Romance has been the most explored and loved genre of our Bollywood movies from time immemorial. Bollywood is perhaps the only movie industry in the world with the largest number of stories around pyar, ishhq and mohabbat. As movies are said to be a reflection of the kind of society we live in, it is perhaps safe to say that we Indians are the most romantic of the lot. As Bollywood explores new dimensions of the romantic genre, let us check out the movies that were at their all time romantic best. Which one would you choose to watch with your Valentine this year?
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Who's in it? - Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol
What's romantic about it? - What can be more romantic than falling in love, and doing it with a conscience. DDLJ brings two people who choose to convince others of their love, rather than being defiant of it.
Maine Pyar Kiya
Who's in it? - Salman Khan & Bhagyashree
What's romantic about it? - Suman and Prem's love is pure, innocent and untainted, and is more of a bond of companionship and helping each other. Moreso, the rich handsome boy falls for the simple girl immediately. He doesn't choose her after trying with others.
Hum Tum
Who's in it? - Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherji
What's romantic about it? - The couple are at first loggerheads with each other. However, how the relationship turns into friendship, and friendship into love, amidst the tough situations around them, makes the movie really charming.
Qayamat se Qayamat Tak
Who's in it? - Aamir Khan & Juhi Chawla
What's romantic about it? - A trendsetter for defiant romance, this film oozes romance thanks to the chemistry between two debutantes who shot to stardom after its release.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Who's in it? - Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol (with Rani Mukerji)
What's romantic about it? - You never know when life gives you a second chance at love. Rahul is a widower who finds love again, Anjali gets her first love back. Also, what's not romantic about 'Love is Friendship'?
Jab We Met
Who's in it? - Shahid Kapur & Kareena Kapoor
What's romantic about it? - Jab We Met is the epitome of the modern day romance. There's nothing theatrical about it, and the characters are mature to handle their love and its declaration sensibly. But most importantly, its not only about two people falling in love after a few hiccups, but about helping each other become better and happier human beings.
Dil To Pagal Hai
Who's in it? - Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit (With Karisma Kapoor)
What's romantic about it? Everything! From Rahul's picture of the dream girl, to Maya's charm that bowls him over, the movie is a romantic journey of two people who 'fate' has chosen for each other.
Kal Ho Na Ho
Who's it in? Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta (With Saif Ali Khan)
What's romantic about it? Aman, bowling over everyone with his charm, including the beautiful introvert Naina. Naina falling deeply in love with Aman, is moving. Aman's sacrifices for his love and his lessons to Rohit on how to woo Naina, is the essence of this romance.
Veer-Zaara
Who's in it? - Shah Rukh Khan & Preity Zinta (with Rani Mukerji)
What's romantic about it? - The film focuses on the people of two warring countries, rather than the politics. Circumstances are the only villain, and yet their romance is timeless because they keep it alive with their good deeds.
A few other movies worth a mention here - Hum Aapke Hain Koun, I Hate Luv Storys, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Mughal-E-Azam.
Which will be your pick for tomorrow?