Mumbai:In this age of fast-paced dating apps, instant chat, and temporary relationships, it’s easy to assume that old, true romance is a thing of the past. But the surprising thing is that the digital generation i.e. Gen Z is re-discovering Shahrukh Khan’s classic love stories and falling in love with them again. From Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Veer-Zaara and Mohabbatein, today’s youth are watching these films on OTT or are ready to buy tickets when they are re-released in theatres.

New generation’s interest in old romance

The youth between 18 to 25 years, who have grown up among short form content and superhero films, feel something different in Shahrukh’s romantic stories. Honesty, simplicity and emotional connection to the heart. Meetings in mustard fields, farewells at railway stations and big love proposals feel refreshing in today’s digital world.

The secret of Shahrukh Khan’s relevance

Film marketing expert Girish Wankhede believes that Shahrukh’s relationship with Gen Z is not just nostalgia but the result of their continuous evolution. He said that Shahrukh always changed himself with time. He is not just an actor, he is a brand. He adopted technology, social media and OTT platforms in time, due to which he remained connected with every generation.

Film analyst Girish Johar says that Shahrukh Khan is a global star. His popularity transcends the boundaries of language, culture and age. The emotional connect in his films is so deep that ‘DDLJ’ still brings a smile on the faces of the audience.

New popularity of old films on social media

Clips of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Mohabbatein’ or ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ are trending widely on Instagram reels and TikTok today. Gen Z shares these with sarcastic or romantic captions, but the core sentiment of these scenes still remains the same. The generation which calls love a drama, is today feeling connected to characters like Raj and Rahul.

Re-release of films became an event

Production houses like Yash Raj Films are now re-releasing these classic films in select theatres. This step is being taken not for big profits, but for cultural connection. Rajkumar Malhotra, General Manager, Delight Cinema, says, “People want to watch these films again because they have true love stories, beautiful music and real emotions, which are rare in today’s films.

Even though these re-released films do not earn big at the box office, every show becomes a celebration. The audience dresses up like 90s characters, sings Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam and turns the theaters into a celebration of memories.

‘King of Romance’ even after three decades

Shahrukh Khan is as relevant today as he was in the 1990s. Recent hits like “Pathan” and “Jawaan” proved that he has redefined himself. Even while traveling from the king of romance to an action star, his emotional depth remained intact.

Girish Johar says that Shahrukh did not rely only on nostalgia. He found new stories and a way to connect with the new generation. This is his real strength.

old love, new perspective

For Gen Z, Shahrukh’s films are not just cinema, they are a feeling. At a time when relationships have become limited to swipes and algorithms, the romance in his films feels true and human. Perhaps this is the reason why the story of Raj and Simran is connecting generations even today. Because as long as someone, somewhere, loves someone, the magic of Shahrukh Khan will continue.