Bollywood films that showcased live-in relationships

In today’s times, live-in relationships have become an acceptable norm in the society. Over the years, there have been several Bollywood movies that have showcased the pros and cons of being involved in such a relationship. Here are a few Bollywood films that have explored the theme of live-in relationships...

Katti Batti

The recent release, Katti Batti, revolves around a couple who are in a live-in relationship. Featuring Kangana Ranaut and Imran Khan in lead roles, the film brings out the pressures and the difficulties of being in a live-in association. The couple fall in love and move in together into an apartment. However, the romance soon fades and life’s realities take over. This sweet and funny film is directed by Nikhil Advani and produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur.

Shuddh Desi Romance

The film features Sushant Singh Rajput, Parineeti Chopra and Vaani Kapoor in lead roles. Set in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Shuddh Desi Romance throws light on the younger generation’s views on love, attraction, commitment, arranged marriages and live-in relationships. This romantic comedy film’s fresh and realistic take on live-in relationships received a generally positive response from critics as well as the audience. Parineeti’s firing dialogues, Sushant’s casualness and the engaging concept makes the film a delightful watch.

I, Me Aur Main

Featuring John Abraham, Prachi Desai and Chitrangada Singh in leading roles, the film I, Me Aur Main has a progressive message as well as an interesting plot. The storyline revolves around Ishaan (John Abraham), a music producer from Mumbai, who lives with his girlfriend Anushka (Chitrangda Singh). Frustrated by his irresponsible behaviour, Anushka throws Ishaan out of her house, after which he falls in love with his hot new neighbour Gauri (Prachi Desai). This niche movie, however failed to make an impression at the box office.

Aashiqui 2

A sequel to the 1990 Bollywood romantic musical drama Aashiqui, this film captures the turmoil in the relationship between Rahul (Aditya Roy Kapur) and Arohi (Shraddha Kapoor). In the later part of the film, the couple is shown to be living together. The leading pair’s palpable chemistry heightens the drama and takes the story forward. The romantic flick Aashiqui 2 was directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt.

Cocktail

Directed by Homi Adajania, the 2012 film captures the love triangle between Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty’s characters. The movie explores the theme of how three people live together and fall in and out of love with each other. With several picture-perfect moments, this well-packaged romantic film did very well at the box office. Deepika Padukone’s depiction of a hot-n-happening girl with a heart of gold received much appreciation. However, the film was widely critiqued for the stereotypical portrayal of its lead characters.

Pyaar Ka Punchnama

The 2011 film is easily one of the funniest movies to portray love and live-in relationships. Directed by Luv Ranjan, this film features Kartik Tiwari, Raayo S Bakhirta and Divyendu Sharma. It brings the story of three bachelors who fall in love and succumb to the unending demands and tantrums of their girlfriends. Karthik’s five-minute rant on women as well as the other funny dialogues in the film made it popular, particularly among the youth. Pyaar Ka Punchnama also received very good reviews from critics.

Salaam Namaste

In the film, Salaam Namaste the lead characters, portrayed by Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta, live together more out of convenience, but eventually end up falling love. The story focuses on the problems that arise in their relationship and how they deal with them. Salaam Namaste was directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Aditya Chopra and Yash Chopra. It also featured Arshad Warsi, Tania Zaetta and Jugal Hansraj in supporting roles.