Television series
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
- Romantic drama
- Drama
- Light-hearted
A warm Indian romantic drama about two strangers—a cynical wealthy businessman and an optimistic tutor in her thirties—forced into an arranged marriage. What follows is a slow-burn exploration of whether love can grow where none was expected, told with genuine humor and heart. For anyone who believes in second chances and the messy, complicated beauty of real relationships.
If you liked this
Ishqbaaz2016
Epic romantic drama with similar architecture: two people from different worlds collide, marry, and navigate betrayal, family chaos, and genuine feeling. The emotional stakes feel earned rather than manufactured.
But Runs to 500+ episodes. If you can't commit to a soap opera's generous timeline, you'll struggle here.

Dil Se..1998
Hindi cinema's most beautiful meditation on two people from opposite worlds falling in love against the odds. Visually stunning, emotionally complex, with a haunting depth that lingers.
But Darker and more unsettling than the title suggests. Not a straightforward love story; the ending will unsettle you.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge1995
The romantic gold standard. Two young Indians abroad discover love across family boundaries. It's joyful, funny, and made with such affection for its characters that it transcends the formula.
But Nearly three hours and very much a product of 1995. Some elements feel dated; the gender politics won't appeal to everyone.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
Shuddh Desi Romance2013
Both pivot on whether love can exist outside the framework arranged marriage imposes. SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE asks the inverse question: can love survive when the framework is removed?
Flips the arranged marriage script: two people who met for an arranged marriage reject it, fall in love without obligation, and have to fight for a relationship no one expected. Modern, irreverent, genuinely romantic.
But Quite irreverent about Indian marriage traditions. If you're looking for reverence toward family structures, this will feel like mockery.

More like this (6)
Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana2017
A recent, sharper take on arranged marriage. Witty, self-aware about its own tropes, with real chemistry between leads. Lighter touch than older serials but genuinely romantic.
But Shorter and slighter than you might expect. Some will find it too comedic to take seriously.

Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na2008
Two best friends who are obviously in love but won't admit it. Funny, modern, full of genuine warmth. The supporting cast is excellent and the city of Delhi feels alive.
But Very much a young person's film. The protagonist's naïveté can grate, especially if you're impatient with romantic misunderstandings.

Tum Bin2001
A quiet, tender film about two ordinary people meeting by chance in a foreign city. No melodrama, no family interference—just two people learning each other. Deceptively moving.
But Minimal plot and deliberately understated. If you need external conflict and high stakes, this will feel slow.

Khosla Ka Ghosla!2006
A family dramedy with genuine warmth and humor. The ensemble cast creates a lived-in world; the relationships feel true. Funny without being broad.
But More ensemble piece than romance. Central relationship takes a backseat to family dynamics and property dispute plot.

English Vinglish2012
Both center on a woman who believed she'd missed life's deadline and discovers it was never as closed as she thought. Priya and this protagonist share the same quiet revelation.
A woman in her forties transforms herself and discovers self-worth. Subtle, wise, and about becoming who you actually are rather than who others need. Gauri Shinde's direction is extraordinarily gentle.
But Slow, observational filmmaking. No plot fireworks; purely character and mood. Will feel frustratingly quiet if you need momentum.

C.I.D.1956
Both trust their audience to sit with feeling and uncertainty. Neither rushes to resolution; both believe in the power of silence and what's unspoken between two people.
A 1950s police procedural with real suspense and extraordinary craft. Noir-inflected, beautifully shot, with genuine mystery and moral complexity. A landmark film that still grips.
But In black and white, from 1956, with pacing that won't rush. Requires patience and a different aesthetic expectation than modern television.

People
Cast
Writing
- Ekta KapoorCreator
Production
- Pradeep HindujaExecutive Producer
- Prashant ShekleExecutive Producer
- Vijay Kumar JaiswarExecutive Producer
- Ekta KapoorProducer
- Shobha KapoorProducer
Recommended by
Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, Kumkum Bhagya, Ishqbaaz, Jamai Raja, Pandya Store