From 'Mughal-E-Azam' to 'Tamasha': How Bollywood’s idea of love evolved with every era

From ‘Shree 420’ and ‘Pyaasa’ to ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ and ‘Guide’, romance in early Indian cinema was tender, idealistic, and deeply emotional. These stories often revolved around pure love tested by fate rather than human flaws. The black-and-white era transitioned to colour, adding visual poetry to the emotional drama, as filmmakers painted romance with innocence, restraint, and aspirational devotion.

By the late 1960s and early 1970s, cinema began exploring deeper emotional nuances. Films like ‘Jewel Thief’, ‘Sangam’, and ‘Khilona’ depicted love triangles, mistrust, and forbidden relationships. ‘Bobby’ (1973) broke barriers by showcasing teenage love and rebellion, reflecting a generation ready to challenge conservative norms. Love was no longer confined to duty—it was about individuality, desire, and personal freedom.

The 1980s were filled with dramatic love stories powered by raw emotion and bold energy. From ‘Tezaab’ and ‘Hero’ to ‘Prem Rog’ and ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’, love became defiant and fiery. Alongside, intense dramas like ‘Silsila’ and ‘Sadma’ reminded audiences of the fragility of emotions. The decade ended with ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, rekindling innocence and marking a new beginning for romance on screen.

The 1990s truly belonged to the era of Shah Rukh Khan—the face of love in Bollywood. Films like ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, and ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ redefined romance with grandeur, music, and global appeal. Love was youthful, vibrant, and aspirational. College campuses, foreign backdrops, and fairy-tale endings made this decade the golden age of Bollywood romance.

Love stories became socially conscious and inclusive. ‘Rockstar’, ‘Barfi!’, 'Tamasha' and ‘Raanjhanaa’ showcased emotional depth, while ‘Kapoor & Sons’, ‘Aligarh’, and ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’ brought LGBTQ+ narratives into the mainstream. The portrayal of a trans woman in ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ marked a milestone. Romance in modern Bollywood now celebrates individuality, equality, and the courage to love—without boundaries or labels.