Mann (1999)

'Mann' is a subtle yet emotionally charged romance that has been adapted from a Hollywood movie. It explores the real meaning of love and how at times the sacred institution of marriage becomes reduced to a bargaining tool. Dev Karan Singh (Aamir Khan), an ambitious artist who is in a financial crisis, agrees to marry Anita (Deepti Bhatnagar), the daughter of Singhania (Dalip Tahil), a supremely wealthy tycoon. At the other extreme of the pendulum, Priya (Manisha Koirala), a music teacher for children, is engaged to Raj (Anil Kapoor), whom she has agreed to marry because he had helped her when she was in need. Priya and Dev meet on a cruise and fall madly in love despite all odds. However, due to prior engagements, they agree to work everything out and meet in 6 months on Valentine's Day to get married. During the 6 months, Dev breaks off his engagement with Anita and starts working hard. Driven by his love, he creates and auctions beautiful paintings, and becomes very successful. On the other hand, Priya is wracked with guilt as she feels indebted to the ever-accommodating Raj. She sadly writes a letter to Dev, explaining everything, but fortunately Raj gets the letter instead, and he gallantly convinces her to remain true to her love for Dev. Just when it seems like the lovers will unite, there is a tragic twist in the tale when, on her way to meet him, Priya gets hit by a car and the horrifying accident leaves her permanently handicapped, with both her legs amputated. Dev, completely unaware of the catastrophe, waits all night to be reunited with his love, Priya, but, when she does not arrive he mistakenly assumes that she has rejected him. Priya forbids Raj from telling Dev, not wanting to become a burden on him. However, both Dev and Priya still love and pine for each other. Though heartbroken, Dev continues his career and goes on to become a famous painter. One day, Priya attends his art exhibition and wishes to buy a painting of his, a sentimental picture of her speaking to his beloved grandmother, whom Dev had introduced to her during the cruise. Dev initially refuses to sell the painting as he had painted it exclusively for Priya, but upon hearing that the girl who wishes to buy it understands the emotion behind the picture and is disabled, he instructs the host of the exhibition to give her the painting free of cost. One fateful day, Dev visits Priya to give her an anklet that his recently deceased grandmother had wished Priya would wear when she became Dev's bride. Initially unaware of Priya's condition, Dev realizes the truth when he sees his painting displayed in another room. The two embrace tearfully and he assures Priya that he will love her no matter what. Dev and Priya then get married and live happily ever after.