Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: Did It Age Well?

I decided to rewatch Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge with someone who had never watched it before. Serves me right for picking a Gen Z friend though, because their first comment was, “Oh so it’s Jab We Met – Europe edition?” I laughed for a solid minute. DDLJ is the source of so many references and inspiration for Bollywood movies even today. From Veer Zaara to Chennai Express, Dilwale, and even Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, many filmmakers have used dialogues and templates from DDLJ. After all, it is a landmark movie with a record-breaking 1247-week run at Maratha Mandir.

The Patriarchal Themes in DDLJ

The movie in its essence is a stark portrayal of the control exerted by parents on their female children. Not just who they will marry, but where they can or cannot go, who they can or cannot meet, what clothes they can wear, and what music they can listen to, is all under constant surveillance by their patriarchal families. Fun and laughter leave every room Bauji (played by a brilliant Amrish Puri) enters. So shout out to all the proverbial “Simran”s in our country still waiting for their “Bauji”s to say, “Jaa Simran, jee le apni zindagi (Go Simran, live your own life).”

The Flaws of Raj: A Closer Look

Bauji has no understanding of Simran’s personhood. But let’s be honest, neither does Raj (Shah Rukh Khan). In fact, Raj is a terrible person. He failed to graduate, behaved like a lecherous sexual harasser with Simran on the train, and his catchphrase was, “I hate girls.” He lies to Simran (Kajol) about date-raping her as a practical joke. And follows it up with a “I didn’t rape you because you are an Indian woman whose honour resides in her vagina” dialogue that is so icky. What do you mean, my guy? Would you be okay to rape a black-out drunk woman if she was not Indian? Should we play the world’s smallest violin? Should we throw a party?

Raj’s Redemption Arc: Is It Real?

As for the “good boy” decision Raj makes to not elope but “win” Simran, all he does is lie to everyone there too. The same guy he talks about as “Saala Buddha (cuss word old man)” is referred to as “respectful elder who knows what’s good for Simran better than her” when Raj makes a speech to impress the fam. He pulls one last con by pretending to give up Simran and returning her to Bauji, referring to her as his “amanat (possession).” Yeah, as I said, no man recognizes Simran’s personhood here. What about what she wants, Raj? How are you any better than Bauji?

The Charisma of Shah Rukh Khan

Yet, Raj gets us all with one word, “Palat!” Sometimes I hate that Shah Rukh’s charm overrides the script and makes even sus characters appear endearing. I did find Kuljit (Parmeet Sethi) alluring before he started talking about cheating on his future wife. Even with his guns and goons persona, you have to admit he is attractive doing all that horse-riding. And pigeons carry so many diseases I can forgive him for shooting at some. Simran dodged a bullet (pun intended), but our demure and mindful Preeti (Mandira Bedi) wasn’t so lucky. Unnecessarily led on by Raj, her heartbreak was personal because she didn’t deserve any of it. I also feel bad for Bua (Himani Shivpuri) who had wonderful chemistry going with Raj’s father (Anupam Kher) but was of course left in the lurch at the climax.

The Logical Gripe: A Train Conundrum

And this brings me to the gripe logical people have with this movie. If Bauji indeed changed his mind at the end, why didn’t Raj and his “Pops” just get off the train instead of making Simran run in a lehenga? But, CINEMA! Yeah I get it, but I also don’t get it. Train washrooms are not where you want to be going in that costume.

Farida Jalal: The Heart of DDLJ

What makes the movie for me is Farida Jalal. As Simran’s mother, she has adjusted to a life full of sacrifices; she even admits to Simran that she has perhaps never tasted true happiness. But despite her back and forth on whether Simran should continue the “sacrifice yourself to patriarchy” tradition or elope, she is the realest character. When she says that a man never sacrifices anything for a woman, you can feel the bitterness and resignation in her voice. 29 years have passed, but her words still ring true.

Conclusion: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – Did it age well?

As much as I would like to pan Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, I cannot deny its relevance. I cannot deny that it contains a message for parents to let their daughters be free. I cannot deny that the songs still bring joy. This must have been my 30th rewatch and I was not bored for a single minute. Timeless cinema indeed! Fetch that popcorn and a Gen Z friend; DDLJ anniversary watch party tonight!

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