Simran ka RAJ!

I ended up watching DDLJ for the umpteenth time today. And like always, i fell in love with raj, all over again.

What is it about his character that actually got to the girls? Why did every second girl brought up in the nineties want someone like raj. Why did i idolize him as my perfect match?

Raj Malhotra - all loving and mega respectful. And most importantly he had a heart that was 'Made in India'. Underneath the brash spoilt richie rich exterior, there were heaps of goodness hidden.  Inspite of the boyishness and foreign influence, he had a solid character. 

I think one of the most important reason for me idealizing raj, would be his approach to love. In spite of the western influence, on his upbringing...following a  drunken cavort in the pool and snowfields of Switzerland, he restrains himself from a  sexual encounter , and does not compromise Simran’s virginity, even if she was apparently willing.  He strikes his chord with every girl , by hinting that love alone will suffice, until wedlock. Raj is someone with the right morals and values and has enough charm to carry on the chemistry with his girl, in a cute and perky manner.

Of course  if i have any young readers to this blog, i am sure they would be hooting at the above paragraph. At a time when my 14 year old cousin takes the what-kind-of-a-kisser-are-you quiz on facebook, i am sure they wouldn't relate to it.

But the truth of the matter is..its hard to be Raj.  Maintaining  the special oomph in your romance, and keeping tradition before emotions is definitely more daunting.  Raj and Simrans  ‘De-sexualized’ universe where the lead pair’s feelings for each other seems to be more  of  a love on Platonic lines than anything else, is something that i absolutely loved. His sense of humor, peppered with his charm might not get your heart galloping right away, but it will climb on to it like vines and wrap you in its spell.

Their relationship affirms that love  can be true, innocent and out of the sack. There was no official proposal ( Aey...kya bolti tu? Will you be my girlfriend ? ), No calculated love ( Haila! High society, vadda ghar - perfect match! )...and most importantly every second scene did not end with, raj running his tongue down her throat.

A pang in the heart,  a skip in your step, weak on your knees, butterflies in your stomach, a shy smile, stolen glances - Those were the days.

Simran ka raj...A trip on euro rails... and Switzerland <3  that was the dream. This movie definitely made Switzerland the bellwether of romantic destinations, in my  head. And yes, i am still hung up on it.

  

Main aa raha hun Simran...
           main aa raha hun...



   *one of those catchy dialogues from the movie *

Everytime i watch this movie, it reminds me of the naive, nerdy, not-so-pretty girl, who dreamt of raj all through high school.  It tells me that although time contoured my conviction, the traces of a hopeless romantic is perhaps STILL alive in me.

PS- If you haven't watched Dilwale dulhaniya le jayenge. Omg! what are you waiting for? Go watch it NOW!