10 Most romantic screen-couples of all time

It's Valentine's Day and love is everywhere in the air.. Love was always an essential part of
Hindi films, so let's talk about some couples who shared splendid chemistry onscreen and
went on to become a hit pair. Indiatimes Movies articulates the Top 10 onscreen couples of
all times on the Indian screen.

Raj Kapoor – Nargis

Raj Kapoor and Nargis were one of the earliest couples who shared a splendid chemistry
onscreen. They lit up the silver screen with their romance in the black and white era. But the
chemistry wasn't just restricted to onscreen. Off screen too they shared a soul-stirring affair
despite Raj Kapoor being a married man.

After Awaara (1951) Nargis worked almost exclusively with Raj Kapoor, even turning down
her mentor Mehboob's Aan (1952). The passion that they had for one another came live
onscreen as they romanced each other in films like Aag, Barsaat, Andaaz, Awaara and Shree
420 .

Learning of his obsession for white, Nargis took to dressing in white and was known as his
lady in white. She shocked the industry and the audiences when she boldly appeared in a
swimsuit for Raj Kapoor's Awara way back in 1951

Reportedly she even met the then Home Minister Moraji Deasai to try and get permission to
be Raj's second wife but Desai refused. Subsequently the couple broke up post Chori Chori
(1956).. After that they never worked together though Nargis did a special appearance in Raj
Kapoor's Jagte Raho for the sake of good old times where she appears at the very end of the
film and is (very suggestively) shown quenching Raj Kapoor's thirst by giving him water.

With Raj Kapoor's exit from her life, Mehboob Khan came back to Nargis's rescue and
offered her Mother India (1957). During that film Nargis fell in love with Sunil Dutt and later
on they got married.
Films together
Aag (1948)
Barsaat (1949)
Andaz (1949)
Jan Pahchan (1950)
Pyaar (1950)
Awaara (1951)
Amber (1952)
Anhonee (1952)
Ashiana (1952)
Bewafa (1952)
Papi (1953)
Aah (1953)
Dhoon (1953)
Shree 420 (1955)
Chori Chori (1956)
Jagte Raho (1956)

Song of the couple

Pyaar Hua Iqraar Hua – Shri 420

Love Trivia
Raj Kapoor had used archival footage of Nargis in his film Mera Naam Joker.

Guru Dutt – Waheeda Rehman: Golden Era Romance

When you think of the golden era of Hindi cinema Guru Dutt and his films like Kaagaz Ke
Phool and Pyaasa instantly come to your mind. And the woman who gave Guru Dutt
company in these films was Waheeda Rehman.

Guru Dutt was married to singer Geeta Dutt and his philandering ways didn't stop him from
having an affair with Waheeda Rehman. Geeta even separated from her husband.

Then on Oct. 10, 1964 Guru Dutt was found dead on his bed. The reason was deemed as an
overdose of sleeping pills. Doubts still linger as to whether his death was accidental or
suicidal. There are still theories that Guru Dutt had committed suicide because Waheeda had
jilted him.
Films together
Pyaasa (1957)
12 O'Clock (1958)
Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)
Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960)
Kala Bazar (1960)
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)

Song of the couple

Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho

Love Trivia:
Geeta Dutt completely stopped singing for Waheeda Rehman and that is how Asha Bhonsle
got her first break as a singer.

Dilip Kumar – Vyjayantimala

The original Devdas – Chandramukhi pair of Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala were quite a hit
on the screen of the 60s.. They shared a pure professional relationship only. Vyjayantimala
(despite having a South Indian origin) spoke chaste Hindi and even Bhojpuri when she was
paired opposite Dilip Kumar in films of that era.

Films together
Devdas (1955)
Naya Daur (1957)
Madhumati (1958)
Paigham (1959)
Gunga Jumna (1961)
Leader (1964)
Sunghursh (1968)

Song of the couple

Maang Ke Saath Tumhara – Naya Daur

Love Trivia:
Madhubala was the original choice for Naya Daur but her father had problems with her
shooting out of Bombay and was giving the producers a tough time. She was subsequently
replaced by Vyjantimala and the film went on to become a big hit.

Rajesh Khanna – Sharmila Tagore: Awesome Twosome

The first superstar of filmdom was known for his romantic roles. And he showed the best
chemistry with Bengali beauty Sharmila Tagore. The duo went ahead to do a string of
musical hits together. Their sensual chemistry was palpable in the number Roop Tera
Mastana from Aradhana. In Amar Prem , a disillusioned Rajesh Khanna sought solace in the
prostitute played by Sharmila. Yash Chopra's Daag had a love triangle but Sharmila won
over Rakhee by winning Khanna. Avishkaar despite being an offbeat film had Sharmila
trying her best to saving her marriage gone wrong.

Interestingly their offspring Saif Ali Khan (Sharmila Tagore's son) and Akshay Kumar
(Rajesh Khanna's son-in-law) showed great male bonding in the early 90s with their Khiladi-
Anari combination.

Films together
Aradhana (1969)
Safar (1970)
Amar Prem (1971)
Chhoti Bahu (1971)
Maalik (1972)
Avishkaar (1973)
Daag (1973)
Raja Rani (1973)
Tyaag (1977)
Naseeb (1981)

Song of the couple

Mere Sapno Ki Rani – Aradhana

Love Trivia:
There was always competition between Sharmila Tagore and Mumtaz who were both
successful leading ladies with Rajesh Khanna. And they both always ended up giving hits at
the box-office.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini: Record Breaking Rapport

He was the Punjab-da-puttar. She was the queen of South. The two co-starred in over 40
films which is a record of sorts.. Love was brewing all through.

Hema Malini was much sought after even in real life. Both Jeetendra and Sanjeev Kumar had
proposed marriage to her. But Dharmendra won her hand in the end. They fell in love on the
sets of Ramesh Sippy's Sholay .

But like previous love stories that went kaput in Bollywood, even Dharmendra was a married
man and his first wife Prakash Kaur refused to divorce him. As per Hindu Marriage Act, its
illegal to remarry if your first wife is still alive and does not agree to a divorce. But
Dharmendra and Hema were too head-over-heels in love with each other and nothing could
come their way.

In a very filmi way, they converted to Islam on August 21, 1979 since Islam permitted a
second marriage. Dharmendra was renamed as Dilawar Khan while Hema Malini was called
Aisha Bi in their new acquired religion and they got married.

Films together
Dost (1974)
Chhoti Si Baat (1975)
Charas (1976)
Chacha Bhatija (1977)
Chala Murari Hero Banne (1977)
Dream Girl (1977)
Dillagi (1978)
Azaad (1978)
Dil Kaa Heera (1979)
The Burning Train (1980)
Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980)
Aas Paas (1981)
Baghavat (1982)
Andhaa Kanoon (1983)
Aatank (1996)
Do Dishayen (1982)
Jaan Hatheli Pe (1987)
Jugnu (1973)
Kahte Hain Mujhko Raja (1975)
Khel Khilari Ka (1977)
Kinara (1977)
Krodhi (1981)
Kunwara Baap (1974)
Maa (1976)
Meharbaani (1982)
Naseeb (1981)
Naya Zamana (1971)
Patthar Aur Payal (1974)
Phandebaaz (1978)
Pratiggya (1975)
Raaj Tilak (1984)
Raja Jani (1972)
Rajput (1982)
Razia Sultan (1983)
Samraat (1982)
Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)
Sharafat (1970)
Sholay (1975)
Swami (1977)
Tum Haseen Main Jawaan (1970)

Song of the couple

Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jaati Hain – Sholay

Love Trivia
There are even stories that say that Dharmendra was interested in Thakur's role in Sholay. But
in that case Sanjeev Kumar would have got to play Veeru and romance Hema Malini. Since
Dharmendra assumed this to be a potential threat to losing Hema Malini, he accepted playing
Veeru.
Amitabh Bachchan – Rekha: Forbidden love

The angry young man worked with almost every actress of his generation from Sharmila
Tagore to Smita Patil but was declared the best couple with the diva, Rekha. After working in
a spate of films, rumour-mills went rife that they were seeing each other. Yash Chopra's film
Silsila was almost a real life representation for the Big B where he had an affair with Rekha
and was married to Jaya Bhaduri. Even the song Rang Barse turned out to be quite
controversial.

Amitabh Bachchan's life went into personal crisis post Silsila and he had to face a lot of
turmoil with respect to this liaison. The couple never worked together after Silsila .

Interestingly however they both were associated with a common film Sooryavansham . While
Amitabh played the male lead, Rekha did the Hindi dubbing for the South Indian actress who
was paired opposite Amitabh.

Films together
Do Anjaane (1976)
Alaap (1977)
Khoon Pasina (1977)
Ganga Ki Saugand (1978)
Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
Suhaag (1979)
Mr. Natwarlal (1979)
Ram Balram (1980)
Chashme Buddoor (1981)
Silsila (1981)

Song of the couple

Salaam-e-Ishq Meri Jaan – Muqaddar Ka Sikandar

Love Trivia
Even today when Amitabh Bachchan receives an award or is called up on the stage at any
award function, all cameras turn towards Rekha.
Rishi Kapoor – Neetu Singh
While Neetu Singh was paired opposite both Shashi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor, she formed
the best pair with Rishi Kapoor with whom she went on to work in almost a dozen films. The
actors were on the wish list of most producers as a package deal.

After a much publicized engagement in 1979 that was the talk of town, the duo soon tied the
nuptial knot. Neetu Singh was just 21 then and at the peak of her career with also a Filmfare
nomination. But as it was customary for actresses married to the Kapoor family to retire after
marriage, Neetu quit films and settled into a life of marital bliss.

Films together
Zehreela Insaan (1974)
Khel Khel Mein (1975)
Rafoo Chakkar (1975)
Zinda Dil (1975)
Kabhi Kabhie (1976)
Doosara Aadmi (1977)
Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
Anjane Mein (1978)
Duniya Meri Jeb Mein (1979)
Jhoota Kahin Ka (1979)
Dhan Daulat (1980)

Song of the couple

Ek Mein Aur Ek Tu – Khel Khel Mein

Love Trivia:
Neetu Singh was engaged to Rishi Kapoor while the song Saara Zamana from Yaarana was
being picturized on Amitabh Bachchan and her. She was missing Rishi a lot and so Amitabh
Bachchan requested the producers to let her go to visit him. She is not present in the second
half of the song.
Anil Kapoor – Madhuri Dixit

In late 80s and the early 90s the Bollywood screen was set ablaze with the sizzling hot
chemistry of Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit.. Madhuri looked most comfortable in intimate
scenes with Anil Kapoor. There was a constant competition between Madhuri Dixit and
Sridevi on who would make a better pair with Anil Kapoor, but Madhuri clearly won it.

Almost all of Madhuri's songs were choreographed by Saroj Khan. The buxom dance master
ensured that each song was erotically presented. Be it the payal meri in Rajkumar or dhak
dhak from Beta . Both these songs kept this couple in the limelight for almost a decade.

Films together
Hifazat (1987)
Tezaab (1988)
Ram Lakhan (1989)
Parinda (1989)
Zindagi Ek Juaa (1992)
Jamai Raja (1990)
Jeevan Ek Sanghursh (1990)
Kishen Kanhaiya (1990)
Khel (1991)
Pratikar (1991)
Beta (1992)
Rajkumar (1996)
Pukar (2000)

Song of the couple

Dhak Dhak Karne Laga – Beta

Love Trivia
The last time the couple paired up together was for Boney Kapoor's Pukar. The film went on
to win the National Award and Madhuri moved to the USA to be with her doctor husband.
Aamir Khan – Juhi Chawla

Aamir Khan debuted in Holi . Juhi Chawla started with Sultanat . But even today movie
lovers believe that the duo debuted in the film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak . Such was the
impact of this romantic film.

The film went on to become a huge success. And thereafter the duo continued to work in
several films that didn't do justice to their caliber but their chemistry was always lauded.

During Ishq problems seemed to crop up between Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla and they
didn't work after that. But off late the duo seems to have buried the hatchet when Aamir
attended the funeral of Juhi's father and was there for the actress in her testing times.

Films together
Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)
Love Love Love (1989)
Tum Mere Ho (1990)
Daulat Ki Jung (1992)
Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993)
Aatank Hi Aatank (1995)
Ishq (1997)

Song of the couple

Ae Mere Humsafar – Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak

Love Trivia
Juhi was the chosen one for both Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan. And with both actors fighting
it out at the box office, Juhi was often made the scapegoat.
Shah Rukh Khan – Kajol

Their chemistry is blinding.. If it's Shah Rukh Khan working with Kajol, the film has to be a
hit. At least their track record says so. Right from Baazigar to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
and even the special appearances in Kal Ho Naa Ho and Om Shanti Om , every time their
teaming together resulted in blockbuster hits. Karan Johar wants to cast the two in his next
film again.

Some of the most romantic scenes in recent times have been shot on them. In DDLJ, SRK's 5
minute long monologue ends with Kajol begging her father to understand her love. As Kajol
collapses on the ground, the audience start crying.

Yet another scene from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai scorches the heart with its poignance. Minutes
before the climax when Kajol runs into the forest and says I love you. The audience expects
SRK to hear it, but Salman Khan appears..

Films together
Baazigar (1993)
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Karan Arjun (1995)
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
Om Shanti Om (2007)

Song of the couple

Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jaana Sanam – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Love Trivia:
Their film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge could be considered as benchmark for romantic
films as its still running after 400 weeks in Mumbai's Maratha Mandir cinema hall.