Five of Katti Batti star Imran Khan’s best romcoms

Imran Khan is one of Bollywood's most bankable romantic leads today. We look at some of his best work.

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008)
A movie with a lot of firsts – it marked Imran Khan's debut, as well as the debut of director Abbas Tyrewala and Prateik Babbar. A big hit at the box office, the film told the story of best friends Jai and Aditi, whose personalities are completely different, and who don't realise they are in love with each other until it's nearly too late. Also starring Genelia D'Souza, the cute romantic comedy also had excellent performances by the ensemble cast, notably Babbar. It is also Khan's only film to have done well at the box office.

Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011)
Khan plays Ali Zafar's younger brother in the film, who is on a mission to find a suitable bride for his London-returned playboy sibling. As luck would have it, Zafar's character in the film gets fixed up with Katrina Kaif, who Khan had already met at a college trip. Pandemonium ensues when Kaif and Khan fall in love with each other. While the music and story were nothing to write home about, the comedy had some genuinely funny scenes.

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012)
A fun, unpredictable and offbeat film, which boasts one of Khan's best performances. Rahul is an architect who lives in Las Vegas, away from his domineering father and socialite mother. An obedient son, he doesn't know what do with himself after he loses he job. He meets Riana (Kareena Kapoor) at his psychologist's office. A night of heavy partying leads to a drunken wedding, which they get annulled soon after. This film doesn't have a traditional happy ending, making for a refreshing change from the usually predictable Bollywood love stories.

I Hate Luv Storys (2010)
Paired with Sonam Kapoor, Khan portrays Jay, a cynic who doesn't believe in romantic love, yet ironically works as an assistant to a filmmaker known for his love stories. Kapoor plays Simran, a girl who loves drama and romance, and whose life is not unlike something out of a Bollywood movie. The two inevitably fall in love. While the film lacks originality, Khan's excellent comic timing and the music were highly commended.

Break Ke Baad (2010)
Khan and Deepika Padukone play Abhay and Aaliya, childhood sweethearts who being dating each other, until Aaliya decides to take a break from the relationship when she moves to Australia to go to acting school. Dealing with topics such as insecurity and long-distance relationships, the storyline is flimsy but Khan held is own, despite the fact that Padukone's character had considerably more screen space.
ajhurani@thenational.ae