4 min learnNew DelhiJun 7, 2026 01:00 AM IST
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, synonymous with romance and iconic motion pictures like Tamasha, Rockstar, and Laila Majnu, not too long ago shared his insights on Gen Z’s understanding of affection. In a podcast with Raj Shamani, Imitiaz defined that the youthful era is probably not as completely different from earlier generations because it seems, however they’re extra sincere.
Talking about modern relationships and altering attitudes in the direction of love, the director mirrored on what younger individuals typically misunderstand about romance, arguing that their experiences mirror these of each era earlier than them. “Gen Z is getting the identical factor improper that anyone of their age in any era has obtained improper,” he stated, stressing that the youthful era initially focuses on exterior qualities earlier than step by step realising that love comes from inside somewhat than from the individual they idealise.
“They take a look at the outside, and step by step they realise that it’s the inside… love doesn’t exist in the one who is the item of your love however inside you,” he defined.
Addressing the notion that youthful generations really feel a better sense of emotional dissatisfaction or that one thing is lacking from their relationships, Imtiaz rejected the concept that that is restricted to Gen Z.
“I really feel the current era is way more truthful and may say very simply plenty of issues which earlier generations weren’t so comfy speaking about,” he stated. “They’re solely as fragile as earlier generations, however they’re simply extra sincere.”
He additionally pointed to the function of expertise and communication in shaping emotional expression immediately. He argued that elevated publicity to digital platforms has made individuals extra comfy sharing feelings overtly.
“The current era has no hypocrisy within the sense of values as a result of they focus on it with one another. They are saying what they really feel,” he stated, including that older generations typically hooked up worth to struggling in relationships in methods youthful individuals appear much less taken with doing.
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How relationship tradition has developed
Dr Rimpa Sarkar, psychological well being skilled, PhD, Sentier Wellness, Mumbai, defined that whereas relationship tradition has developed, core emotional wants stay unchanged. She shared that individuals throughout generations proceed to hunt belief, emotional security, intimacy, acceptance, and belonging. Nonetheless, Gen Z approaches these wants otherwise.
“Gen Z tends to be extra emotionally conscious, extra prepared to debate psychological well being, boundaries, and private values, and sometimes locations a better emphasis on emotional compatibility than earlier generations,” she stated.
Relationship within the social media era
On the similar time, she famous that relationship apps, social media, and fixed connectivity have launched new pressures. “Relationship apps have expanded entry to potential companions, however they’ve additionally created the notion that there’s all the time somebody “higher” only a swipe away. This may make some people extra hesitant to totally spend money on relationships or work via regular relationship difficulties,” Dr Sarkar defined.
Probably the most frequent misconceptions younger individuals maintain about love, Sarkar defined, is the idea that discovering the “proper individual” ought to make relationships easy. “Relationship analysis constantly reveals that battle itself just isn’t a predictor of relationship failure; somewhat, it’s how {couples} handle disagreements that issues,” she shared.
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Lengthy-term compatibility
She additionally warned towards equating intense chemistry with long-term compatibility or anticipating a companion to fulfil all emotional wants. On the affect of movies and social media, Sarkar stated idealised portrayals typically emphasise dramatic moments whereas overlooking the routines that maintain relationships in actual life.
“Wholesome love is usually much less dramatic than it’s portrayed on display screen,” she stated. “It’s constructed via consistency, reliability, emotional security, and the willingness to decide on one another repeatedly over time.”
