Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day: Love, Indian-style!

Whether it's singing, dancing, kissing, or hitting the sheets, Indian film and television bring their own special masala to the notion of true love. In honor of Valentine's Day, here are five of my favorite moments:

1. Rahul and Anjali's gazebo scene from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is guaranteed to be at the top of any and every list I make about romance in Bollywood cinema. A simple, beautiful, scene about former best friends from college acknowledging the love between them, it's, arguably, the gold standard. Shahrukh Khan and Kajol were the premier jodi (pairing) of the industry at the time, and their chemistry is as effortless as the love their characters share.

2. Band Baaja Baaraat's wedding planners Shruti and Bittoo take their partnership to the next level after a celebration of their success. BBB was put out by a major production house, but it really feels like an indie: a crisp, well-written trailblazer for the modern Indian rom-com. Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh are electric, and you really get a sense of young Delhi-ites and their every day lives...and their not-so every day loves!