Tired of today's Bollywood? 5 classic love stories that still spark pure joy: Hum Tum to Veer Zaara

Sometimes, you just want to turn back time to the early days of Bollywood—maybe to the blaring wackiness and whirlwind romances of the ’90s, or the feel-good romcom vibes of the 2000s. This isn’t about romanticising bad movies, it’s just that, back then, even the silliest, most non-cerebral films were fun to watch with friends. Looking at you, Mujhse Dosti Karoge. We still don’t know how Rani Mukerji’s sindoor defied the laws of physics and landed perfectly on her head in the final scene.

But we don’t need to. And as Bollywood continues to churn out films that feel overly safe, trite, or tepid, often lacking both soul in storytelling and memorable music—we might as well look back and revisit the love stories that did get it right.

Here are five from the good old days worth remembering.

Saif Ali Khan brought the main character energy of the 2000s romantic comedies. And one of the films that remains a shining gem in his career, was Hum Tum,  which starred Rani Mukerji. The film followed the tale of two people, who keep running into each other over a span of almost a decade, forming a close friendship that originally starts with pure hatred. It was fun, refreshing, and the final reconciliation in the rain, was chef’s kiss.

Again, a Saif film. Inspired by the Hollywood film, 9 Months, the tale followed the story of two people in a live-in relationship. Things take an ugly turn, when Amber (Preity Zinta) discovers that she is pregnant. The couple has to find ways to put their own beliefs and issues aside to make life pleasant for both of them. Another fun, energetic film that would be a good watch.

Okay, this is for those, who truly, miss the old, romantic Shah Rukh Khan of the 2000s. Veer Zaara follows the story of two star-crossed lovers, and had a spell-binding soundtrack to match. Few songs come close to the yearning of Tere Liye, and Do Pal, today.

Jab We Met will never grow old. Starring Shahid Kapoor as the reserved Aditya, and Kareena Kapoor as the chirpy Geet, the story follows two characters who meet on a train, and strike an unusual relationship, or at least due to Geet’s determined efforts, because Aditya at first, is too sorrowful and morose in the beginning. Of course, he changes along the way, as he attempts to unite Geet with her love along the way. But do things happen the way we expect it? No. And that’s the delightful joy of Jab We Met. It’s easy, breezy, and just so memorable.

Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma’s debut film was a real cracker. Fresh, fun and full of just vibes, the story followed two aspiring wedding planners trying to land big projects, without taking into account their growing feelings. Differences arise, but of course, they find a way back to each other, and cheers to Singh for giving us one of the most heartfelt confessions of the decade. *Grabs tissue*