar as Rumi, Aditya Roy Kapur as Furniture Dealer, and Angad Bedi as Sid.
Who directed Dear Zindagi?
Dear Zindagi was directed by Gauri Shinde.
What is the runtime and certificate of Dear Zindagi?
Dear Zindagi runs for 151 minutes and has a UA certificate in India.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.