The first 25 years of the 21st century has given us some cherished romantic films for lovers to moon over.
Dinesh Raheja picks his top 10.
Devdas (2002)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's signature is imprinted large on his visually grand presentation of the classic love story between Devdas (Shah Rukh Khan) and Paro (Aishwarya Rai).
Doomed romances have a special appeal of their own.
Jab We Met (2007)
A free-spirited girl (Kareena Kapoor) saves grumpy business tycoon (Shahid Kapoor) from suicidal thoughts.
When her life spins out of control, he rescues her right back.
Cheeni Kum (2007)
A man in his 60s (Amitabh Bachchan) successfully woos his 34-year-old lady love (Tabu), asserting that the appeal of romance doesn't wither with age.
Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008)
Young lovers (Imran Khan, Genelia D'Souza) navigate the choppy highs and lows of first love as they gradually transform from best friends to lovers.
Love Aaj Kal (2009)
This Imtiaz Ali triumph seamlessly integrates two love stories. The older couple belong to a different generation from young lovers Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone but matters of the heart remain timeless.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Can a commitment-phobic man with wanderlust (Ranbir Kapoor) be the right match for a love-struck girl (Deepika Padukone) who wants to settle down?
Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)
A plus-sized wife (Bhumi Pednekar) is not what the reluctant groom (Ayushmann Khurrana) wanted but love blossoms nonetheless in their arranged marriage.
Kudos to the film for delving into a different shade of love.
Bajirao Mastani (2015)
This quasi historical about the titular duo (Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone) depicts the intensity of a love story that breaks religious, social and marital barriers.
Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015)
This Anand Rai romcom showcased the madcap antics of a wife (Kangana Ranaut) who walks out on her husband (R Madhavan) but hits an emotional low when he moves onto her doppelganger.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)
Family dynamics weigh heavy on privileged lovers (Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt) even in the 21st century.
This sharply observed film exhibits how complicated it remains to resolve matters of the head and heart.