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| Source: infinityiitd.com |
Bollywood has an eternal relationship with romance, and the master of this magical love story is none other than Yash Chopra himself (founder of the famous Yash Raj Banner). In ‘Romance is in the Air!’ I had shared with you some of my favourite romantic Hindi movies. However, for those who are new to Bollywood or are still in the initiation phase, a list isn’t compelling enough to make you want to watch each one of those movies. Thus, I have decided to give you a sneak peak into those movies (as well as a few more), which, I hope, will make the task of choosing the first movie to watch easier!
For those who enjoy period romance, I would suggest
Mughal-e-Azam (the original 1960 black-and-white version or the restored 2004 coloured version, which I prefer),
Pakeezah [(1971), Indian Cinema’s most enduring romantic film that took 14 years to complete],
Veer Zaara [(2004), the legendary romance between Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta],
Devdas [(2002), the love triangle between lovelorn Devdas, his childhood friend Paro and the loyal courtesan Chandramukhi)
and Jodha Akbar [(2008), an epic love story set in the Mughal era between emperor Akbar and his exquisite Hindu wife, Jodha bai].
Not only are these movies set in different eras, but one can also see the growing influence of technology on Hindi cinema, the evolving definitions of love and the varied styles of film-making over the decades.
College and teenage romance was epitomised by movies like
Bobby [(1973), the quintessential teenage romance, with the rich-vs-poor clash as the perfect backdrop]
Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak [(1988), Indian cinema's 1980's version of Romeo and Juliet, with melodious songs and memorable performances by the leading pair]
Maine Pyar Kiya [(1989), the movie that catapulted Salman Khan to the status of India's eternal lover-boy and reminded us that love letters are best transported by pigeons]
Dil to Pagal Hai [(1997), the movie that made us believe in fate, the power of love, and brought Valentine's Day into our bedrooms]
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai [(1998), a treat for all Shahrukh-Kajol fans, with Rani Mukherji as the surprise package;college romance redefined]
Jab We Met [(2007), modern generation romance with spunk, laughter and foot-tapping music that made the nation fall in love with Shahid and Kareena]
and I Hate Luv Storys [(2010), a romantic comedy with 'opposites attract' as the underlying theme woven into a satire on Bollywood-style romances]
These movies are perfect “popcorn-entertainers,” and are guaranteed to lift your spirits.
For those who enjoy period romance, I would suggest Mughal-e-Azam (the original 1960 black-and-white version or the restored 2004 coloured version, which I prefer),
Pakeezah [(1971), Indian Cinema’s most enduring romantic film that took 14 years to complete],
Veer Zaara [(2004), the legendary romance between Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta],
Devdas [(2002), the love triangle between lovelorn Devdas, his childhood friend Paro and the loyal courtesan Chandramukhi)
and Jodha Akbar [(2008), an epic love story set in the Mughal era between emperor Akbar and his exquisite Hindu wife, Jodha bai].
Not only are these movies set in different eras, but one can also see the growing influence of technology on Hindi cinema, the evolving definitions of love and the varied styles of film-making over the decades.
College and teenage romance was epitomised by movies like
Bobby [(1973), the quintessential teenage romance, with the rich-vs-poor clash as the perfect backdrop]
Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak [(1988), Indian cinema's 1980's version of Romeo and Juliet, with melodious songs and memorable performances by the leading pair]
Maine Pyar Kiya [(1989), the movie that catapulted Salman Khan to the status of India's eternal lover-boy and reminded us that love letters are best transported by pigeons]
Dil to Pagal Hai [(1997), the movie that made us believe in fate, the power of love, and brought Valentine's Day into our bedrooms]Kuch Kuch Hota Hai [(1998), a treat for all Shahrukh-Kajol fans, with Rani Mukherji as the surprise package;college romance redefined]
Jab We Met [(2007), modern generation romance with spunk, laughter and foot-tapping music that made the nation fall in love with Shahid and Kareena]
and I Hate Luv Storys [(2010), a romantic comedy with 'opposites attract' as the underlying theme woven into a satire on Bollywood-style romances]
These movies are perfect “popcorn-entertainers,” and are guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Chandni [(1989), the movie that made Sridevi's white 'Chandni look' a fashion rage and Switzerland a dream holiday destination for Indians], Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam [(1999), a love triangle, complete with the colour and grandeur of Gujarat/Rajasthan, and moving performances] and Kal Ho Na Ho [(2003), set in New York city, the movie included a desi (Indian) version of Roy Orbinson's "Oh, Pretty Woman;" one of Saif Ali Khan's best performances] are movies that will appeal to those who who can identify with the passion and agony of unrequited love. These movies are best enjoyed with a tub of Ben & Jerry's ice cream and a box full of tissues!
Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994) is an iconic Bollywood movie, which not only brought Indian families back to movie theatres but also made the song-and-dance routine at Indian weddings and ceremonies in vogue. The audience went crazy over Madhuri Dixit’s “smile” and thronged the theatres to
be a part of this extravagance. A full-on entertainer packed with comedy, drama, romance and a dash of family values.
My personal favouritest movie is Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995). This movie is the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema (it is still playing at Maratha Mandir), as it celebrated its 800th week anniversary in February 2011. DDLJ, as it is popularly called, stars my 2 most loved actors – The Baadshah (King) of romance, Shahrukh Khan and the stunning Kajol. Since the age of 10, when I first saw this movie, I have been dancing to the tunes of ‘Mehendi Lagake Rakhna’ and swooning to the lyrics of ‘Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam .’ I was so madly in love with the movie and its characters that I especially made my mum buy me a skirt that resembled Kajol’s in the song, ‘Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye.’ Many movies have come and gone since, but this one will always remain my ‘first love.’
Another movie that stole my heart is Kaho Na Pyaar Hai (2000). Hrithik Roshan not only ruled my heart but was heartthrob of the entire nation. Girls went crazy over his pictures, boys wanted a lean body like his and every kid had learnt the dance steps of his famous chart-buster 'Ek pal Ka Jeena' by heart.
Om Shanti Om (2007) is a complete Bollywood package with action, comedy, romance and drama. Set in the 1970's and 2000's, it offers a new twist to the age-old theme of reincarnation. It surely is a double bonanza for all those Shahrukh Khan fans.
That's all from the land of Bollywood for now!
Bring out the popcorn, settle comfortably on that couch and be prepared to get wooed, Bollywood ishtyle!
*Ishtyle is a Bollywood slang way of pronouncing 'style.'
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