Being a cinema aficionado, I have always admired Bollywood’s ability to define love in different ways. Each decade brings in a new, fresh take on romance, but for me, the 1995 classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge beats all contenders. Ruling the hearts of nearly every generation, this Yash Chopra masterpiece takes a modern approach to love as well as respects Indian family values. It narrates the innocent love affair blooming between two young NRIs, Raj and Simran, during their sojourn in Europe. Although their feelings were genuine and honest, Simran was restricted by the views of her orthodox father and surrendered to her fate. Unbeknownst to her, Raj follows her to India and is determined to win the approval of her family. This film not only defined the simplicity of love but also proved that with patience and perseverance, one can win the trust of disapproving parents.

The picturesque backdrop of Europe and Punjab coupled with energetic and soulful music enhanced the film’s romanticism. Shah Rukh Khan’s undeniable charm and his mandolin spread his magic effectively while Kajol delivered another fabulous performance. Both set the screen on fire with their amazing chemistry. It stands by its tagline, “Come, fall in love” instilling the purity of love in the hearts of the viewers. (Which is your favourite Bollywood relationship drama... July 18)

Aayman Anwar Ali

My favourite Bollywood relationship drama is Aashiqui 2. It is a tale of two keen lovers who experience love and hatred, recognition and disappointment in their lives simultaneously and finally one gives up his life for the other. Aashiqui 2 moves the love story away to the dark and destructive domain of A Star Is Born. In it, the turbulent relationship between a failing singer, Rahul Jaykar, and his protege, aspiring singer Arohi Keshav Shirke, is affected by Rahul’s issues with alcohol abuse and temperament. Aditya Roy Kapur as Rahul and Shraddha Kapoor as Arohi touched the hearts of viewers and made them fall in love with their characters. Aditya portrayed his role with conviction and gave Rahul’s angst a certain charm. Shraddha made the audience fall in love with her innocence and simplicity. Their chemistry is incredible. It was intense, pure, selfless and heart-wrenching. Their eternal love for one another showed that love can be the source of power. From their first meet till the two drift apart, Rahul and Arohi’s chemistry was the main highlight of the film which keeps you hooked to the movie till the end.

Roshni Ojha

My favourite Bollywood relationship movie is Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana. Due to family pressure Aarti (Kriti Kharbanda), an educated, smart girl, agrees to marry a clerk named Satyendra (Rajkummar Rao). They fall in love but on the day of her marriage, Aarti learns that she has topped the PSC main exams. She runs away even as the groom arrives at her doorstep with his family. Satyendra turns this rejection, betrayal and humiliation into an opportunity to become an officer of higher rank than Aarti. He tries to seek revenge for what he has suffered because of her. He later forgives her when he learns that she is innocent. Aarti again falls in love with Satyendra. He is upset when he learns that Aarti is about to marry someone else and tries to break her marriage. But in a happy turn of events, the duo are united and the film ends with their wedding.

Moubani Paul

The first drama I thought about is Cheeni Kum (2007). Neena Verma (Tabu) and Buddhadev’s (Amitabh Bachchan) unconventional, slowly brewed romance melted my heart. Tabu’s style, grace, acting and Amitabh Bachchan’s humour and flawless acting made this story light yet intense. It showed us that love is not restricted to any age.

Next is Lootera because of its heartwarming and surprising development of the central relationship. Sonakshi Sinha and Ranveer Singh did justice to their characters and depicted with great subtlety the agony they felt on seeing each other long after Varun’s (Ranveer) betrayal was found out. We see that true love never fades away. I will mention Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, where we witnessed the celebration of the highest form of relationship, that is, friendship.

Pallabi Chatterjee

Kapoor & Sons is a relationship drama in the true sense. The story handled many relationships in the story of a nearly dysfunctional family. The sibling rivalry between Rahul (Fawad Khan) and Arjun (Sidharth Malhotra) is very realistic. The affection of Dadu (Rishi Kapoor) towards his grandsons is portrayed beautifully. The absence of any affection or understanding between the lady of the house (Ratna Pathak Shah) and her husband (Rajat Kapoor) adds spice to the story. And the love angle between Tia (Alia Bhatt) and Arjun is sweet yet enigmatic. This movie lifts the curtain from the darkness of closed family relationships. It tells us that all scars cannot be healed but a family can survive if they try together.

Sarbani Banerjee

When it comes to Bollywood relationship dramas, my favourites are Saathiya and Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Starring Vivek Oberoi as Aditya and Rani Mukerji as Suhani, Saathiya portrays the marital problems and emotional turmoil of a couple after they fall in love and get married. It also brings out the issues of class differences and family conflicts as external barriers to the couple’s union, while the internal barriers are misunderstanding and lack of trust. The accident and the period of separation are significant. It is only after Suhani goes missing that Aditya realises his love for her. The film ends as Aditya and Suhani finally make up and hug each other on the hospital bed.

In Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Prem (Ayushmann Khurrana) is an uneducated man who is pressured into an arranged marriage with an educated, overweight lady, Sandhya (Bhumi Pednekar). It is a story of ‘love coming in all sizes’ where the couple discovers love after a fair share of ups and downs in their relationship. The two come closer when they take part in a race, which involves Prem carrying Sandhya on his back and eventually winning. They also win each other’s hearts and break all stereotypes that threaten healthy relationships.

Both films teach us important lessons about relationship goals that are quite relatable in real life.

Sohini Raychaudhuri

My favourite Bollywood relationship drama is the 1989 film Daddy, starring Anupam Kher and Pooja Bhatt. Director Mahesh Bhatt told a heart-touching tale based on a father-daughter relationship. The story revolves around a star singer who is struggling with alcoholism and how his young daughter saves him with her love, support and care. It had applause-worthy performances by Anupam Kher and debutant Pooja Bhatt and some beautiful songs as well.

Sourish Misra