Romance is undoubtedly one of Bollywood’s favourite (if not THE favourite) genres, and has never gone out of style, with millions of moviegoers flocking to the theatres to watch films in which filmmakers and actors bring their unique versions of running round the trees while singing songs to the table. Over the decades, some on-screen pairs have been lauded across the country, and even the world over, for their on-screen chemistry. Such is their magic that the audience compels filmmakers to repeat their jodi in films. The secret of their allure lies in the fact that these made-for-each-other pairs are able to transform the simplest of stories into timeless love sagas.
Best Couple in Bollywood
These couples have stood the test of time, and to this day, continue to mesmerise audiences and command the hearts and attention of millions of fans. From the classic Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol pairing to the sizzling chemistry of Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, these couples have left a lasting impression on the audience. As fans eagerly await their reunion, we take a look at the evergreen on-screen Bollywood couples we’d love to see again.
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol
The King of Romance and his queen, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, are a match made in cinematic heaven. This hit duo was the lead pair of the most beloved movies of the 1990’s and 2000’s. Several of their movies catapulted both Shah Rukh and Kajol into stardom and became blockbusters including Aditya Chopra’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (the longest-running movie in Bollywood history), Karan Johar’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. They first came together in their 1993 film Baazigar, and instantly gained widespread success. Two years later, with the quintessential characters of Raj and Simran which they played in DDLJ, they entered our hearts and have resided there since then. This film went on to become one of the most awarded Bollywood films in history and is still running a matinee show in Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir, becoming one of Mumbai’s tourist attractions in the process.
In addition to the above accolades, it was also placed on the British Film Institute’s list of top Indian films of all time. They last came together onscreen in Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale (2015), which was greatly anticipated due to the comeback of the pair after a five-year absence. Off-screen, the pair are known to be great friends, often praising each other’s talent and personalities. This evergreen couple is perhaps Bollywood fans’ favourite onscreen pairing of all time, a feat evidenced by their massive fan following, box-office success, and critical acclaim, as well as the timeless nature of their pairing.
Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai
Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai’s on-screen pairing is iconic for their undeniable chemistry and stunning performances. Their first film together, Dhoom 2, was a huge success, with both actors displaying their incredible talent and style which is emulated till date. They went on to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s masterpiece Guzaarish, in which their portrayal of a paralysed magician and his nurse garnered critical acclaim.
The duo’s magnetic on-screen presence continued to captivate audiences in Jodhaa Akbar, a historical epic that showcased their ability to embody powerful and complex characters. Despite only appearing together in a few films, their on-screen chemistry and their ability to bring intense emotions to their roles have cemented them as one of the most iconic couples in Bollywood history.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini
Dharmendra and Hema Malini starred in over 40 movies together, with among the most memorable of them being 1975’s Sholay. Hema Malini was already being established as the ‘Dream Girl’ of Bollywood and Dharmendra was considered a He-man. Their pairing in Sholay was explosive to say the least and sizzled with raw chemistry. Their portrayals of Veeru and Basanti in this movie received many accolades, with both actors being widely appreciated for their on-screen portrayal.
They reportedly fell in love during the filming of their 1970 movie Tum Haseen Main Jawaan. Though this relationship caused much turmoil and drama, as Dharmendra was married at the start of their relationship, they finally tied the knot in 1979. This on-screen couple’s chemistry got replicated in real-life as well, as they persevered through their troubles. Their love story remains one of Bollywood’s greatest love epics till date.
Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor
This couple starred in one of the most beloved romantic movies of modern times, Jab We Met. This movie pulled at the heartstrings of millions, and formed the fan following for Shahid and Kareena as a pair. Though they also delivered a string of not-so-successful together, their chemistry in 2007’s Jab We Met was met with great appreciation, to the tune of both box-office success and critical acclaim. Indeed, this film served as a catapult for both their careers and turned them into an iconic Bollywood jodi. Their on-screen chemistry translated into a real-life relationship, however, they broke up even before the filming for Jab We Met ended.
Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif
First seen on screen in the 2006 movie Humko Deewane Kar Gaye, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif went on to star in six other movies together — most recently director Rohit Shetty’s 2021 masala flick Sooryavanshi. Their most successful films together have been Namastey London, Welcome, and Singh is Kinng. The duo’s chemistry and comedic timing has always been a fan favourite, and we can’t wait to see them together again.
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s on-screen chemistry is undeniable. From their first film together, Bachna Ae Haseeno, to the critically acclaimed Tamasha, their performances have left a lasting impact on the audience. They met and set hearts ablaze on the set of Bachna Ae Haseeno. Certainly, both stars were and are considered to be among the most attractive actors of their generation, and millions of moviegoers held flames for both. Although they had a much publicised split after a year of dating, they have continued to maintain a friendly relationship to this day.
They went on to work together on more films, and delivered both Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Tamasha, with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in particular striking a chord with youth across the globe. This film went on to achieve a cult status, and Ranbir and Deepika’s status as one of the most sought-after, attractive, and viable pairs in Bollywood was cemented. Fans are eagerly waiting for their next collaboration.
Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt
Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt, the young and dynamic duo, made their Bollywood debut together in 2012’s Student of the Year and since then, have gone on to become one of the most beloved on-screen couples in recent years. Their performances in films such as Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, and Kalank have left audiences mesmerised and wanting more. Their chemistry and adorable banter have won hearts, making them one of the most sought-after pairs in the industry. Despite their busy schedules and individual projects, fans eagerly await the day when this power couple aka ‘Varia’ will reunite on the big screen once again.
Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta
Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta, known for their lively on-screen chemistry, were one of the most popular Bollywood couples of the early 2000s. The duo starred together in a number of hit films, including Kal Ho Naa Ho, Salaam Namaste, and Kya Kehna, and became fan favourites for their charming and playful performances. Despite being away from the big screen together for many years, fans still hold out hope for a reunion of this duo.
Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit
Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit, a duo that has set hearts ablaze with their impeccable on-screen chemistry, were the epitome of Bollywood royalty in the 90s. The stars first shared the screen in the 1991 hit Saajan, which paved the way for their pairing and captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The magnetic couple went on to act together in box-office hits such as Dil Tera Aashiq (1993), Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), and Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam (2002). However, their most iconic roles were in Hum Aapke Hain Koun, where they played the idealistic lovers Prem and Nisha. The film broke records as one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies of all time, earning Salman and Madhuri legions of fans who were smitten with their performances.
Khan has always been vocal about his admiration and fondness for his co-star, and the two actors often reminisce about their unforgettable partnership. Although it has been years since their last film together, fans still yearn for their magic to return to the silver screen.
Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha
Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha’s on-screen romance was the talk of the town during the 1970s and 1980s. The sizzling chemistry between the two was evident in films like Silsila, Mr. Natwarlal, and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. Their off-screen relationship was also a topic of much speculation, adding to the intrigue surrounding their on-screen pairing. Although the two haven’t appeared together in a film since the 1980s, their on-screen chemistry continues to be remembered as one of Bollywood’s most iconic pairings.
Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon
In the ‘90s, Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon were one of the most loved on-screen couples in Bollywood. Their chemistry in films such as Mohra and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi was sizzling, and their off-screen romance made headlines for years. Despite breaking up in the early 2000s, fans of the duo still hope for a reunion on the big screen. With Kumar’s recent success in action films and Tandon’s comeback to Bollywood, a reunion of these two stars would surely be a treat for their fans.
Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla
The notorious perfectionist Aamir Khan and the ever-so-chirpy Juhi Chawla have delivered many hits together like Tum Mere Ho, Ishq, and Andaz Apna Apna. Today, this onscreen couple is likely most remembered for their iconic movie, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). Upon its release, the movie was quickly deemed a blockbuster, and turned them both into household names almost overnight. The movie had a tragic ending but despite that, the pair ended up camping in the hearts of millions for years. To this day, Khan and Chawla are known to share a great rapport.
