Romantic Bollywood Movies That Define Love As We Know It

Bollywood has shaped a perception of love that involves butterflies in the stomach, cute and over the top professions of one's feelings and soulful music that plays in the background every time things seem to go right. Now we all know that real life isn't always like the movies but there's nothing like a cosy, heartwarming Bollywood romance to make you hopeful! And it's no longer unrealistic plotlines and unrelatable concerns, we have evolved from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and are coming up with more relatable movies that still retain their touch of charm, innocence and old-school romance. Here's a list of some iconic Bollywood romantic movies that are a must-watch.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

A movie that can truly be called a modern-day cult classic, starting off the list with this movie is a no-brainer. The movie that revolves around Kabir, also known as Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) and Naina (Deepika Padukone) is a tale of a modern-day love story with old school romance.

Naina, a nerdy timid girl falls in love with free-spirited Bunny, but problems arise when they both have separate passions and goals. Eight years later, when the date brings them together, old memories unravel and fresh opportunities arise for them to rekindle their love. The story will make you smile, laugh, cry and sing along as four friends go on their journey of self-discovery, learning and love.

I Hate Luv Storys

Contrary to the title, this is definitely a love story we love! The Sonam Kapoor and Imran Khan starrer highlights the emotion of opposites attracting as two completely different people start growing closer. While Jay (Imran Khan) is a man who despises all things mushy and romantic, Simran (Sonam Kapoor) is a true romantic at heart.

Everything goes wrong before things start to fall into place and we see the blossoming of a sweet camaraderie between the characters. The movie represents a love that is the right mix of banter and romance, and emphasises the fact that your partner should always be your best friend!

Break Ke Baad

A movie that is more relevant than ever in today's time where passions, personal space and the ability to grow independently is an important aspects of a healthy relationship. This movie features Abhay (Imran Khan) and Aaliya (Deepika Padukone) as a couple in a long-term relationship, who are still hesitant about marriage.

When Aaliya moves to Australia for a life-changing career opportunity, Abhay grows insecure. The increasing differences cause a rift between the two, but eventually, they find their way to each other. The movie which was truly ahead of its time is a modern tale with a classic happy ending. Break Ke Baad

Wake Up Sid

Another coming-of-age film that deals with the idea of being independent and wanting more from life. It features Ranbir Kapoor as the rich, bratty son of Siddharth Mehra paired alongside Konkana Sen Sharma, an aspiring writer from Kolkata.

The two move in together, and Konkanas positive influence rubs off on Sid, helping him grow to his full potential. It delivers the message that in a loving environment with inspiration and encouragement you can find yourself. The right partner is the one that helps you become the best version of yourself.

Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na

A tale of college best friends Aditi (Genelia D'Souza) and Jai (Imran Khan) that are a seemingly perfect couple to everyone around them, but completely clueless when it comes to themselves.

They are an inseparable duo that doesn't realise their feelings for each other till completely pushed into a corner. It definitely reinforced the Bollywood trope of "pyaar dosti hai" and that your best friend is your best partner or most situations.

Jab We Met

Another cult classic that continues to be a representation of self-love, embracing yourself and never changing for anything, even love. The movie is the story of enthusiastic, a ray of sunshine Geet (Kareena Kapoor) who meets heartbroken businessman Aditya (Shahid Kapoor) when their paths unexpectedly cross.

She brings love and laughter back into his life, and through the ups and downs, we see the evolution of a beautiful love story. Definitely, a must-watch romantic movie that promotes good humor, amazing soundtracks and most importantly a heartwarming love story that will have you gushing.

Barfi

If you're looking for a good cry, this is a romantic movie for you. A funny, inspiring and unique tale of Murphy, a deaf and mute boy from Darjeeling who falls for a stunning Bengali girl Shruti (Ileana D'Cruz) who moves to his town. However soon Murphy strikes a chord with Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra) an autistic girl with a quirky personality. The characters are nuanced, yet real. The warmth of the various love stories radiates through the screen. It will tickle you, but also bring tears to your eyes, overall a magical love story that is a must-watch.

Khoobsurat

This list won't be complete without a sweet rom-com making it to the list. Khoobsurat, which is a Bollywood love story with a Disney influence plays on the emotions of every girl's dream of finding her very own prince charming. Dr. Milli, a physiotherapist played by Sonam Kapoor also has the same dream.

When she is hired to help a Rajasthan royal Shekhar Singh Rathore (Aamir Raza), she ends up falling in love with his son Vikram (Fawad Khan) who is royalty. Both of them are complete opposites in every way. While Mili has her quirks and is a fun, carefree girl, Vikram is a sophisticated young man with responsibilities to take on. The story follows how these two individuals that are poles apart fall in love and come together.

Dum Laga Ke Haisha

The movie which is an unconventional story, with a fresh concept features Bhumi Pednekar as Sandhya and Ayushmann Khurrana as Prem, in the lead role. The story, which revolves around the concept of body image issues, features Prem as a husband who is embarrassed about his wife's weight.

Eventually how they grow closer together, and these issues become irrelevant is a journey one must watch. It deals with the message that love is in looking beyond one's flaws and appreciating the other the way they are. Bhumi Pednekar's debut movie, the film is a definite must-watch and her transformation and acting are remarkable.

Manmarziyaan

Last on the list we have is, modern age love story Manmarziyaan, based on a conventional love triangle. The movie presents a fresh take on love and relationships, one that will touch all sorts of audiences alike. Unlike any other Anurag Kashyap movie, this film depicts the confusion and emotions that come with being in a relationship. The story follows Rumi (Taapsee Pannu) and Vicky (Vicky Kaushal) who are in love but struggle with the concept of marriage.

Eventually, unable to convince Vicky, Rumi gives up and agrees to have an arranged marriage with Robbie, who also falls in love. The story follows the journey of the three of them, and how they grow and learn.

These recommendations are the perfect picks to make you fall in love with good old Bollywood romantic movies all over again, have you made a choice yet?