Bollywood stands as a rich collection of outstanding and memorable love stories. Throughout decades, a small number of films have both entertained viewers from all generations till now while reshaping how audiences understand love in Indian cinema. Five iconic romantic films stand out as they continue to shape the genre of romantic cinema.
Jab We Met (2007)
 Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met develops a story of Geet and Aditya’s unexpected meeting into a healing journey of self-love that also leads to love. The characters experience a transformative journey through healing and self-discovery, which ends in love. Through her portrayal of Geet, Kareena Kapoor, the Indian cinema came across a character who could be both carefree and emotionally vulnerable, and that, in a way, broke the norm.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani by Ayan Mukerji is a colorful journey of love, lust, and adventure. The movie tracks Bunny and Naina as they become friends and fall in love, all in a piece of energetic musical and constant romantic settings. The on-screen link of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone developed the storyline with a believable romance, which connected with the younger generation.
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Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil weaves a contemporary tale of love gone unrequited and perpetual sorrow. The film cleverly plays with common romantic tropes, emphasizing how the characters navigate their messy relationships with tact and sensitivity. We watch Ayan (Ranbir Kapoor) get heartbroken, with the comforting camaraderie of others around him, all supported by beautiful dialogue and an opulent soundtrack full of unforgettable melodies, like the deeply poignant “Channa Mereya.”
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Although Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is not the usual contemporary romance, it appropriates the romantic aspects and seamlessly weaves them into a larger narrative of friendship and self-realization. In Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, three friends get through their insecurities and learn to seize life against the stunning backdrop of Spain so that even the romantic assignations, and specifically Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif, have space.
Writer : Pranjal Bapna