Hindi cinema has often turned the chaos, excitement and uncertainty of growing up into stories that resonate with audiences across generations. From unforgettable friendships and first loves to ambitions, heartbreaks and the struggle to find one’s identity, coming-of-age films have captured the many emotions associated with youth and campus life. As Don’t Be Shy prepares to introduce a new generation of actors and a fresh coming-of-age story, here’s a look at some Bollywood films that have made friendship, romance and growing up an integral part of their narratives.
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na: When friendship became the love story
Few films have captured the easygoing chaos of young friendships quite like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. At the centre of the story were Jai and Aditi, whose close-knit group of friends became one of the film’s biggest highlights. Through inside jokes, heartbreaks, misunderstandings and changing relationships, the film explored how friendships can evolve as people grow older. Its portrayal of young adulthood and the realisation that love can sometimes be closer than expected made it a memorable coming-of-age story.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani: Friendship, love and finding yourself
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani brought together friendship, romance, ambition and the desire to discover one’s place in the world. Bunny, Naina and their friends embarked on a journey that showcased the excitement of youth while also highlighting how people and relationships change with time. From college adventures and travel to dreams, love and difficult choices, the film explored the transition from carefree youth to adulthood and the ways in which growing up can reshape friendships and priorities.
Student of the Year: The glamorous side of campus life
Student of the Year presented college life through a glossy and larger-than-life lens. With friendship, rivalry, romance and ambition at its core, the film followed young characters navigating relationships while competing for recognition and success. The film added a more glamorous dimension to the campus-life genre, combining youthful energy with romance, competition and aspirational storytelling.
Don’t Be Shy: A new generation finds its voice
Adding a new chapter to Hindi cinema’s coming-of-age stories is Don’t Be Shy, which brings newcomers Aarushi Bajaj, Bianca Arora, Ansh Duggal and Piyush Khati into the spotlight. Produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions and directed by Sreeti Mukerji, the film explores the excitement, confusion and discoveries that come with growing up and navigating relationships at a young age. With four fresh faces at its centre, Don’t Be Shy enters a space that Hindi cinema has explored in several different ways over the years — one where friendships are intense, emotions are new and growing up rarely goes exactly as planned. The trailer for Don’t Be Shy is now out, with the film set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on September 25.