Aamir Khan's directorial debut, 'Like Stars on Earth' (Taare Zameen Par), is a deeply touching and important film that brought the issue of dyslexia into the mainstream conversation in India. Darsheel Safary gives a heartwarming performance as Ishaan, a young boy struggling in school who is misunderstood by his parents and teachers. Aamir Khan plays his art teacher who recognizes his potential and helps him overcome his challenges. The film is praised for its sensitive portrayal of learning disabilities and its emotional narrative, resonating with parents, educators, and children alike. It's a powerful story about empathy, understanding, and nurturing individual talents.

Sooraj Barjatya's 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' is a classic family drama and musical that became an unprecedented blockbuster in the mid-90s, setting new standards for box office success. Starring Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit, the film revolves around two families and the blossoming romance between their younger members amidst numerous wedding ceremonies and family functions. Known for its traditional values, elaborate song-and-dance sequences (there are 14 songs!), and feel-good narrative, HAHK became a cultural phenomenon, influencing wedding celebrations and family films for years to come. It remains one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time and a beloved part of many Indian households.

Rakesh Roshan's 'Koi... Mil Gaya' is a unique film in Bollywood for venturing into the science fiction genre with a story centered on an alien friend. Starring Hrithik Roshan as a developmentally disabled young man and Preity Zinta as his friend, the film sees them encountering an extraterrestrial being named Jadoo. It was a brave attempt to introduce sci-fi elements into a mainstream narrative, focusing on themes of compassion, acceptance, and the power of friendship. The film was a major success and led to the creation of the popular superhero franchise 'Krrish', making it a significant film in Hrithik Roshan's career and Indian cinema's genre exploration.

Farhan Akhtar's 'Dil Chahta Hai' was a game-changer for Bollywood, presenting a refreshingly realistic and urban take on friendship among three young men. Starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna, the film follows their journey from college graduates to navigating relationships and careers. Set against the backdrop of modern-day India and Australia, the film's naturalistic dialogue, relatable characters, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's cool, contemporary music were a departure from typical Bollywood fare. It resonated strongly with urban youth and is credited with ushering in a new era of filmmaking in Hindi cinema.

'Kal Ho Naa Ho' is a poignant and heartwarming film that beautifully explores themes of love, friendship, and living life to the fullest. Set in New York City, the movie stars Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan in a complex love triangle. Produced by Karan Johar and directed by Nikkhil Advani, it's known for its emotional depth, witty dialogues written by Karan Johar, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's incredibly popular and diverse soundtrack. The film managed to blend humor and tragedy seamlessly, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and becoming a major hit.

Karan Johar's directorial debut, 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', was a massive phenomenon in the late 90s, defining friendship and love for a generation. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, the film is a romantic drama that begins in college and follows the characters years later. Its catchy songs, stylish look, and focus on friendship turning into love struck a major chord. The film was praised for its fresh take on romance and its lead actors' chemistry, becoming a cultural touchstone and a huge commercial success that launched Karan Johar's career.

Rajkumar Hirani's '3 Idiots' is a film that successfully blended sharp social commentary with hilarious comedy and genuine emotion. Based on Chetan Bhagat's novel 'Five Point Someone', the movie stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi as engineering students navigating the pressures of India's education system. The film critiques rote learning and societal expectations while celebrating innovative thinking and following one's passion. It broke box office records and resonated deeply with young people, sparking conversations about education reform. Its heartwarming story, relatable characters, and witty dialogues make it a highly rewatchable and impactful film.

Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' is the quintessential Bollywood family epic of the 2000s. Featuring a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor, the film is a lavish production exploring themes of family values, love, and reconciliation across generations and continents. Known for its opulent sets, elaborate costumes, and incredibly popular soundtrack, K3G (as it's affectionately known) was a massive global hit, particularly among the Indian diaspora. It's a film that embraces melodrama and spectacle, delivering a heartfelt story about the complexities of family relationships.

No list of iconic Bollywood films from this era is complete without 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. Aditya Chopra's directorial debut is a timeless romance that redefined love stories in Indian cinema and holds the record for the longest-running film in Indian history, playing for over 1000 weeks in a Mumbai cinema. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in roles that cemented their status as the ultimate romantic pair, the film's blend of European landscapes and traditional Indian values struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Its catchy songs, charming performances, and feel-good narrative make it a beloved classic that continues to be discovered and adored by new generations.

Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Swades' is a deeply introspective and grounded film about returning to one's roots and contributing to the nation's progress. Starring Shah Rukh Khan in a rare departure from his romantic roles, he plays a successful NASA scientist who visits his ancestral village in India and becomes disillusioned yet inspired by the realities he encounters. The film foregoes typical Bollywood melodrama for a more realistic and thoughtful approach, focusing on rural development and the challenges faced by everyday Indians. A.R. Rahman's soulful music complements the film's contemplative mood beautifully. 'Swades' is often cited for its earnest portrayal of patriotism not through grand gestures, but through quiet determination and social responsibility, making it a truly unique film.

'Rang De Basanti' is a film that truly shook the consciousness of young India upon its release. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, it cleverly intertwines the story of modern-day friends with the lives of Indian revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad. The narrative, spurred by a British documentary filmmaker, challenges apathy and explores themes of patriotism, corruption, and activism in a way that felt fresh and urgent. The film features a fantastic ensemble cast including Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, and Soha Ali Khan. Its unique narrative structure, powerful performances, and A.R. Rahman's genre-bending soundtrack made it a cultural phenomenon and a catalyst for discussion among younger generations.

Released the same year as 'Gadar', 'Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India' is another historical epic that captured the nation's heart and even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film – a rare feat for Bollywood. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and starring Aamir Khan, this film ingeniously blends historical drama with the thrill of a sports underdog story, set during the British Raj. The premise of villagers challenging their oppressive rulers to a cricket match to avoid taxes is utterly compelling. The film's attention to period detail, its sprawling narrative, and A.R. Rahman's captivating music contribute to its grand scale and enduring appeal. It's a story of unity, resilience, and fighting for dignity against seemingly insurmountable odds, making it a landmark film in Indian cinema.

'Border' is an absolute powerhouse of patriotic cinema, a film that still gives goosebumps years after its release. Based on the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, J.P. Dutta's direction brings a raw, emotional intensity to the screen. The ensemble cast, featuring Sunny Deol, Sunil Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, and Jackie Shroff, delivered performances that felt incredibly authentic and moving. The film's music, particularly 'Sandese Aate Hain', became an anthem for a generation, perfectly capturing the longing and sacrifice of soldiers and their families. Filmed extensively in real locations, 'Border' wasn't just a war film; it was a tribute to courage, brotherhood, and the unwavering spirit of those who defend their nation, making it a classic in the patriotic genre.

Stepping back into the world that set the stage for 'Gadar 2' is essential, and 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' delivers an epic tale of love against the backdrop of the Partition of India. Sunny Deol as Tara Singh and Ameesha Patel as Sakeena became iconic figures, their chemistry driving a narrative filled with intense drama, action, and that handpump scene that's etched into Bollywood history. The film was a colossal box office success upon its release in 2001, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever at the time. Director Anil Sharma crafted a story that resonated deeply with audiences, blending a passionate romance with the harrowing realities of a nation divided. It's a cinematic experience that captures a tumultuous period through a deeply personal lens, making the anticipation for its sequel understandable.