The romantic dramas from the 90s Bollywood era have an extraordinary place in the hearts of movie fans since they forever changed Indian cinema. The rise of endearing love tales, contagious humour, and immortal music during this magnificent decade captured people's attention even today. The 1990s gave rise to an era of pure entertainment, packed with sentiments that tugged at the heartstrings, from catchy dialogue to memorable dance sequences.
These films established the standard for the genre, became iconic, and are now deeply ingrained in Indian popular culture. We've grown up dancing to their songs, and quoting their dramatic dialogues, here are seven romance dramas from the 90s Bollywood, sure to tug at nostalgia.
1. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992)
The 1992 film Jeeta Wohi Sikander is a coming-of-age drama, one of the first in India to be set at a high school. The film stars Aamir Khan as Sanjay and centres on the lives of young people fighting against one another from various backgrounds. The film became a cult favourite quite quickly among young people.
2. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
The most well-known film of the 1990s was without a doubt Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, a legendary landmark for romance in Bollywood starring Shahrukh Khan as Raj and Kajol as Simran. The longest-running film in Indian cinema history is about Raj and Simran's romantic relationship as they travel through Europe.
3. Raja Hindustani (1996)
Starring Aamir Khan and Karishma Kapoor, Raja Hindustani follows a straightforward plot in which a wealthy young woman and a poor cab driver fall in love and battle opposing families. However, the leads received plaudits for their outstanding performances, and the film was a huge commercial success and winner of five Filmfare awards.
4. Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)
This musical romantic film by Yash Chopra was the talk of the decade. It was an epic love triangle narrative starring Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, and Karisma Kapoor. The cast's outstanding performances, the writing, and the movie's compelling storyline helped it win the bulk of the major prizes that year.
5. Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha (1998)
Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, a romantic comedy movie from 1998 starring Ajay Devgn and Kajol, The movie is a remake of the Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline-starring 1995 American film, French Kiss. Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha garnered five nominations for the 44th Filmfare Awards, including Best Film and Best Supporting Actor and took home the Best Female Playback Singer trophy as well. In addition, Kajol was nominated for Best Actress at the ceremony for her work in the movie, but she took home the prize for her work in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
6. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is another timeless film with Shahrukh, Kajol, and Rani Mukherjee as the key characters, KKHH depicts a love triangle over the course of several years and has some of the most well-known songs of the 1990s. The film, Karan Johar's first as a director, tackled themes of friendship, love, and family ties and continues to earn fans.
7. Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999)
This musical-family drama, which starred Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Karisma Kapoor, and Tabu, had one of the biggest ensemble casts ever assembled for a film. HSSH went on to earn the most money that year. The film, which explores themes of love, family, and happy endings, is today regarded as a masterpiece.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication only.