- Thursday, May 01, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Bollywood, with its penchant for sweeping romances and picturesque backdrops, has often ventured beyond the familiar landscapes of India to paint its love stories on international canvases. Among these, the United States has served as a captivating muse, its iconic cities and diverse vistas providing a unique flavor to tales of burgeoning affection, heartbreak, and reconciliation. From the bustling streets of New York to the sun-kissed shores of California, these films have woven the American landscape into the very fabric of their romantic narratives.
Perhaps no city has embraced Bollywood’s romantic gaze quite like New York City. The energy of Manhattan, the serenity of Central Park, the iconic silhouette of the Brooklyn Bridge – these landmarks have become silent witnesses to countless cinematic moments of love.
Kal Ho Naa Ho isn’t merely a Bollywood film set in New York; the city pulses as the very heart of this poignant romantic drama. Directed by Nikkhil Advani, the narrative intricately weaves the iconic locales of the Big Apple into the lives and loves of its characters.
The story centers on Naina Catherine Kapur (Preity Zinta), a young MBA student navigating life with a melancholic outlook amidst her family’s struggles in New York. Her world is brightened by the arrival of her charming and irrepressible neighbor, Aman Mathur (Shah Rukh Khan).
Aman’s infectious zest for life begins to thaw Naina’s cynicism, leading to an undeniable connection. Simultaneously, Naina’s loyal and endearing best friend, Rohit Patel (Saif Ali Khan), harbors his own affections for her, creating a poignant love triangle against the backdrop of the bustling metropolis.
The dazzling spectacle of Times Square provides the energetic setting for vibrant encounters, while the serene expanse of Central Park offers a sanctuary for intimate conversations and the quiet stirrings of affection. The majestic Brooklyn Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of connection, its steel cables mirroring the unseen threads drawing the characters together in the vast urban landscape.
The gentle melody of “Kuch Toh Hua Hai” perfectly captures the delicate beginnings of Naina and Rohit’s romance. The visuals frequently depict them meeting before their MBA classes near the Charging Bull statue on Wall Street. This iconic symbol of financial ambition becomes an unexpected stage for their innocent and burgeoning feelings. The song beautifully portrays their tentative steps towards love amidst the city’s relentless drive.
A Celebration of Community in a Foreign Land: In contrast to the grand landmarks, the vibrant song “Pretty Woman” offers a heartwarming glimpse into the lives of the Indian diaspora nestled in the suburbs of New York. The sequence showcases their colorful cultural celebrations, their strong community bonds, and their spirited efforts to transplant their traditions onto American soil.
Through their attire, their dances, and their festive gatherings, they create a vibrant “little India,” demonstrating their resilience and their ability to maintain their cultural identity while embracing their new home.
2. Anjaana Anjaani (2010)
Akash (Ranbir Kapoor) and Kiara (Priyanka Chopra), both on the verge of ending their lives, meet by chance in the Big Apple. Their shared despair leads to an impulsive pact: they will live for twenty more days, fulfilling their unaccomplished wishes before their self-imposed deadline. This pact sets them on a road trip that spans the vast American landscape, with their initial bond forged amidst the towering structures and bustling energy of New York City. The city’s anonymity, ironically, provides a safe space for their raw emotions and the tentative beginnings of their friendship.
However, their journey takes them far beyond the city limits. The song “Hairat” beautifully captures their cross-country adventure, showcasing the diverse beauty of the United States. The Grand Canyon, Arizona: mirrors the emotional journey they are undertaking.
Las Vegas, Nevada: The glittering lights and vibrant energy of Las Vegas provide a stark contrast to their initial despair. The city’s carefree atmosphere encourages them to embrace life and shed their inhibitions, further strengthening their bond.
Other American Landscapes: The song likely includes glimpses of other scenic locations encountered on their road trip, showcasing the diversity of the American landscape, from deserts to coastlines.
New Jersey: Coastal areas and roads in New Jersey are featured, marking their departure from New York and the start of their adventure.
Various American Highways and Byways: The film utilizes the open roads of America to symbolize their journey of self-discovery and the unfolding of their relationship.
Anjaana Anjaani uses the American landscape not just as a backdrop, but as a metaphor for the characters’ emotional journey. From the initial spark of connection in New York to the expansive freedom of the Grand Canyon and the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, the film weaves the diverse American scenery into the fabric of their unconventional and ultimately transformative love story.
3. Love Aaj Kal (2009)
While Love Aaj Kal (2009) primarily unfolds in the bustling streets of the United States, specifically San Francisco, California, plays a crucial and emotionally resonant role in the intertwined love stories, particularly in the historical narrative of Said Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone.
The film, directed by Imtiaz Ali, masterfully weaves two parallel romances across different eras. The contemporary story follows the amicable yet complicated breakup of Jai (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera (Deepika Padukone). Intertwined with their modern relationship is the passionate and enduring love story of Veer Singh in the 1960s, whose pursuit of Harleen takes him across continents to the United States.
The American leg of Veer’s story is pivotal in showcasing the depth of his love and his unwavering determination. After a chance encounter and a brief but impactful connection with Harleen in India, circumstances lead to her moving to San Francisco. Veer, deeply smitten, embarks on a journey to find her in this unfamiliar land.
The scenes set in San Francisco beautifully capture the city’s unique charm and iconic landmarks as the backdrop for Jai’s search:
The Majestic Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic structure becomes a recurring visual motif, symbolizing both the distance Veer has traveled and his unwavering focus on finding Meera. Shots of Jai gazing at the bridge often convey his longing and the vastness of his quest. It represents the bridge between his past and his hoped-for future with Meera.
In the song, it shown that Saif’s character working for his dream project the San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and in the song he is seen super excited in the start and gradually feeling lonely despite working his lon awaited project, showing the longingness to meet his ex-girlfriend Meera who is already engaged to her boss and is planning to get married.
4. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna intricately weaves the sophisticated veneer of New York City with the raw complexities of mature love and infidelity. Directed by Karan Johar, the film uses the city’s polished urban landscape as a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil experienced by its protagonists, Dev Saran (Shah Rukh Khan) and Maya Talwar (Rani Mukerji).
Central Park emerges as a recurring and significant motif throughout their illicit connection. Its serene greenery and hidden corners become the backdrop for their stolen moments, hushed conversations, and the gradual blossoming of their forbidden desires. The park’s natural beauty provides a temporary escape from the pressures of their unhappy marriages, allowing their feelings for each other to deepen in secret.
Beyond Central Park, the film subtly incorporates the city’s sophisticated ambiance – upscale restaurants, elegant apartments, and bustling avenues – to reflect the characters’ outwardly successful lives that mask their inner dissatisfaction.
This polished veneer mirrors the societal expectations and marital bonds that Dev and Maya find themselves trapped within, making their yearning for something more all the more poignant. New York City, with its blend of opportunity and anonymity, becomes a fitting stage for their complicated romance, a place where their paths unexpectedly cross and their lives become irrevocably intertwined amidst the city’s relentless rhythm.
The film suggests that even in a city as vibrant and full of life as New York, profound loneliness and the search for genuine connection can lead down unexpected and morally ambiguous paths.
5. Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999)
Aa Ab Laut Chalen poignantly paints the United States as more than just a setting; it’s a crucible where cultural assimilation intertwines with the search for love. Director Rishi Kapoor uses the vast American landscape to chart Karan’s (Akshay Khanna) emotional odyssey as he chases the American dream.
From the iconic, bustling streets of New York City, representing the initial allure and challenges of a new world, to the awe-inspiring majesty of Niagara Falls, symbolizing pivotal moments and the grandeur of his new surroundings, the film uses these locations to mirror Karan’s internal journey.
Amidst the backdrop of striving for success in a foreign land, unexpected connections blossom. The complexities of navigating cultural differences become intertwined with the nuances of finding love with fellow Indian immigrants, Pooja (Aishwarya Rai) and Chhavi (Suman Ranganathan).
The American landscape, in its diverse beauty and challenges, becomes a silent witness to Karan’s evolving understanding of love, belonging, and the intricate dance between embracing a new culture and staying true to his roots. The film suggests that even while chasing dreams in a new world, the heart finds its own compass, often leading to unexpected and meaningful connections.
