Aah romcom! We were introduced to heroes who set the standard for love—characters whose qualities we dreamed of finding in real life. But did these idealized depictions of romance skewed our expectations?
Growing up as a 2001 baby, I watched a lot of movies, and then came my love for romcoms, with Bollywood films capturing a special place in my heart. I never gave it much thought—what harm could cute, feel-good movies really do, right? But as I’ve entered my 20s, I realize that the movies I grew up watching might have set some unrealistic standards for my expectations. Wait—can too many green flag heroes actually be a problem? These films subtly raised my standards for finding Mr. Right, making me question if I expect too much.
I often overhear conversations “I want my guy to be like Rahul,” or “I need a green-flag guy who really understands me.” These phrases are becoming common, and I’m starting to wonder if this desire is a product of the romcom heroes we’ve grown up watching. To this day, I revisit my favorite comfort movies, as they offer a sense of belonging, reassurance that my expectations won’t be let down, and, let’s be honest, they made us a little delusional about the perfect partner.
Now, let’s take a look at a few of the unforgettable green-flag heroes who have captured Gen Z’s imagination and well us, let’s just say, a tad bit delusional!
1. Rahul Raichand – Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001)
He’s chaotic, he’s fun, and oh-so-finely set the standard. For many, Rahul Raichand (Shah Rukh Khan) is the ultimate green flag. From taking a stand for Anjali (Kajol) to fighting his own battles, he represents the kind of partner who’s ready to sacrifice for love, family, and friendship. His character doesn’t just swoon you with his charm—he’s layered, supportive, and fierce when it matters.
And every time Rahul starts the Bole Chudiyaan step, our hearts skip a beat! With his rockstar vibe and gentle sensitivity, he remains the standard-bearer of the romantic hero for a generation. His fiery passion for family, love, and righteousness is the kind of devotion that makes him an unforgettable dream man.
Rahul might just stay exactly where he is, onscreen… much as we love the depiction, was he too good to be true?
2. Aditya Kashyup – Jab We Met (2007)
Hands down, one of the best heroes Bollywood has given us. Aditya Kashyup (Shahid Kapoor) is not just any hero; he’s the ultimate blend of vulnerability and courage. What’s not to love? From helping Geet (Kareena Kapoor Khan) unite with her true love, to having the emotional intelligence to step back and let her go, Aditya is the perfect example of selfless love. His journey of self-discovery is something we all connect with deeply. His character teaches us that personal growth often requires sacrifice, but true love means letting the other person thrive, even if it’s not with you.
And let’s not forget his famous quote: “Acha acha socho gi, acha acha hoga” – an enduring piece of wisdom that encourages us to think positively, trust the process, and have faith in the future. Girls, we could learn something from that!
3. Jai Singh Rathore – Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008)
Jai Singh Rathore, played by Imran Khan, is one of the most relatable and lovable heroes in Bollywood. With his loyal, easygoing nature and sense of humor, he’s the ideal friend—always there for those he cares about. Jai’s emotional maturity stands out, particularly in his relationship with Aditi (Genelia D’Souza). He takes the time to understand his feelings, never rushing into love, and always respecting Aditi’s space and emotions.
Jai’s growth throughout the film, as he realizes his true feelings for Aditi, highlights his emotional intelligence and sincerity. His blend of fun, friendship, and emotional depth makes him a perfect green-flag character, showing that real love is rooted in understanding, patience, and respect.
4. Prem Shankar Sharma – Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009)
Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal of Prem in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani is a perfect blend of charm, innocence, and emotional depth. Prem is the ultimate nice guy—kind-hearted, spontaneous, and always looking out for others. His carefree nature is matched by a genuine, selfless love for Jenny (Katrina Kaif), as he supports her without expecting anything in return.
Prem’s patience and understanding, especially in his pursuit of true love, make him a character many admire. His ability to prioritize others’ happiness, combined with his emotional growth throughout the film, showcases a deeper, more mature approach to love and relationships, making us realize, love’s not a game for just anyone!
5. Rishi – Mismatched (2020)
Rishi Singh Shekhawat portrayed by Rohit Saraf in Mismatched, is the lovable mix of awkward charm and genuine sweetness that steals your heart. He’s the kind of guy who’s still figuring things out but does so with a refreshing honesty. From his flustered attempts at impressing Dimple (Prajakta Koli) to his sincere, unfiltered emotions, Rishi is the embodiment of a guy who’s comfortable with his imperfections, and that’s what makes him so relatable.
What makes Rishi even more endearing is his genuine respect and patience with Dimple (honestly we could never!) He may not have all the answers, but he’s eager to understand her on a deeper level, embracing the awkwardness and all the bumps that come with growing up and learning about love.
P.S. Let’s take a moment to appreciate that no guy would still be around the second you throw a cup of coffee at them. If you know, you know!
6. Aman Mathur – Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Aman Mathur, played by Shah Rukh Khan, is the kind of guy who made us laugh, made us cry, and made us fall in love with him all at once. He’s charming, selfless, and has a heart that’s bigger than the world itself. Aman’s infectious energy and playful spirit light up every room, but it’s his ability to see beyond the surface and care deeply for those around him that truly makes him unforgettable.
His love for Naina (Preity Zinta) is pure, unspoken, and full of warmth, but what truly sets him apart is how he prioritizes the happiness of others, even if it means sacrificing his own. He teaches us the importance of living in the moment and cherishing every second, all while showing us that love isn’t just about being together—it’s about making the people you love better versions of themselves. A true hero in every sense of the word, Aman is the kind of guy you’d want in your corner, even if life was a little too short.
7. Edward Lewis – Pretty Woman (1990)
Edward Lewis, played by Richard Gere in Pretty Woman, is a complex character who brings both romance and maturity to the table. As a successful businessman, he could have been seen as arrogant, but Edward shows a deep vulnerability and kindness that sets him apart. His transformation throughout the movie is a key part of his charm—he goes from being a detached, work-focused man to someone who learns to open his heart and value emotional connection.
Edward is respectful, considerate, and genuinely interested in getting to know Vivian (Julia Roberts) beyond her profession. His willingness to treat her with dignity, not only as a romantic partner but as an equal, is a true green-flag trait. He doesn’t try to change her or judge her, instead providing her the space to grow, while offering his own support when needed.
8. Patrick Verona – 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Heath Ledger’s portrayal of Patrick Verona in 10 Things I Hate About You (one of my favourite movies ever!) is the ultimate blend of bad boy with a heart of gold. Initially introduced as the mysterious, rebellious guy who’s paid to date Kat (Julia Stiles), Patrick quickly proves there’s more to him than meets the eye. His transformation from a tough exterior to a genuinely caring and thoughtful partner is a hallmark of his character.
As the movie unfolds, Patrick’s true charm shines through. He doesn’t try to change Kat or pressure her into anything—he just gets her. Whether it’s his goofy attempts to win her over or his quiet moments of understanding, Patrick’s journey from being the “bad boy” to a guy who’s emotionally available and supportive is what makes him so lovable.
In conclusion, the heroes we grew up watching—whether it’s Rahul’s devotion in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Aditya’s emotional growth in Jab We Met, or Patrick’s bad boy charm in 10 Things I Hate About You—have undoubtedly shaped our expectations of love. While these characters set the bar super high and introduced us to the idea of a “perfect partner,” it’s important to remember that the real world doesn’t always follow the script of a romcom. These characters may have set a standard, but they also remind us that love isn’t about perfection; we might not het a Rahul, Aman or Aditya as a life partner, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find the goodness in the real life people we choose to soend our life with. Heroes might exist onscreen and make the world a starry-eyed fantasy for us, but don’t allow the stars to prevent you from meeting someone real – who complements you (and not Naina, Anjali or Geet), flaws and all, for all the right reasons.
