In classic Bollywood (late 1980s–2000s), the romantic target was primarily a symbol of cultural purity. Heroes like Raj ( Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge ) or Rahul ( Kuch Kuch Hota Hai , 1998) pursued heroines (Simran or Anjali) who represented "Indian values" abroad. These heroines were romantic targets in the literal sense: objects of a quest.
In Bollywood, musical numbers are diegetic tools for targeting romance. A “dream sequence” song (e.g., Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 ) allows the hero to articulate his internal romantic target without physical action. These songs function as emotional milestones, marking progression toward the target. They provide “pause-and-celebrate” entertainment, offering audiences a rhythmic, visually spectacular release before the next conflict.