New age romance after liberalization
i was 17 when i saw Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (DDLJ), In the first week of its release, in a cinema hall in Coimbatore. I was swept away by the fairy-tale romance. Over the years, I have re-watched the film on several occasions and it remains an all-time favourite, a cozy romance.
DDLJ It was new age according to its time. It was a musical, like other popular romances of the late 1980s to mid-90s, including From doom to doom, I have loved, And Who are we to you?,
India opened its doors to economic liberalization in 1991 but international travel was still an expensive dream. DDLJ Middle-class aspirations for travel were harnessed through the romance of running on the Eurail in London, Paris and Switzerland.
a scene from the movie
Raj and Simran’s romance was shaped by the contrasting viewpoints of their fathers. The film begins with patriarch Amrish Puri wishing to see his motherland again. He has made cold, gray London his second home to make a living, but his heart beats for India and its warmth.
Contrast this with Raj’s father, played by Anupam Kher, who moved to London for financial reasons but has a liberal attitude towards his son. While Amrish Puri hopes his wife and daughters will follow the conservative Indian ethos, Kher does not want his son to give up Eurail travel for the family business. Kher warmly says that he has worked hard all his life so that his son can live a comparatively happy-go-lucky life that he could only dream about.
Simran will have to wait until her father says yes. Raj goes to look for Simran as his father pushes him and gives him the courage to search for his girl.
Portraying Raj and Simran, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol gave a fresh take on romance compared to the actors of the 1970s and 1980s. The social anger of earlier decades, when Amitabh Bachchan was popular as the ‘angry young man’, was giving way to new, more carefree stories. The young actors, led by Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, were guys who were outgoing and not afraid of showing their vulnerabilities on screen. Shahrukh’s portrayal of a young man who would wait patiently and do everything possible to win the heart of his girl’s family made him all the more attractive.
Thirty years later, the romance between Raj and Simran feels like a return to simpler times. Especially when compared to the alpha male heroes who dominate screens today, who are often embroiled in dirty, gray romances.
Sangeeta Devi Dundu
It’s easy to love Shahrukh Khan
I can’t say when it started – maybe somewhere in between’palat‘ And ‘in big countriesit was The one who has heart will take the bride away. This began my never ending romance with Shahrukh Khan. Even after three decades, nothing has changed. Whenever this fabulous star comes on screen with his dimpled smile, my heart skips a beat.
A scene from Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Photo Credit: Mail Pic
It’s easy to love Shahrukh Khan. Her soft gaze in the romantic scenes of the film says a lot. He is never manly, but sensitive, and bows head over heels for the women he claims to love. As Raj, he stands in the middle of a field of yellow mustard flowers with outstretched arms and a welcoming smile, asking a woman to love him. The charm of holding each other’s hands, running through mustard fields and dancing to the tune of guitar in the rain has never felt better. He fasts with Simran, peels carrots DDLJ, And openly ignores gender roles.
When he looks into Simran’s eyes and sings seriously When I see you, I know Sanam, love becomes crazy Sanam… It seems likeLike he was singing to me, and probably every woman in the audience. By the time the credits ended, I was in love with Shahrukh Khan forever. His charm, golden smile, expressive eyes, heartfelt dialogue, respect for women on-screen and off-screen made him the real prince of my dreams. For me, Shahrukh means inspiration for love and success.
The film also introduced an iconic fashion statement in Shah Rukh Khan’s brown leather jacket. It became a feeling. Years later, when my partner came over in a bright blue leather jacket and proposed with the same gentle smile in his eyes, I said yes. Love came full circle – my DDLJ moment.
K Jeshi
Raj, Simran, and chemotherapy
My heart was beating loudly. I was thirsty. Tears flowed down my cheeks. My stomach swelled. Shahrukh Khan was on the screen with his iconic black leather jacket and a mandolin in his hand. My symptoms were unrelated to what I saw on the screen – a young Raj singing Simran in the esoteric valleys of Switzerland. But in some strange way, it led to relief from the side effects of chemotherapy – even if briefly.
A painting of Indian actors Shahrukh Khan and Kajol from the opening of Maratha Mandir Theater in Mumbai. Photo courtesy: Indranil Mukherjee
After its release in 1995, I would have seen The one who has heart will take the bride away. Almost eight times – whether it was earlier on Doordarshan, cable TV, or more recently on OTT platforms. I enjoyed it every time. But in 2022, the film holds a different meaning for me. Diagnosed with breast cancer, as I was going through chemotherapy, I had good days, bad days and devastating days. When even drinking water became difficult due to nausea, and strange side effects disrupted my day-to-day activities, I looked for ways to divert my attention from these discomforts.
I found solace in DDLJ. There was something comforting, reassuring, therapeutic, even. I don’t know if it was Shah Rukh Khan (that man can mesmerize anyone in any situation), or the peppy songs, or the beautiful locations, or the comfort of familiarity… knowing that the lead characters will end up together in the most dramatic way and everything will be good… Whatever it is, Aditya Chopra did something right because this blockbuster made me feel calm, stopped my mind from racing and put me into a sense of security.
For someone like me who loves to travel and who had to put all travel plans on hold during treatment, this film was a true source of escapism. So, I am very thankful to the entire team of DDLJ and when I watch it on its 30th anniversary, I feel a surge of affection for all the characters including Kuljeet and Baldev Singh!
Priyadarshini Paitandi
published – October 22, 2025 06:41 PM IST