In today’s weekend blog, I am back to Bollywood, and I am talking about Romantic Comedy (ROM-COM) films.
We all have a complicated relationship with rom-coms. They are easy to watch and distract us from the intense monotony of daily life. At the same time, most of them set unrealistic standards for love and relationship. Over the last few decades, Bollywood has given us many iconic rom-coms . These films always have catchy music with evergreen songs.
Here are 10 rom-com films that stood the test of time:
1 Jab We Met
More than their meeting inside a train, the irony of this film’s lead couple splitting right after the release makes it memorable. Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor broke up after several years of dating and this film gave us all the chance to see them together last time. Not to forget it gave us iconic songs like Mauja Hi Mauja, Nagada, and others.
2 Kal HO Na Ho
Yes, even the hardest of hearts cried during Aman’s (Shah Rukh Khan) last moments when everyone came to say goodbye to him. Comic moments were created by the three lead actors Shah Rukh, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan. What to say about songs, Preity Women, Its time to disco and others.
3 Band Baaja Baarat
Saying “ Bread pakode ki kasam” is a legit way to become a trustworthy person in the room, thanks to Ranveer Singh’s exuberant character in his debut film. It showed the budding romance between Anushka Sharma & Ranveer Singh, who become Delhi’s most popular wedding planner.
4 Dil Chahta Hai
Though it had the overused story of a man (Aamir Khan) who does not believe in love until he meets a girl (Preity Zinta), who changes his world. The camaraderie between Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, and Aamir was super enjoyable. It was also one of the few films that show an age-gap relationship in a beautiful way.
5 Bunty Aur Babli
India got its very own Bonnie and Clyde story with Bunty Aur Babli. It was supposed to be inspired by Bunty chor, this film was a super hit. Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan’s chemistry left the audience gasping. With wonderful songs like Kajrare Kajrare, Chup Chup Ke and others.
6 Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani
Apart from giving us travel goals with the picturesque depiction of Manali, this film also iconic songs like Ghagra, Dilliwali girl friend, Budtameez Dil, and others. It had a style inspiration, and a memorable couple in Naina and Bunny played by exes Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor.
7 Chalte Chalte
This was one of the few offbeat romantic films which Shah Rukh Khan did where the first half was all mush and romance with Rani Mukerji, but the second half showed the harsh realities of life and love. Most films end at marriage, but this film showed what happens after a couple says “ I do”.
8 Salaam Namaste
The film was ahead of its time in its portrayal of a live-in relationship and pre-marital pregnancy. Though it has a fair share of comedy scenes, it shows the male protagonist coming to terms with an unexpected pregnancy and becoming a responsible man because of it. It starred Saif Ali Khan & Preity Zinta.
9 2 States
Love marriage is not easy, especially in India because it’s a union of two families instead of the couple. When two people from different cultures decide to get married, their families and value systems are in an inevitable clash that the young couple must sort out to bring their love to fruition. Starring Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.
10 Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
This coming-of-age love story had other trope-best friends who do not know they are in love with each other and figure it out after a series of dramatic events. However, Imran Khan’s naivety and Genelia DeSouza’s bubbly personality made it fun to watch.
These were the best rom-coms to watch any time anywhere. In my coming weekend blogs, I will write about the rom-coms which might have run when released but they are not fun to watch now.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
19th August 2022.