ICONIC ROMANTIC PAIRS - INDIAN CINEMA

                       ICONIC ROMANTIC PAIRS - INDIAN CINEMA

Romance and Romanticism have been key aspects of human development, recorded history of any period/ race gives us magnificent insights. The earliest Mythologies and Epics, though divine, presented the subject and were adapted into dramas and plays. Ancient Indian art and writings have philosophically synthesised various aspects of Romanticism.  Eighteenth century onwards, Romance propagated in India mainly through literature and drama, however the mass popularity of the subject started with the Black and White Cinema, in Pre-Independent India. 

The Indian film Industry has given us some of the greatest Romantic movies, right from the 40’s till the present times, the concept of romance has evolved with the change in the societal ethics and norms, however the excellent portrayals of the “golden duos”, prominently enhanced the legendary romantic characterization, as the actors, with finest nuances, constantly harmonize their colourful chemistry on silver screen, dramatize the script with genuine presentation of ethereal union. 

The idyllic blend of beauty and romance continues to inject a terrific imagination on our psyche, apart from the cinematic pride, these ‘Souls in Unison’ have made us celebrate and commemorate the new vision of love and romance. 

Dilip Kumar and Madhubala

The cinematic journey of a ‘Match Made’ for romance, mesmerizing Madhubala and Dilip Kumar, classic combination of passion and sentiment, aroused obsessive yearnings in kindred souls. The creative imagination of Dilip Kumar and his valentine constituted fervent emotions, sublime beauty, innate warmth and created effulgent ambience. Their gifted linguistic prowess, perfect Hindustani exposition, reinforced and fortified the expressions of love, emotion and endearment, Tarana, Sangdil, Amar and Mughal-E-Azam, reflected the excellent affinity of the artists. In present times also, the youth for confidence, retreat to the times of exquisite Madhubala’s ‘Pyar Kiya to Darna Kaya … ‘, dance sequence, the lover’s ultimate defiance of the authority. 

The innermost feelings and emotional sensitivity of Madhubala and Dilip Kumar capture a very touching phase of their history together. The perfect presentation of Madhubala, smiling mischievously and Dilip Kumar with his famous laugh, an irreplaceable treasure, sets our heart and soul aflutter.

Dilip Kumar declared love for his Anarkali in a courtroom, unfortunately, the frivolous court case about a movie and their stubborn approach to resolve amicably, set them apart forever tragically, a heart-breaking setback for the audience.

Madhubala loved Dilip Kumar till her last breath, before her death on 23^rd Feburary,1969, she expressed her desire, “Ek Tamana Hai Yusuf Saab (Dilip Kumar) Ko Dekhoon…’’, after her untimely death, her Devdas was devastated for years.

Nargis and Raj Kapoor
The dynamic pair, Nargis and Raj Kapoor, perfect in their roles, exhaled the very essence and spirit of romance in sixteen classic movies Aag, Barsaat, Awara, Ashiana, Bewafa, Aah, Shree420, Anari, etc. With powerful chemistry, deep feelings, soulful romance, almost hypnotic, they dreamt with happiness in their world, a scene from Barsaat, evokes dream sequence, encapsulated as emblem of RK Studios.

Raj Kapoor and his lovely woman in white embodied the romantic sensibility of enduring affection. There was no pretence in the unconditional romance on screen, their presence became medium for expressing sincere emotional attachment and human yearnings. Nargis and Raj Kapoor, with an International appeal, heralded the dawn of Indian culture in U.S.S.R.

An endearing and memorable association of Raj Kapoor and his ‘Angel’, defined beautiful love, as they walked on the street in pouring rain, singing ‘Maloom Nahi Kahan Manzil…Kehta Hai Dil Rasta Mushkail…’.

When life gave rainy days, with the restraint which was exercised in society in 50’s-60’s, Nargis and Raj Kapoor released themselves from their past and adopted separate pathways and destinies.

Nargis left the world on 3^rd May 1981, Raj Kapoor died one day after Nargis’s birthday on 2^nd June 1988.

Suraiya and Dev Anand

In late 40’s, the strong feelings of affection fostered between Suraiya and Dev Anand, their films Vidya, Jeet, Shayar, Sanam, Afsar manifested similar romantic emotions. The romance of the highly attractive duo revealed extreme compatibility of their outlook, style and perspectives. During the shooting of the film Vidya, Suraiya charmed with her melodious voice ‘Kinare, Kinare Chale Jayenge …’, in reality, the boat capsized, the real hero Dev Anand saved Suraiya from drowning. The same romantic appeal flourished in several movies, winning appreciation and popularity. 

Since Suraiya was a fan of Gregory Peck, to please her, Dev Anand imitated him, they shared mutual love, exceeded the feeling of affection with positive buoyancy. Suraiya and Dev Anand imbued emotional understanding and ignited life’s zest with desire. They developed nick names for each other, Dev Anand called her ‘Nosey’ and ‘Suraiyana’, she lovingly nicknamed him ‘Steve’ (a character from a book, gifted by Dev Anand to Suraiya) and ‘Devina’. Later Dev Anand named his daughter Devina.

The complex cultural and societal norms twisted and split the union in tearful heart wrenching breakup for life.

Suraiya never married and passed away in 2004. 

Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman

The colossal creativity of visionary Guru Dutt and his muse Waheeda Rehman, made outstanding contribution to Indian films, the brilliant artistry in black and white cinema was re-enforced with their astounding chemistry and the superb pairing reinvigorated the characters alive. The movies Pyaasa, Kaagaz ke Phool, Chaudhvin Ka Chand and few more irradiated their love, tranquilized our senses and introduced the philosophical genre of life. Waheeda Rehman and Guru Dutt’s passionate performances with intellectual dramatization, revealed inner conflicts of human psyche.

Waheeda Rehman, showed iconic elegance and grace in late 50’s and Guru Dutt’s poetic description of Waheeda with nostalgic lyrics ‘Chaudhavin Ka Chand Ho, Aftab Ho…’, remain soothing and haunting. Waheeda Rehman and Guru Dutt with combinatorial chemistry and reverence, delivered a cogent presentation that engaged audience incessantly.
A lonely and disturbed Guru Dutt died in 1964.

Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman

Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman, lit an adoring spark in new age romance, energised new interpersonal characterizations in Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Heera Panna, Prem Shastra, Darling Darling etc., recharged the terminologies of vivacity, hope and life. Dev Anand lovingly called Zeenat as ‘Zeenie’, later on the film magazines also popularized the name.

The special chemistry between a gentleman and his glamourous darling, a typical progressive combination of attractiveness and modish appeal, where Zeenat perfected the art of modern woman’s interaction with the evergreen hero. A popular song ‘Baton Se Yeh Zakhm-e-Jigar Kaise Sil Jai, Chahhe Meri Jaan...’, became a widespread theme of fashionable philosophy. 

A phase in mid-70’s triggered separate ways, Dev Anand was disappointed, but the inclination to move on from bygone days, comforted them to develop high regard in future.

Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore

The one and only ‘King of Romance’ Rajesh Khanna and his elegant co-star Sharmila Tagore, with compelling performances, asserted great talent on screen with string of box office wins, Aradhana, Amar Prem Choti Bahu, Safar, Daag and many more classic films.  A stirring portrayal in Avishkaar, an art movie, realistic and different from their other movies, attracted widespread, positive and critical applause.

The endearing star pair with vocal quality and their facial expressions, far-fetched imagination, receptive facility and capability to express drama in typically robust way, achieved legendary status.

A phenomenon known as Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore with adoring personalities and grace, had beautiful professional chemistry, facilitated each other with truly emotive performances, sealed their record as highly accomplished pair with a huge impact on society. 

Their romantic movies made with artistry and wizcraft of Bengali directors, intense and emotional, were hugely adored by masses and critics alike. When ‘the’ Rajesh Khanna, wooed Sharmila with his typical gestures ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani…’ or a dialogue … ‘Pushpa, I hate tears…’, triggered mass hysteria.

Veteran Sharmila Tagore, rewarded a glowing eulogy to India’s ’First Superstar’ Rajesh Khanna in 2012.

Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz

Rajesh Khanna also paired with Mumtaz, showcased their light yet thrilling and electric compatibility, gave number of hugely successful films. Mumtaz, Rajesh companionship defined excitement and spontaneity, we experienced simple scripted relationships enacted youthfully and charmingly. 

The Rajesh Mumtaz team consolidated arousing vibrations as they performed in blockbusters, Do Raaste, Apna Desh, Bandhan, Sachaa Jhutha, Dushman, and few more record-breaking films.

The jubilation and exhilaration of ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar…’, ‘Chup Gaye Sare Nazare...’, ‘Bindiya Chamake Gi…’ ‘Duniya Mein Logon Ko…’, and many more, made memorable with the rousing and lively performance by their perfect conceptualization of the pair. Mumtaz’s vivacity, humour and charm, complimented the ‘Superstar’s’ wit and mannerism, beautifully provided some of the best entertainers, the films still admired by masses.  

Decades later a teary eyed Mumtaz paid touching tribute to her closest friend, Rajesh Khanna in 2012. 

Dharmendra and Hema Malini

Dharmendra and Hema Malini, a couple with strong attraction, spirited and lively demeanour, started their love story, early in the journey of more than thirty films. Extremely comfortable in their union, they re-enacted a simple and straightforward romance in Sharafat, Raja Jani, Jugnu, Naya Zamana, Seeta aur Geeta, etc., their representations hugely relatable with the masses, gave rise to massive popularity of consistent Jodi ‘Basanti and Veeru’, still the dialogues echo across India.

Hema and Dharmendra brought together by destiny, united in thoughts, opinion and sentiments, inflamed lifelong dreams with fervent loyalty. The handsome He-Man carried a relentless pursuit for his Dream girl, hummed the verses ‘Kisi Shayar Ki Ghazal, Dream Girl, Kahin To Milegi…’.

The relationship of years, cemented by wedlock in early 80’s, Hema Malini and Dharmendra socially and politically involved, lead a blissful and active life.

Neetu and Rishi Kapoor

The teenage romance genre in Indian cinema was started by Raj Kapoor’s Bobby, followed by a host of movies showcasing cheesy teenage romance, college life antics and capers, mischief, friendship and breakups, such light hearted movies were always anchored by Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, with innocence and naivety, they brought life to their characters. 

Khel Khel Mein, Jhoota Kahin Ka, Anjane Mein, Duniya Meri Jeb Mein and few more movies endorsed their unrestrained gaiety and flavour for life. The college going youth of 70’s emulated them, the youth listened to the popular songs of the duo, commonly sang ‘Ek Main Aur Ek Tu …or Khullam Khulla Pyaar…’, to woo their sweethearts. Rishi and Neetu with wit, youthful charm and expression created a carefree ambience and entertained the young generation. 

Naughty schemes of Khel Khel Mein, crazy antics of Rafoo Chakkar and the innocent romance made Neetu and Rishi the icons of the youth. In Multi-Starrers Kabhi Kabhi and Amar Akbar Anthony, the pair held their own ground against established actors, their charm, ease and visible chemistry, perhaps because of their real-life love and fondness brought abundant appreciation and affection from their fans. 
Rishi and Neetu became lifelong partners and enjoyed 40 years of marital life, however fate chose otherwise and sadly, Rishi Kapoor departed in April, 2020.  

Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha

Amitabh and Rekha worked together for the first time in Do Anjane, however their ‘jodi’ was established with Muqqadar Ka Sikandar, the vigour of romance, intensity and compatibility sealed with Mr Natwarlal, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Khoon Pasina, Silsila etc., the fans relentless anticipation to watch them together never abated. 

The undefined love, the euphoric mood and the incredible magic of romance symbolized the magnitude of their equation, remains matchless. Rekha and Amitabh created highly charged atmosphere, a courtesan bewitched by the angry young man, the man’s ultimate refuge in the arms of the lady, her unrequited love, an acme of their compatibility ‘Salaam E Ishk, Meri Jaan…Kabool Kar Lo…’ , even today, whenever Rekha performs the classic , the crowd goes berserk and remember the past times, their memory  raises a question ‘could anybody perform like that without being in love?’

An intense etherealized sensuality resided and their hypnotic trance ‘Rang Barse Bhigey Chunerwali…’, a record-breaking song interprets, as if their intimacy is being splashed with Holi colours, no Holi celebration is complete without the famous song, the masses and ambience are sensualized to enjoy the festival of colours.

The happy days in the world of Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan stimulated a symbiotic and long relationship, though on different paths, nevertheless, their appearance together always trigger joy and jubilation in public.

Kajol and Shahrukh Khan

Kajol and Shahrukh, modern-day stars, adhere to our culture and practices, urbane yet traditional and their familial appeal has made them the superstars of modern India. They are expressive, vocal, highly energetic and talented in contemporary cinema, Shahrukh Khan with his methodological skills and Kajol with her spontaneity, integrated remarkably in the biggest blockbusters, with superb perfection and amazing strength to upsurge their energetic chemistry.
Kajol and Shahrukh are well-matched, cheerful and  have proficiency of romance, humour, with light banter and peppy squabbles, simply show their utopian chemistry  in Bazigaar, Dil Wale Dulhania le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, My Name is Khan and Dilwale.Their emotional attachment with masses, a recap of distressed Simran running on the platform to catch Raj’s extended helping hand on moving train, etched in our memory even after its silver anniversary. 

The flamboyant duo, has the natural confidence, extraordinary charm, determination and brilliant imagination have gained universalistic power. Kajol and Shahrukh, with their distinguished demeanour, casual elements of affection, fondness and friendship on /off screen, they continue to be fabulous for multitudes of fans in this era of Indian cinema and throughout the world.

There are other performers who had simple, natural and sincere on -screen chemistry, like Asha Parekh and Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand with Waheeda Rehman and Sadhana, Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini, Amitabh Bachchan and Parveen Babi, committed themselves brilliantly together.

Multiple generations have witnessed romance in Indian Cinema for nearly eighty years. The trend continues unceasingly, wherein some of the noted actors have contributed to the advancement of the philosophy of life and empower us to accept the impact of romance in society.

Anuradha Singh

6th June, 2020

a.singhlink@gmail.com

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Anuradha Singh (2020). ICONIC ROMANTIC PAIRS – INDIAN CINEMA https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2020/06/iconic-romantic-pairs-indian-cinema_6.html?m=1

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Anuradha Singh (2019). REKHA – A DIVINE DIVA https://asingh2019.blogspot.com/2019/01/rekha-divine-diva.html?m=1

Anuradha Singh (2019) DHARMENDRA – FOREVER and EVER

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