Dharma Turns 44: 5 Films by the Production House That Show Us ‘Pyaar Dosti Hai’
Have you ever found your partner in your best friend, or vice versa? If so, you’d know that “Pyaar Dosti Hai” — the idea that love and friendship go hand in hand — is a concept Bollywood fans adore, particularly in films produced by Dharma Productions. Founded by Yash Johar in 1979 and later helmed by his son, Karan Johar, Dharma Productions has become synonymous with heartwarming stories that explore the journey from friendship to love. As Dharma Productions celebrates 44 years of cinematic magic, we revisit five of their films that perfectly embody the sentiment of ‘Pyaar Dosti Hai’ and highlight how friendship often forms the foundation of the strongest romantic relationships.
1. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji
The movie that forever linked friendship with love in Bollywood, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai marked Karan Johar’s directorial debut and is one of the most iconic romantic films to date. Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Anjali (Kajol) are best friends, but their dynamic changes when Rahul falls for Tina (Rani Mukerji), leaving Anjali heartbroken. Years later, fate brings Rahul and Anjali back together, and their friendship rekindles — this time with romantic undertones.
The phrase “Pyaar dosti hai” became legendary, solidifying the notion that love often grows from deep friendship. Rahul and Anjali’s playful banter and emotional connection were emblematic of a bond that many people aspire to, showing that when friendship turns into love, the relationship is built on trust and mutual understanding.
2. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan
Kal Ho Naa Ho tells the heart-wrenching story of Naina (Preity Zinta), a woman weighed down by life’s challenges, whose world changes when she meets Aman (Shah Rukh Khan), a lively and optimistic man who becomes her best friend. As Aman lifts Naina’s spirits, she begins to fall for him, unaware of his tragic secret. Meanwhile, Rohit (Saif Ali Khan), Naina’s other best friend, quietly falls in love with her. The film expertly explores the dynamics of unrequited love, friendship, and sacrifice.
The friendships portrayed in Kal Ho Naa Ho are full of love, laughter, and vulnerability, with Aman and Rohit playing pivotal roles in Naina’s life. The movie shows that true friendship is about being there for someone, even when you know they love someone else.
3. Student of the Year (2012)
IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan
Though remembered for launching three major stars — Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra — Student of the Year also explores friendship’s role in romantic entanglements. The film follows the trio of Shanaya (Alia Bhatt), Rohan (Varun Dhawan), and Abhimanyu (Sidharth Malhotra), whose relationships evolve as they navigate college life. Despite dating Rohan, Shanaya grows distant due to his lack of attention and starts spending time with his best friend, Abhimanyu, eventually falling for him.
The film brings to life the complex dynamics of love triangles, all rooted in friendship, making it a fun watch for those nostalgic for their college days when friendships often turned into love.
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4. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani follows the journey of Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) and Naina (Deepika Padukone), who reconnect after being acquaintances in school. As they embark on a trip together, their friendship deepens, with Naina falling in love with Bunny. However, Bunny chooses to chase his dreams rather than settle down, and they go their separate ways, only to reunite years later.
The film is a heartwarming portrayal of how love can grow out of friendship, even if it takes years for both people to realize their true feelings. Naina and Bunny’s journey emphasizes that sometimes, the strongest relationships are built on the foundation of enduring friendship.
5. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil presents a more complex and modern take on the theme of friendship and unrequited love. Ayan (Ranbir Kapoor) and Alizeh (Anushka Sharma) form a deep friendship full of fun, support, and shared experiences. While Ayan falls in love with Alizeh, she views him only as a friend, leading to heartbreak and separation. Yet, even as they drift apart, their bond remains special and unbreakable.
This film explores how friendship can sometimes transcend romantic expectations, proving that a deep, platonic connection can be just as meaningful and profound as romantic love.
As Dharma Productions celebrates 44 years, these five films stand as timeless examples of how friendship and love often intertwine. They remind us that the best relationships are built on trust, understanding, and the ability to be each other’s best friends. Whether you’re reminiscing about a past romance or currently falling for a friend, these movies capture the magic of “Pyaar Dosti Hai” in a way that continues to resonate with audiences today.
