International Dog Day 2022: Here are superstar dogs from the world of entertainment

August 26 is International Dog Day. The day recognises the unbreakable link between a human and his dog, and the importance of adopting dogs rather than purchasing them from breeders. The relationship between man and dog is well-documented, and the film industry has capitalised on this bond of love by creating films that brilliantly reflect this relationship.

From 'Hum Aapke Hai Kaun' to 'Hachiko', 'Togo', 'Marley & Me', 'Khooni Bhari Maang', and 'Dil Dhadakne Do', filmmakers have utilised our furry companions for years to create box office masterpieces.

Famous superstar dogs

1. Tuffy
Without the assistance of Tuffy, the Indian Spitz, Sooraj Barjatya's 'Hum Apke Hai Kaun' would not have become such successful as it is today. Tuffy not only made the audience laugh with his antics, but he also rushed to save his owner when she stumbled down the stairs and, most importantly, reunited the lovers in a poignant scene. Internation Dog Day is never really over until you watch a rerun of this movie.

Without the dog's role, it is nearly difficult to picture the film's climax. Rado, the dog who portrayed Tuffy, was adopted by Madhuri Dixit and lived until 2000.

2. Bhidu
This National Award winner movie is about a bunch of kids in a housing community, who despise Fatka, a street boy, who cleans vehicles, and his stray dog Bhidu.
Fatka and Bhidu join the group after some early opposition. A politician reveals a plan to trap and kill all stray dogs, giving the kids 30 days to acquire a NOC to spare the dog.
After a series of imaginative attempts by youngsters to obtain signatures, a chaddi march and TV debate with the minister to help them save 'Bhidu'. This film about strays is our favourite.




3. Entertainment
This is a rare Bollywood film, where a dog plays the lead character of the film. Akhil (Akshay Kumar) discovers his rich father has given his estate to a dog (Entertainment) in his will.
The movie ends with a passionate scene praising significance of dogs in human lives, something every dog lover and parent would support.

4. Lassie
Pal, who played Lassie, was first rejected because the directors wanted a female. Pal's performance in Hollywood got him acclaim, and he later played Lassie in six movies and two TV pilots.

5. Rin Tin Tin
Rin Tin Tin is a renowned dog with rich filmography. His career included 25 films. On International Dog Day, we truly doff our hat to this canine superstar.

Rin Tin Tin's journey began when Lee Duncan rescued him during WWI. Rin Tin Tin came west with Duncan after spending time with a New York police dog breeder and won a dog show. Duncan explored Hollywood prospects, getting successful film tests that launched his career.

Rinty was a star in silent films and early "talkies". His success saved Warner Bros. from bankruptcy in the 1920s.