Bollywood is famous for epic romances on screen but some of the most passionate real life love stories have quietly faded from our memory. We always talk about the popular couples today but it is time to look back at four incredible forgotten romances that truly defined an era of Indian cinema.
Sunil Dutt and Nargis Meet on Set
Superstar Nargis and newcomer Sunil Dutt had the most cinematic romance you could ever imagine. They were actually cast as mother and son in the 1957 masterpiece Mother India. It is pretty funny to think about how playing family on screen turned into a real romance behind the scenes.
A Heroic Rescue From the Flames
During a super intense climax scene for the movie a fire spun completely out of control. Sunil bravely charged into those massive flames with just a blanket to rescue a trapped Nargis. He actually suffered severe burns from the incident and had to be hospitalized right after.
A Secret Wedding Defying All Odds
Nargis stayed right by his side to nurse him during his long recovery and they really got to know each other away from the cameras. They decided to ignore what society thought and tied the knot in a secret ceremony in March 1958. Sunil never remarried after her passing in 1981 and carried his love for her forever.
Dev Anand and Suraiya Fall in Love
Long before we had paparazzi everywhere the swashbuckling Dev Anand and singing superstar Suraiya had the ultimate tragic love story. The two of them fell super deeply in love while working on the sets of their movie Vidya back in 1948. Their chemistry was absolutely off the charts both on and off the camera.
The Boat Capsized and the Ring
Just like a movie script a boat capsized during a shoot and Dev Anand heroically saved Suraiya from drowning in the water. He later proposed to her with a beautiful diamond ring that was worth three thousand rupees which was a massive fortune back then. It really seemed like they were destined for a happily ever after.
Heartbreak Over Family Pressure
Sadly Suraiya had a very strict grandmother who fiercely opposed the whole alliance because of their religious differences. Yielding to that intense family pressure a completely heartbroken Suraiya chose not to marry the love of her life. Dev Anand eventually moved on and got married while Suraiya chose to remain unmarried forever.
Shashi Kapoor Meets Jennifer Kendal
In an industry known for messy relationships Shashi Kapoor and English theatre actress Jennifer Kendal had a beautiful and quiet love story. They met in Calcutta in 1956 where Jennifer was performing with her father and his traveling theatre company. Shashi was working with Prithvi Theatre at the time and sparks flew almost instantly.
Rebuilding Mumbai Prithvi Theatre Together
Jennifer had a father who strongly disapproved of the match but the couple stood their ground and got married in 1958. For over two decades Jennifer kept the grounded star away from the crazy superficial side of showbiz. Together they channeled all their passion for arts into rebuilding the iconic Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai.
Salman Khan and Sangeeta Bijlani
Everyone jokes about Salman Khan being the ultimate bachelor but he actually came incredibly close to getting married in the late eighties. He dated former Miss India and established actress Sangeeta Bijlani for nearly seven years and they were deeply serious about their future. It is crazy to think how different things could have been for him.
Wedding Cards Printed but Called Off
They had their wedding officially finalised for May 27 1994 and the invitations were already printed and handed out to guests. The marriage was abruptly called off just weeks before the actual ceremony and the exact reasons remained a huge mystery for years. Unlike most bitter breakups the two of them actually managed to stay really good friends.
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