Some love stories last. . . forever

In India, love between a male and a female has always been a taboo in the eyes of the society and the surroundings (barring a few tribal exceptions). And what is a taboo is but natural the most attractive thing to a human-being. Hence, no wonder Bollywood (say Indian cinema) has produced love stories in abundance. Since the love stories run into thousands (may be lacs), it is very difficult to choose the top ten. Any list has to be a subjective one only, may or may not be agreed upon by anybody else. I am giving my list based upon my own choice, of course. So, on the occasion of the Valentine’s Day, here comes the list of my most favourite love stories from Bollywood :

1. Mughal-E-Azam (1960) : Mughal-E-Azam is not only the greatest love story ever told in Bollywood movies but also one of the greatest love stories ever told on celluloid. On one hand, we have the immortal song – Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya picturized on the daredevil Madhubala (playing Anarkali), on the other we have the best ever romantic scene in which Dilip Kumar (Shehzaada Saleem) caresses the cheek of Madhubala (Anarkali) by a quill. The existence of the character of Anarkali is not corroborated by the history. But, even if it is an imaginary one, the love saga is immortal.

2. Taj Mahal (1963) : The love story of Shehzaada Khurram (Shahjehan) and Arjumand Bano (Mumtaaz Mahal) is not imaginary as the history and the immortal Taj Mahal of Agra support it. The film starring Pradeep Kumar and Beena Rai contains classic songs like – Jo Waada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega, Jo Baat Tujhmein Hai Teri Tasveer Mein Naheen and Paaon Chhoo Lene Do Phoolon Ko Inaayat Hogi.

3. Veer Zaara (2004) : The love story of Veer (Shah Rukh Khan) and Zaara (Preity Zinta) is so touching and tear-jerking that I got overwhelmed by seeing it. Love does not know any boundaries whether of age, religion, caste or nation. The music composed by the late Madan Mohan Ji is great, involving songs like Jaanam Dekh Lo Mit Gayeen Dooriyaan, Do Pal Ruka Khwabon Ka Kaarvaan and Tere Liye.

4. Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959) : This Rajendra Kumar-Ameeta starrer in which Anita Guha has also played a significant role, is simply a great movie in which the Shehnaai (an Indian musical instrument mainly played in marriages) has been played by the Shehnaai legend Ustaad Bismillah Khan Saheb. I like this movie so much that I will not say much about it. I urge all the readers, fond of watching emotional love stories, to watch it. It is a movie to feel, not to describe. The songs – Jeevan Mein Piya Tera Saath Rahe, Keh Do Koi Na Kare Yahaan Pyaar, Ankhiyaan Bhool Gayeen Hain Sona and Dil Ka Khilona Haay Toot Gaya are certainly immortal.

5. Barsaat (1949) : Raj Kapoor has directed this classic love story involving himself and Nargis with another pair of his real life brother-in-law, Premnaath and debuting actress Nimmi. Shanker-Jaikishan and Hasrat Jaipuri-Shailendra team also debuted with this movie and created an aura teaming up with Mukesh and Lata, which is still alive.

6. Gangster (2006) : Anuraag Basu has directed this Shiny Ahuja-Kangna starrer immortal love story which contains Emraan Haashmi as the third angle. This film can be described properly through its punchline – ‘She fell in love with him the day she betrayed him.’ This is an excellent love story with several twists and turns and a heart-tearing climax.

7. Aradhana (1969) : This is the classic romantic movie which catapulted Rajesh Khanna to super-stardom. I liked it so much by watching it first on TV (Doordarshan) that later on I went to the theatre to watch it on the big screen. It invites the viewer to get himself drowned in the romance presented by the lead pair of Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore.

8. Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) : This movie starring Salmaan Khan should be watched for the abundant romance and the always haunting Bhagyashree. The music is great and the on screen romance is simply enchanting.

9. Bobby (1973) : Raj Kapoor read a poem – ‘Seventeen are no more young’ and planned this teenybopper love story which is definitely a classic. Just remember the scene in which Dimple opens the door to Rishi Kapoor with her hands stuck with wet flour and the dialogue of Rishi, saying to Dimple – Kewal Ek Ko Jaanta Hoon (I know only one girl). The debutante singer – Shailendra Singh created magic through his voice in the songs of the movie.

10. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) : This Aditya Chopra directed, Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer has proved itself to be one of the biggest commercially hit movies and it has a lot to recommend itself. The magic of this movie can be felt only by watching it (especially on the big screen).

Other than these top ten ones, I also recommend the following love stories which are par excellence :

1. Anarkali (1953) : Saleem-Anarkali saga presented on the silver screen seven years prior to Mughal-E-Azam, starring Pradeep Kumar and Beena Rai. Just listen to – Ye Zindagi Usi Ki Hai and you forget everything except love.

2. Arzoo (1965) : The Rajendra Kumar-Sadhana starrer musical directed by Ramanand Sagar is the movie of a lifetime. The on screen chemistry between the lead pair and the great songs in the voices of Lata and Rafi mesmerize the audience.

3. Ek Duje Ke Liye (1981) : This Kamal Haasan-Rati Agnihotri starrer musical based upon the barriers of language and region in the path of love, is a heart-tearing tragic saga. The debutante pair created magic on the silver screen.

4. Do Badan (1966) : Raj Khosla directed this Manoj Kumar-Asha Parekh starrer musical which is a tragic love story. It is very touching. All the songs are great viz. Jab Chali Thandi Hawa, Raha Gardishon Mein Har Dam, Lo Aa Gayi Unki Yaad, Bhari Duniya Mein Aakhir Dil Ko etc.

5. Saajan (1991) : Lawrence D’Souza directed this Sanjay Dutt-Madhuri Dixit-Salmaan Khan starrer movie with great songs and used his total experience as a cameraman (he is originally a cameraman only) in picturizing it. The result of his efforts coupled with very good story, highly melodious music of Nadeem Shravan and towering performances; proved amazing.

6. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) : The innocent pair of Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla with the melodious songs in the voices of Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik sent the audience crazy. The end is tragic but overall, the movie is heart-touching.

7. Jaan Tere Naam (1992) : Now TV star Ronit Roy cast opposite Farheen in this movie won the hearts of the lovers throughout India with the song – Ye Akkha India Jaanta Hai, Hum Tum Pe Marta Hai. The intensity of his love for the leading lady makes a deep-seating impact upon the viewers.

8. Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai (1998) : Karan Johar’s debut venture starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol with Rani Mukherjee as the third angle, is a thoroughly illogical yet thoroughly lovable love story with timeless music by Jatin-Lalit.

9. Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965) : This Shashi Kapoor-Nanda starrer story of innocent love is definitely a classic by all means. Got remade as Raja Hindustani (1996) by casting Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor.

10. Kabhi Kabhie (1976) : This Yash Chopra movie starring Waheeda Rehman-Amitabh Bachchan-Raakhee-Shashi Kapoor alongwith the young pair of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh is a classic love story (with a message) beyond any doubt.

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