No 5: RajendraKumar
Born on 20 July 1929 at Silakot(Punjab, Pakistan)
He has made his way into bollywood with movie Santan in 1946. He got his first major break in 1956 in Movie called'Toofan aur diya'.He become known to people more in 1957 when he appeared in historic movie MOTHER INDIA. Then after he was having blistering 10 years.
Look at the proud list of Rajendra Kumar DHOOL KA PHOOL(1959), GOONJ UTHI SHAHNAI(1959), DIL EK MANDIR(1963), MERE MEHBOOB(1963), AYEE MILAN KI BELA(1964), SANGAM(1964), ARZOO(1965), JHUK GAYA AASMAAN(1968), SAATHI(1968). All these films have celebrated Golden Jubilee. Thats why Rajendra Kumar was also known as Jubilee Kumar. Eventhough the trio of Raj-Dev-Dilip was ruling bollywood, Rajendra Kumar has made his own impression in Bollywood.He was often perfectly cast in romantic roles. Beautifully sung songs by Mohammad Rafi were major contributory to his success.
Sadhana was Rajendra Kumar's favorite heroine with whom he has given many hit films. There was a rumors that Sayara Banu was fan of Rajendra Kumar and came to film industry for him only. God knows the Truth. Rajendra Kumar died on 29 July 1999 at Bombay. End of an Era.
No 4: Shahrukh Khan
Born on 2nd of November, 1965 at New Delhi.
I know some eyebrows will be raised while looking King Khan at no 4.But I feel top 3 are better romantic hero than him Lets check something about Shahrukh. At age of 24 he came to Mumbai and started his acting career. Initially he has started with some TV serials like Fauji, Circus and Dusara Keval.
Shahrukh got into movie with a good role in'Deewana'. It was indeed a romantic role. There after he was lucky enough to get good movies like Darr, Baazigar, DDLJ, DTPH. He was able to get in to Yash Chopra and Yash Johar group where he has done few of his best movies. They had caste him perfectly in romantic roles. He has done his best roles in their movies also. Sharukh's pair with Juhi and Kajol had been appreciated.
Shahrukh-Kajol is being considered one of the all time great pairs on silver screen. Their romantic roles in DDLJ, KKHH and KKKG were wonderful.Shahrukh had also performed well with Aishwarya in Devdas, Mohabbatein. His other romantic roles are in Kal Ho Na Ho, Dil Se, DTPH, Yes Boss, Chalte Chalte, Veer Zara.
But I feel there will be a slight problem for King Khan as his is 40 and no more he can do romantic roles. What will he do? Hope there will be good roles will be written for him and he keeps on performing as well as he is doing now.
No 3: Rishi Kapoor
Born on 4 September 1952 at Mumbai. Rishi Kapoor(also known as Chintu) is 2nd son of Raj Kapoor, only successful son of RK.
Just imagine a situation of Raj Kapoor, down with debts and failure of Mera Naam Joker. Launching his son in a relatively low budget film. And the film created history. It was no other film than one of the best love story in Indian Film Industry - Bobby. Rishi was had made his debut and it has brought glory and success back to RK camp.That has given Indian Cinema, one of the best Romantic hero of all time.
In 70s he was nicknamed'Lover Boy' and Rishi was the major teen heartthrob at that moment. He has set a fashion trend of his own. Full white suit in Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahi, Big sunglasses in Bobby all were cheered by Public. Perfect dancing had added many things to his Romantic image. I also think that he was blessed with few of the best songs ever had been composed. He was really lucky. Lets see his best romantic roles: Chandni(1989), Saagar(1985), Prem Rog(1982), Yeh Wada Raha(1982), Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai(1982), Karz(1980), Jhoota Kahin Ka(1979), Sargam(1979), Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin(1977), Kabhie Kabhie(1976), Laila Majnu(1976), Rafoo Chakkar(1975), Khel Khel Mein(1975), Bobby(1973).
Rishi paired well with Nitu with whom he got married also.Rishi is the one hero who has worked with almost all heroines. He has even worked from Hema Malini to Urmila Matondkar.
No 2: Rajesh khanna
Born in Amritsar, on 29th December 1942. Original name Jatin Khanna and better known as `kaka`.
1st ever Superstar of Indian Silver Screen.But do you know how Kaka had come to bollywood? He was selected by the United Producers' Talent Contest. He made his film debut in Chetan Anand's Aakhri Khat(1966). But non one knew more about Rajesh Khanna till 1969 when Aradhana was released. And then rest is history. From 1969 to 1972, the Rajesh Khanna swept Bollywood off like anything. The craze he had generated was never been seen before and perhaps after. Once Rajesh Khanna had admitted that he was having feeling'next to God'and it was not wrong. Ask the people who were there in 1969-1972. I read somewhere that his white Mercedes was getting red with kisses of girls.
Lets check his filmography: Aradhana(1969), Safar(1970), Kati Patang(1970), Aan Milo Sajna(1970), Anand(1970), Amar Prem(1971), Andaz(1971), Haathi Mere Saathi(1971), Daag(1973), Aap Ki Kasam(1974), Prem Nagar(1974), Mehbooba(1976), Dhanwan(1981), Kudrat(1981), Souten(1983), Avtaar(1983), Agar Tum Na Hote(1983). We can say that all his listed movies were not having his romantic role. But still he was a super romantic hero. He was also a very good stylish hero also. His mannerisms - the crinkling of his eyes and shake of the head asking the heroine to come to him was really super. He was helped by songs of RD Burman and voice of Kishore Kumar. Those two were the pillars of Rajesh Khann's success.
But infact, Rajesh Khanna falls as quickly as he had risen. He rules from 1971 to 1976 until'Angry Young Man' Amitabh comes to the screen. He has just swept the whole industry as well as Rajesh Khanna with his new image. But still he is remembered as a great romantic hero for his great styles and memorable movies.
No 1: Dev anand
Born on September 26, 1923 at Gurdaspur in Punjab.
Dev Anand is one of the greatest stars the Hindi Film Industry has seen. Handsome and debonair, he was the epitome of the suave, urban gentleman and a romantic lover. He indeed tried to copy Gregory Pack earlier in his career, but later he has set his own style. What else I shall say about Dev Anand as his name has always proceeded by the phrase'ever green hero'.
His first acting assignment came with Prabhat's Hum Ek Hain(1946) but the film didn't do anything at all for his career. But his films like Baazi, C.I.D, Kala Bazar, Hum Dono, Tere Ghar Ke Saamne, Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai, Johny Mera Naam, Guide, Hare Rama Hare Krishna have done the best on Silver Screen. Not initially but day by day Dev Anand has grown as romantic hero.Dev Anand has established a landmark for all times, unlike the other great names. He was the first stylish hero of Indian Cinema. His style of walking and talking were great. Like Rajesh Khanna, Kishore Kumar and R D Burman has played vital role in his success.
Not only as an actor but as a director / producer Dev Anand had contributed Indian Cinema. Many starts like Zeenat Aman and Tina Munim are Dev Anand's find. He is indeed a phenomenon, a craze, a legend par excellence till date! Truly my No 1 Romantic Hero of Bollywood till date!
