Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who stars alongside Neena Gupta in the forthcoming film Metro …In Dino, recently spoke about the changing portrayal of romance in Bollywood films and why classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge may not resonate with younger viewers today. In a discussion with India Today, Kher offered insights into how expressions of love in cinema now reflect modern attitudes and evolving societal norms.
Anupam Kher Reflects on Shifting Romantic Traditions in Bollywood
Anupam Kher has observed that the evolution of romance in Bollywood mirrors broader cultural changes. He noted,
“Whatever happens in the world around us reflects in our movies — whether it’s in the songs, the language, or the way we communicate love. Earlier, there was a certain kashish (appeal), a longing in romance.”
—Anupam Kher, Veteran Actor
Kher recalled a time in cinema history when declarations of love were understated and took significant time to unfold on screen.
“In those times, we never used to speak directly. Falling in love took time. Even going to bed with someone wasn’t immediate—first love, then marriage, then sex. Now it’s like, fall in love today, and have sex the next day. There’s nothing wrong with it, I’m not judging. But that’s how it’s shown now.”
—Anupam Kher, Veteran Actor
The Lost Charm in Modern Love Stories
Expressing his nostalgia, Kher mentioned his longing for romantic films that capture delicate emotions, stating,
“I’m yearning to watch a love story that carries that kashish (charm). That’s why I found Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam to be such a beautiful romantic film — Sanjay Leela Bhansali captured that essence so perfectly. It had all of that…”
—Anupam Kher, Veteran Actor
He continued to question the current cinematic landscape,
“But now, there’s a certain ghabrahat (restlessness). Where is the beauty of a romantic film anymore? Tell me — what was the last truly romantic film you saw? Exactly. None.”
—Anupam Kher, Veteran Actor
Impact of Societal Change on Bollywood Love Narratives
Addressing the difference between past and present cinematic approaches, Kher explained,
“Samaaj badal gaya hai (society has changed). Films reflect society. If you make an old-school love story now, maybe only a few people will go watch it.”
—Anupam Kher, Veteran Actor
He highlighted that society’s rapid changes shape what kind of narratives resonate with contemporary audiences, often leaving traditional romance less impactful.
Would DDLJ Succeed With Today’s Generation?
Discussing the fate of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in a modern context, Kher remarked,
“No, I don’t think it would. Today, it works because of its nostalgic value. But if it were made now, it wouldn’t have the same impact. It’s like Gone with the Wind—if it were made today, it wouldn’t strike the same chord. Times have changed, life has changed.”
—Anupam Kher, Veteran Actor
He further described why the classic found success in its era:
“Back in the late ’90s and earlier, we had stories about couples running away to get married. But DDLJ broke that mold. It was the first time the hero said, ‘I will win over your father. Only then will we marry.’ That was new. And the father tells his son, ‘You failed in London? Good. We’ve all failed in India too.’ These were fresh, grounded characters. Now, things are different.”
—Anupam Kher, Veteran Actor
Core Themes of Love Endure, Yet Its Portrayal Shifts
Kher believes that while the fundamental experience of love remains constant, the way love is communicated on screen continues to evolve.
“Love, at its core, may stay the same — but the way we express, portray, and interpret it shifts with each generation,”
he said. —Anupam Kher, Veteran Actor
His insights highlight how Bollywood, like any art form, adapts to reflect changes in the societal landscape, with films serving as mirrors to contemporary expectations and shifting face of romance.
What This Means for the Future of Romantic Films
The observations of Anupam Kher suggest that the enduring quality of love stories depends on their ability to evolve with the times. Filmmakers such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali have occasionally recaptured traditional charm, but newer generations seem to crave different kinds of romantic narratives. As both the industry and its audience move forward, the evolution of romance in Bollywood films remains a subject for ongoing conversation among actors, creators, and viewers.
