Love in the times of breakups; Bollywood love stories that survived in spite of the odds

The year 2016 has been one of breakups and call-it-offs in Bollywood. Indeed, the tinsel town has seen its fair share of hook ups and breakups since its inception, but this year has been particularly hard, for the fans too, as we saw some of the strongest couples parting their ways. Farhan-Adhuna, Sushant-Aankita, Malaika-Arbaaz, to name a few. However, that does not mean that their love stories were not magical. They were, but just short-lived. On the other hand, we have many B-town couples, that are going as strong today, as they were when they met for the first time.

The first couple that comes to our mind is that of Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu, who just celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. Fifty years, together, through thick and thin, that’s unimaginable at times in the current scenario, when relations are short lived, and so are the emotions. Back in the year 1964, when a moony-eyed Saira married the dream of her life, Dilip Kumar, many raised eyebrows due to the huge 22-year gap between, and many called the affair doomed, before it even bloomed. Fifty years later, as Saira ji grasps the hand of Dilip Kumar in every public appearance, those accusations seem so implausible. These two are someone who reinforce your faith in true love.

Another example can be that of the evergreen love story of Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan. The way this ‘Dilwala’ swept off his ‘Dulhania’, is nothing short of magic, especially in the time when inter-religion affairs were a taboo, and SRK was struggling, not the superstar that we know him to be now. One can only imagine what hardships these two must have gone through to ultimately be tied in the holy knot of matrimony. Gauri’s father was a retired army officer, and thus had many conditions before he gave in to the duo’s love. Not many know, but Shah Rukh’s mother played a key role in their love story. SRK was very possessive in the initial phase of the relationship, which led to Gauri leaving without telling him. It was then that Shah Rukh realised how much he loved her, and his mother gave him money to go to Mumbai and woo Gauri back. The next step was wooing Gauri’s parents, which too was a big task given they both belonged to two religions which are nearly always picking at each other. Finally, after overcoming all the hurdles, the two got married in 1991. Three kids later, they are finally going to complete a quarter of their journey together, and still going as strong, giving us relationship goals.

Back in the seventies, one diva was breaking stereotypes with her portrayal of coy heroines with as much panache as rocking a bikini. On the other hand, a young lad was taking Indian cricket to another level, with his effortless and masterful captaincy. They met, and were swept off in an affair that rocked the nation with its fairy tale existence. Yes, we are talking about the dashing Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and the very gorgeous Sharmila Tagore. They made an aristocratic couple, given the royal heritage of Pataudi khandaan, and were together for 42 long years, raising three children, before Mansoor Ali Khan breathed his last. They gave a fitting reply to all those who said their marriage won’t last, for they belonged to two polar opposite industries and two different faiths. They defied it all, and renewed our faith in true love. One more fact to make you love them more; Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi got down on his knees in Paris, to propose the love of his life. Aww, we just melted!

Sunil Dutt-Nargis, Dharmendra-Hema Malini, Kajol-Ajay Devgn, Rishi Kapoor-Neetu Kapoor, we can list down many such legendary couples for each who breaks up, in Bollywood. These are the couples, who, with their old school beliefs in the institution of love, have stood the test of time, and have made our hearts flutter, and beat just a little faster.

Which is your favourite Bollywood love story? One that induced butterflies in your stomach, and made you wish you experience a similar love in your lifetime? Do tell us in the comments below.

Kadambari Srivastava

Grammar Nazi, word weaver, dreamer, bibliophile, technophile, caffeine addict, foodie, shuttling shopaholic! Mash it in a Bollywood recipe and voila! Pushpa, you’ve got her!