This list isn't the end-all, be-all, but it’s a great starting point for those Bollywood romances that give you all the butterflies!
Remember the classic Bollywood romance formula? A charming guy meets a stunning girl; they fall in love, face a crisis, and resolve it amidst a soundtrack of unforgettable songs. While many ended happily, it was the tear-jerking moments of love lost that really resonated. With evolving definitions of love, Bollywood still delivers. Let’s move past the classics and explore some modern icons that redefine Bollywood romance. No rankings—just a look at unforgettable love stories. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) remains a Bollywood love legend, drawing crowds in Mumbai theatres even after two decades! Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan as Simran and Raj created one of the most iconic pairs ever. From a European vacation to a heartfelt pursuit in Punjab, DDLJ redefined love with unforgettable songs like ‘Tujhe Dekha’ and a perfect blend of tradition and change.
You can always trust Imtiaz Ali to deliver a romantic movie that’s totally worth your time. Rockstar, with Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri, is a must-watch if you haven’t seen it yet. It’s about JJ (Ranbir), who wants to be a rockstar, and he’s told that heartbreak is the secret sauce. Enter Heer (Nargis), and their love story gets real complicated. If you’re into great films, definitely add this one to your list. And seriously, the soundtrack? Absolute perfection. You won’t find an album that tops this one anytime soon!
This film features Sameer Rossellini (Salman Khan), a charming half-Italian who falls for Nandini (Aishwarya Rai) at a lavish palace in India. While their romance is the focus of the first half, the real emotional depth unfolds later. Nandini’s arranged marriage to Vanraj (Ajay Devgn) starts with him infatuated after seeing her sing ‘Nimbuda’. Once married, he discovers she doesn’t love him and even takes her to ‘Italy’ to find Sameer. During this journey, Nandini finds herself falling for Vanraj, transforming the story from a pre-marriage romance to one where love grows after marriage.
Lootera tells the poignant love story of Pakhi (Sonakshi Sinha) and Varun (Ranveer Singh). Set in 1953, their romance starts with elegance but falters when Varun disappears. Years later, he seeks refuge at Pakhi’s home as she faces illness, echoing O. Henry’s story with evocative music by Amit Trivedi.
Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal shows that love might change its style, but the essence stays the same. Jai (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera (Deepika Padukone) break up for career reasons, with Jai in London and Meera in India. Jai meets Veer Singh (Rishi Kapoor), who recounts his own epic love story. As Jai and Meera eventually find their way back to each other, the film reminds us that true love endures, no matter how it’s expressed.
Dil Se.. is a vivid portrayal of love’s complexity. Amar, a journalist, meets a mysterious woman and falls for her, but her secrets keep her distant. Just as he’s about to marry Preeti, she reappears seeking help. The film, with its intense pace and iconic songs like "Dil Se Re" and "Chaiyya Chaiyya," captures love’s enigma and delivers an unforgettable, twist-filled ending.
Bollywood and romance go way back, and with every film, we discover a new facet of love. From grand gestures to subtle moments, filmmakers have redefined romance over the years, and we connect with these stories in our own ways. Our list here is just a taste of the endless love stories Bollywood has to offer. So, if you're in the mood for some heartwarming romance, dive into these films and let the love stories sweep you off your feet!
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