In a recent survey conducted by Bumble, it was revealed that a significant majority of single Indians, comprising both Gen Z and Millennials, enjoy engaging in movie post-mortems—sharing their thoughts and opinions on films, particularly in the realm of romantic comedies. As the iconic Bollywood Romcom “Hum Tum” celebrates its 20th anniversary, Ruchi Ruuh, a relationship expert at Bumble India, delves into why this film continues to strike a chord with contemporary audiences.
“Hum Tum,” released in 2004, intricately examines the dynamics of modern romance. Surprisingly, its themes resonate closely with the dating and relationship preferences of Indian Gen Z today. Let’s explore five ways in which Gen Z daters can find parallels between their experiences and the timeless narrative of this classic film:
- Challenging Conventional Notions of Love In “Hum Tum,” the central characters, Rhea and Karan, defy the conventional notion of a singular destined soulmate or “the one.” Instead, they emphasize the importance of shared interests, compatibility, and mutual respect in fostering meaningful relationships. This sentiment echoes the preferences of 71% of Indians, including a significant portion of Gen Z, who prioritize compatibility and shared hobbies when choosing a partner.
- Embracing the Evolution of Love Rhea and Karan’s relationship in the film evolves gradually over time, reflecting the Gen Z dating ethos that values the organic growth and development of relationships. This inclination towards nurturing deep connections over grand gestures is evident in the preference of 33% of Indians for simple, everyday dates that facilitate genuine intimacy.
- Valuing Authenticity Over Perfection The protagonists’ journey in “Hum Tum” underscores the importance of accepting each other’s quirks and imperfections, a principle that resonates strongly with Gen Z’s emphasis on authenticity in dating. Rather than striving for an unrealistic standard of perfection, young daters prioritize genuine connections and genuine selves, as supported by the app’s encouragement of authentic self-expression.
- Prioritizing Individual Growth A notable aspect of “Hum Tum” is how both Rhea and Karan prioritize their personal growth and self-discovery before committing to a relationship. This echoes the sentiment of 71% of single Gen Z individuals, who recognize the significance of self-development in fostering healthy relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.
- Embracing Independence and Autonomy Rhea’s character in the film embodies the spirit of independence and autonomy, challenging societal norms and forging her own path. This resonates with the growing trend among women, particularly Gen Z and Millennial women, who prioritize self-love and empowerment, reclaiming control over their dating experiences in a trend termed ‘betterment burnout.’
In conclusion, “Hum Tum” imparts timeless lessons about love and relationships that align closely with the modern dating values of Indian Gen Z. Through this film and platforms like dating apps, young daters find validation and reflection of their approach to romance—one characterized by personal growth, authenticity, and mutual respect.
