Have you ever watched a Bollywood movie and found yourself taking sides in a story of infidelity and betrayal? Adultery has been a trope in Bollywood films for decades, and it continues to fascinate audiences today.
From romanticizing extramarital affairs to exploring the emotional shades of such situations, Bollywood has given us some infamous films that explore the complexities of relationships. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best Bollywood movies that have dealt with infidelity:
Fascination with infidelity and adultery in filmmaking
Bollywood may not be as famous as Hollywood for glamourizing extramarital affairs, but some fan-favorite cult films have dealt with this sensitive topic. Movies that touch upon the emotions involved in cheating are a staple of Hindi cinema, and some filmmakers have even explored different shades of infidelity.
From depicting the rut of a loveless marriage to showing the passion in an illicit affair, Bollywood has presented extramarital relationships in various forms. However, the audience’s fascination with adultery is also because human emotions are a complicated subject.
The curiosity to watch how characters face the dilemmas in their lives creates magic on screen, with these movies leaving an indelible impression on the audience’s minds.
Top Bollywood films on extramarital affairs
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Murder:
Starring Emraan Hashmi, Mallika Sherawat, and Ashmit Patel, the 2004 movie tells the story of Simran, who is stuck in a loveless marriage.
She falls for her husband’s friend, Siddharth, but things take a dark turn, leading to a murder. The film’s suspense and its songs continue to be popular today.
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Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna:
Karan Johar’s 2006 film featured Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, and Abhishek Bachchan in lead roles.
It explores the complexities of relationships and how two people end up seeking companionship when trapped in a loveless marriage. With music that still resonates with us, the movie was considered ahead of its time.
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Silsila:
The 1981 Yash Chopra movie starring Rekha, Amitabh Bachchan, and Jaya Bachchan was a huge hit and is now considered a cult film.
The story revolves around Amit and Shobha, who are married, but Amit falls for Chandni, played by Rekha, his former love. The film’s music and the behind-the-scenes story still enthrall Bollywood enthusiasts.
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Guide:
Directed by Vijay Anand, 1965’s Guide starred Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman in the lead.
The film addresses a taboo subject for the time of a married woman’s illicit affair and the emotional vulnerabilities of life. It was a huge success and won several National Awards.
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Life in a…Metro:
Anurag Basu’s 2007 film featured an ensemble cast comprising Shilpa Shetty, Shiney Ahuja, Kay Kay Menon, and Kangana Ranaut, among others.
The movie showcased Indian women’s different facets, including infidelity, in a contemporary metro city.
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Bombay Talkies:
The Karan Johar directed segment of Bombay Talkies (2013), starred Rani Mukerji and Randeep Hooda in a film that explores the complexities of a closeted gay man in an unhappy marriage. This subtle take on infidelity is still appreciated by cinephiles.
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Pati Patni Aur Woh:
Sanjeev Kumar, Vidya Sinha, and Ranjeeta starrer 1978 film is a comedy classic that showcases how men feel neglected by their partners and yearn for attention.
The film’s recent remake starred Kartik Aaryan, Bhumi Pednekar, and Ananya Pandey.
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Masti:
This 2004 comedy starred Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani, and Ritesh Deshmukh. It tells the story of three friends who find their lives entangled in extramarital affairs and how they wiggle out of it with cheap humor and gags.
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Thank You:
This 2011 film stars Bobby Deol, Irrfan Khan, and Suniel Shetty as three friends running a yacht business.
When one of them suspects his wife of having an affair, they hire a private detective. However, the story goes beyond infidelity to the forgiving nature of relationships.
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Arth:
Mahesh Bhatt’s classic from 1982 starred Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Smita Patil.
The film follows Pooja, an actress, who is deserted by her husband for another woman and how she rebuilds her life, navigating her emotional vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
While extramarital affairs may not be the most advisable thing to do, Bollywood has taken upon itself the task of showcasing the human dilemmas concerning infidelity. These movies explore the emotional and psychological aspects of relationships that often make us reflect on our lives.
Cinema has always been a reflection of society, and Bollywood’s take on infidelity can be inspired or a commentary on societal norms itself. Nonetheless, it’s interesting to see how these movies have dealt with the issue over the years, and the audience’s fascination with the genre will keep these films relevant for a long time.
So, next time you watch a Hindi movie with an extra-marital affair subplot, don’t hesitate to reflect on your opinions. In conclusion, the article has explored the fascination with infidelity in Bollywood and showcased the top Bollywood movies that have depicted extramarital affairs.
These films have not only entertained us but have also made us reflect upon the emotional complexities of our own relationships. The unique storytelling techniques and the captivating performances in these films have earned them a special place in Indian cinema and continue to be popular among viewers.
We must acknowledge the significant role that Bollywood plays in reflecting society’s norms concerning infidelity and relationships, and these movies serve as a subtle reminder that no matter how complicated relationships are, they are an essential part of our lives.
