Cupid’s Bollywood work

These actors romance in reel-life, but how far does love transcend into their real life... Sneha May Francis finds out

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan
They got together amid huge controversy. She left her then beau Shahid Kapoor, and he left is many girl friends behind, to join hands on the sets of Taashan. Ever since, they have stopped at nothing to proclaim their love. From TV shows to films to ads, they have done the whole circus of ‘love publicity’. Contrary to their lukewarm onscreen image (in Taashan) they do have a lot in common – an illustrious filmi backgrounds (one a Kapoor-kid and the other son to the beautiful Sharmila Tagore), phoenix-like career growth and a tight grip on their star tantrums.

Ajay Devgan and Kajol
She makes it to Bollywood’s most talented actresses. Her eyes essayed many a crucial character with aplomb, while his dark broody unconventional look worked a way into the heart of the audiences. Their innocent love story blossomed over a few films, Ishq and Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha. After 10-years of marriage and lovely daughter Nysa, these two are focused on working on their creative growth. Their first film post marriage, Raju Chacha, flopped miserably, but their most recent - U, Me Aur Hum – had a better luck at the box office.

Bipasha Basu and John Abraham
They’ve walked the same line! Both started out as successful models before setting foot in the film industry. Their first film together - Jism - sizzled at the box office and witnessed their love story kick off. Despite rumours of infidelity they have stuck to each other for years together. After Jism, they’ve failed to recreate their love onscreen, making their onscreen romance almost insipid.

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone
The blue-eyed Kapoor boy’s debut Saawariya may not have done well at the box office but it got him instant fame. His ladylove Deepika Padukone too struck gold with her debut Om Shanti Om. And together they basked in their success, proclaiming their love to the world. It’s rumoured they hit it off on the sets of Bachna Aai Haseeno. Though their movies (together) got a subdued response, their real life love story is going strong!

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan
They are Bollywood’s Brangelina! Their wedding received more media coverage than any other political story. Their relationship has been scrutanised and dissected by many a pandit (astrologer), media personalities, co-workers, and the public at large. But looks like their numerous visits to religious destinations have paid off and these two look happy. They fell in love on the sets of Umrao Jaan, which bombed. Their second film Guru did extremely well, maybe because of its strategic release close to their actual wedding. But Sarkar Raj didn’t turn out as lucky. But with a few promising projects lined up, they have their fingers crossed!

Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan
The golden couple of Bollywood. They married in 1973, when she was at the peak of her career and he was fairly new to Bollywood. They both worked in some memorable films like Abhimaan, Sholay, Chupke Chupke and Silsila. After marriage, Amitabh’s career sky-rocketed, while Jaya took up domestic duties. Jaya returned to the silver screen after many years with Fiza, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum and Kal Ho Naa Ho. While Big B continues to charm the audiences, she has taken the socio-political path. Together, they are still one of the most rock-solid couples in the film industry.

Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna
Bollywood’s khiladi Akshay Kumar fell in love with Twinkle Khanna while shooting for International Khiladi and Zulmi. Though his acting journey was choc-o-bloc with numerous romantic links (namely with Raveena Tandon, Pooja Batra, Shilpa Shetty and the more recent Priyanka Chopra), he’s had the knack of shaking off all the bad publicity with super hit films. Twinkle has stood by her man through it all and gave up her, not-so-flourishing acting life, for family and a career in interior decoration.

Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu
Although Kumar was known for his fiery affair with the versatile Madhubala, he married the gorgeous Saira Banu in 1966. It was almost as if he wanted to irk Madhubala. Gossip columnists predicted Kumar, then aged 44, and Banu, then aged 22, wouldn’t last, but the union has stood the test of time. It’s said that it was Banu’s mother who persuaded Kumar to advise Banu against going out with Raj Kumar, but in the bargain the actor fell in love with the innocent beauty. Despite a strong marriage, their love didn’t transcend on the silver screen, with many of their films Gopi, Sagina and Bairaag faring badly.

Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh
Their vibrant energy and killer dance moves got them the most dreamy pair recognition. Their on-screen romances, prior to their wedding, namely Khel Khel Mein, Kabhi Kabhie and Rafoo Chakkar were successful. Post marriage Neetu gave up the limelight, leaving him to make his mark. With age he’s done far too few films. But after their son’s entry, the proud parents are now back to support him.

Dharmendra and Hema Malini
The erstwhile beauty, Hema Malini, was smitten by the macho Dharmendra at the premiere of a K Abbas film. Their relationship was hush-hush and it was, infact, this angle that resulted in films like Seeta Aur Geeta, Jugnu, Sholay, Azad and Raja Rani doing well at the box office. But after Hema wed Dharmendra (who was already married) their on-screen magic started dwindling. Though they didn’t get any good projects together, their individual careers did well.

Published in e+, Gulf News, Dubai (Feb. 5, 2009 issue)