The debate continues – Do movies influence society or does society influence movies? Akin to what came first, the egg or the chicken, this dilemma, can ping pong and weigh heavily on either side. However, no matter who influences first, it cannot be ignored that both the real and reel cross paths on multiple occasions. Perhaps, love and romance are the best examples to understand the dynamics of how Bollywood impacts behavior and thinking. It is all well to wish for a Shah Rukh Khan, standing on a cliff with his open arms beckoning you. But does it really happen? And better, if it does, are you all too willing to believe it?
The Month of Love – Valentine’s Day
The month of love is an opportune moment to discuss the effect that films, particularly Hindi cinema, has on love and in extension, the dating culture. One would argue that Indian society, though always subtle about expressions of love and romance, is not a land that doesn’t deeply care. For us, the emotion of love, for centuries has lived in legendary tales of Anarkali, Heer Ranjha, Laila Majnu, Radha Krishna, Prithvi Raj Chauhan and Samyukta, Shah Jahan and Nur Jahan and more. Yet, the portrayal of love on screen, until recently, has never been a bombastic, full blown reality setting. Several arts, whether in paintings, dance, music or cinema have managed to walk the thin line that showcases romance under a translucent veil. Also, predominantly, Indian society has never been too verbal on the matters of love. Families don’t sit around and talk about crushes, flirtations or romantic love. Public display of affection remains largely an uncomfortable subject and dating apps, live-ins were a taboo some years back.
But undoubtedly, things are changing. And one cannot deny the role Bollywood has played in a shift in how society perceives and expresses love. Various studies have been done to statistically collect data, such as one done by the research scholars of Guru Nanak Dev University. (https://oldror.lbp.world/UploadedData/10653.pdf). 100 college students, including boys and girls, from colleges in Jalandhar were given a questionnaire. According to the study, 68% of students agreed that romantic Bollywood movies influence real life incidents. 56% agreed that these movies were getting bolder, whereas, 72% gave a big no to accepting stalking or eve teasing in the movies. 44% said that they use romantic dialogues from Bollywood movies to either impress, trap emotionally or create a romantic atmosphere. Also, 56% of students acknowledge that they find a change in themselves often or always after watching a romantic Hindi film.
The data hence, makes it clear that people, especially youngsters, are impacted by what they watch in movies.
The Shift of Notion
First of all, it is important to note that there cannot be a sweeping understanding of all romantic movies of Bollywood. In all generations or decades there have been movies that have not stuck to the genre or storytelling of their time. There have always been those few movies that have been either ahead or behind their times. However, our discussion takes into consideration the overall or general mainstream films that are representative of the time and space in which they were made.
Early films, such as Pyaasa, Mughl-e-Azam or Pakeezah highlighted the idea of sacrifice in love. Shree 420, Baazi, Daag, Kala Bazaar etc. had love stories that worked in relation to a social theme. In such movies, the couple in love came together to face adversity and challenges, working in tandem with each other. Love was simple or unrequited and found a way to thrive despite social differences in class.
But in the 1960s movies started portraying complexity in love. Guide, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Sangam and Khilona were some movies that stepped out of the ‘routine’ form of love to acknowledge, extra marital affairs, love triangles and more.
During the 70s and early 80s angry love and rebellion were an integral part of Bollywood. Some experts believe that due to rising unemployment and other socio-economic reasons, love stories took a backseat and the plot of movies fell heavily on revenge, injustice, gangsters, action etc. But movies, such as Bobby, Abhimaan, Mili and Koshish proved to be woven in different love story templates. Bobby in particular was a massive hit and a bold movie for its time. It too had the elements of defiance and love standing up to authority and patriarchy.
However, in the 80s, love stories, such as Ek Duje Ke Liye, Sagar, Silsila, Chandni and others introduced different nuances, emotions and layers in the life and story of the characters. Two back to back romantic hits in 1988 and 1989, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Maine Pyaar Kiya became the cornerstone of romantic expression in Bollywood. They pretty much opened the floodgates for love stories in the following decade. Both these love stories incorporated family as an important element and emerged with two very different endings.
The 90s or the post liberalisation era has had its impact not only on the economy but also on entertainment. As India opened up to the world, interactions with the global community helped in the seeping of western ideas of love. Love became more expressive, but the grandeur of Indian emotions and melodrama of family values was not let go of. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge in 1995 remains one of the mega romantic blockbusters till date. Kuch Kuch Hota Hain, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Saajan, Rangeela, Dil To Pagal Hain, etc. became cinematic love stories where the hero and heroine came together against all odds. Songs, vibrant dances, grand colorful sets and beautiful costumes added to the glamour and opulence of love. In many ways, designer clothes, make-up, accents of speech etc. started to be picked up by the common youth.
The Turn of Century
Come 2000 and slowly, but surely the interest in the larger than love stories began to fade. Just like the changing times, the world was moving on, technology in its prime. The dreamy, butterfly in the stomach approach to love stories was not too appealing. Also, interestingly, up until now, most love stories centered on the collective harmony and meeting of a couple. But in the new decade, individuality was finding its voice. Movies such as, Saathiya, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and Salaam Namastey were not just mushy stories of two people as a single unit, but of each person that was finding his or her way into the life of the other.
21st century love stories in Bollywood were a mixed bag of everything. From the sensational Murdur to the coy Rehna Hai Tere Dil Main. From Barfi!, Rockstar to Ram Leela and Ranjhana, love stories were told in myriad different ways.
Real Love
The transition in Bollywood romance finds real life experiences in society at large. Meeting of two flowers defined closeness between a couple in yesteryears. And in reality too, expressions of love or affection were hidden and not openly expressed in front of an audience. Over the years, with better access to education and technology, love rebelled and defied. Couples in reality, were no longer scared to fall in love with someone from a different class, caste or religion. In recent times, films such as Ek Lakdi Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan have begun the conversation of love in the LGBTQ community.
Also, just as in Bollywood movies, resistance to love was from external sources in earlier films. Parents, authority or societal strata were the main impediments to a happy ending. But in the 21st century, internal dilemmas are the main cause of challenges for couples. Movies, such as, Meri Pyaari Bindu, Love Aaj Kal, Befikre etc. highlight the internal conflicts that young people face.
Movies, such as Pyaar Ka Punchnama are a modern take on dating and girlfriend boyfriend dynamics. It is almost impossible to name all the romantic movies and understand their impact on real love. But it is evident that body language, dialogues, mental thought and emotions that are seen on screen find a reflection in love and dating culture in actuality.
Final Thoughts
Do people tend to get influenced by expression, complexities, individuality, couple-goals etc. from Bollywood? Yes. But does cinema also find its muse in the reality of changing love, lust and attractions – Probably yes again! The influence of global culture, a rising awareness of social and personal problems, conflicts of the mind and heart and a willingness, sometimes a defiance to explore new emotional avenues are reflected in Bollywood films, as well as, in real life. As long as there is mindful integration, people can learn a lot from films. Or rather choose what to adopt, accept, ignore and what to reject or discard. Perhaps, Valentine’s Day is the best time to introspect to define love and dating in ways of Bollywood and beyond!
