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Cinema

As ‘Dhadkan’ re-releases, here are 3 relationship lessons Gen Z can learn from this 2000s Bollywood romance

As ‘Dhadkan’ re-releases in theatres, here’s why this millennial love triangle still has something to say about modern love

Atreyee Poddar

Starring Shilpa Shetty, Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, Dhadkan will be re-released in selected Indian cinemas on May 23, 2025, in a digitally remastered format with enhanced picture and sound. Directed by Dharmesh Darshan, the 2000 romantic drama is part of a special theatrical revival celebrating classic Bollywood films.

After 24 years, Bollywood’s emotional powerhouse Dhadkan is ready to beat again — this time, for Gen Z

At its core, Dhadkan is a story of tangled love, sacrifice, and emotional awakening. Shilpa Shetty plays Anjali, a woman torn between her passionate first love, Dev (Suniel Shetty), and the quiet strength of her husband Ram (Akshay Kumar). What unfolds is a dramatic meditation on loyalty, heartbreak, and personal growth — themes as relevant now as they were then.

While the film’s soundtrack by Nadeem–Shravan remains unforgettable — we dare you not to hum Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se — the re-release also invites a fresh take on its emotional intelligence. For a Gen Z audience navigating dating apps, ghosting, and non-committal situationships, Dhadkan surprisingly holds up as a cautionary tale.

Here are three relationship mistakes the film warns against — and Gen Z would do well to avoid:

  1. Mistaking intensity for longevity: Dev and Anjali’s love is fiery, but ultimately unstable. Dhadkan reminds us that passion alone doesn’t sustain a partnership — emotional maturity does.

  2. Ignoring red flags in the name of ‘true love’: Dev’s character spirals into vengeance when rejected. The film underscores the importance of healthy detachment and setting boundaries, even when feelings run deep.

  3. Underestimating quiet love: Ram isn’t the loudest or most romantic, but he’s consistent, kind and dependable. In a world obsessed with grand gestures, Dhadkan gently nudges us to value emotional safety over theatrics.

As the re-release draws both nostalgic millennials and curious first-time viewers to the theatre, Dhadkan promises more than just a trip down memory lane. It's a reminder that timeless stories still have new lessons to teach — especially when it comes to love.