On Valentine’s Day, notable figures in the film industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Rakhee Gulzar, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, shared their favorite romantic movies, providing a glimpse into their cinematic preferences. Amitabh Bachchan expressed his admiration for Guru Dutt’s “Kaagaz Ke Phool,” praising its poignant theme, striking visuals, haunting music, and unforgettable performances, particularly that of Waheeda Rehman, who he considers his favorite actress. He also highlighted Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s “Anupama” for its softness and simplicity, emphasizing the lyrical quality of its storytelling. Bachchan recalled Bimal Roy’s “Devdas,” calling Dilip Kumar’s representation of doomed love unmatched.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grand romantic narratives, cited Bimal Roy’s “Devdas” along with other timeless classics such as Vijay Anand’s “Guide,” Kamal Amrohi’s “Pakeezah,” K Asif’s “Mughal-e-Azam,” and Satyajit Ray’s “Charulata,” showcasing a preference for films that explore deep emotional connections. Rakhee Gulzar shared her love for Satyajit Ray’s “Charulata,” along with classics like Raj Kapoor’s “Sangam” and “Bobby,” and Yash Chopra’s “Kabhi Kabhie,” highlighting the universal themes of love across generations.
Asha Parekh echoed similar sentiments, including Bimal Roy’s “Devdas” and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” among her favorites. Waheeda Rehman mentioned that Imtiaz Ali’s “Jab We Met” and Karan Johar’s “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” resonated with her, alongside Bhansali’s films, further underlining Bhansali’s prowess in portraying romance on screen. Jaya Bachchan mentioned several favorites, including Bimal Roy’s “Devdas” and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” along with memorable works by Guru Dutt and Mani Ratnam.
Harshvardhan Rane chose Mani Ratnam’s “Dil Se” and Mohit Suri’s “Aashiqui 2,” while Shatrughan Sinha fondly remembered Bimal Roy’s “Devdas” and expressed his personal romance story with his wife Poonam. As these filmmakers revealed their beloved romantic films, it becomes evident that classics like “Devdas” remain a significant touchstone in Hindi cinema, particularly for renowned directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who often draws inspiration from the past. This Valentine’s Day, the appreciation for timeless romances reflects the enduring power of love in cinema and its impact on audiences and filmmakers alike.
