Love in Bollywood through 90s

Love has always been portrayed in various ways in Bollywood, some unique and others, predictable. When we reminisce about this particular genre of movies, one cannot ignore the 90s. This era blessed us many memorable films that are still dear to both the young and old. The 90s is definitely a period where one gets nostalgic upon remembering because it's the hallmark of many changes we've now grown accustomed to. 90s has been a decade of new beginnings, and Bollywood was not left behind as the world evolved.

As we take you down memory lane, allow us to remind you that it is this decade where we saw actors and actresses don colourful clothing and dance to various genres of music in exotic locations. Directors felt the need to increase their budgets, and the actors upped their games by showing off their dancing skills.

 

As we watch movies today, we cannot miss the inspiration that has been taken from the 90s. It has definitely been a trendsetter for all the movies we now enjoy. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) has been a bible of romance in Bollywood. "Come fall in Love" was the tagline, and needless to say, we did fall in love with the innocence and simplicity of the love portrayed. While Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) made us believe that love is friendship, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) made us believe in first love. Aashiqui (1990), which took the nation by storm, also inspired directors and producers to make a sequel, Aashiqui 2 (2013). Aashiqui 3 is also said to be in the making.

 

The 90s has also offered us romantic comedies. Be it Judwaa (1997), where we saw Salman Khan at his best with his comic timing and romancing two girls, or Hero No. 1 (1997), where Govinda becomes a servant in the house of the woman he loves, this era was truly gifted. When we speak of romantic comedies, we cannot miss Andaz Apna Apna (1994), where we saw ego clashes between Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, as they woo their lady loves.

 

It was during this era that Bollywood experimented with obsessive lovers and psychological thrillers. Darr (1993) definitely gave us a cold and stiff lover in Shah Khan Khan's character. But it didn't stop there because a year later, with Anjaam, we saw Shah Rukh Khan play an obsessive lover cum stalker cum murderer. A few years down the line, Kajol surprised us with Gupt (1997), where she was on a murder spree only to be with the man she loved. Did you know we had the maximum number of movies made on obsessive lovers in the 90s?

 

When we speak of the 90s, we cannot forget the family drama, but of course, with a speck of romance. Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999), which explored relationships in a joint family, saw the brothers falling in love in grand style. Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993) had a couple romancing each other while they struggled to give his spoilt nephews a proper upbringing. Beta (1992) portrayed a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law duo clashing head on, while the wife took care of her mentally incompetent husband. While we speak of romances in family dramas, Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994) definitely makes it on the list since it was all about the bubbly romance of a young couple falling in love during their siblings' wedding.

 

Writer: Peehu A.

Editors: Juju K. and Mohini N.

Graphics: Titli P.