Bollywood Ne Bana Di Jodi!

If there's anything Bollywood has mastered over the years it's the art of creating a perfect love story. Naturally, at the heart of every great love story is a sensational jodi who are able to translate their passion and intensity through the silver screen and into our hearts. As Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi releases this weekend, BollySpice walks down memory lane, taking a look at several old and new eternal pairs that have made us fall in love all over again!



Raj Kapoor – Nargis

Nargis and Raj Kapoor spread pure magic on the silver screen in the 16 films they did together – from 1948 till 1956. The "lady in white" and the "showman of the millennium" had so much chemistry it is unmatched still today. Raj, the tramp (think Charlie Chaplain), the man with the big emotions, and Nargis, the elegant lady who, however, could be a naughty little girl as well, complemented each other perfectly and enchanted their audience again and again. Who could ever forget the rain scene 'Barsaat Mein Hum Se Mile Tum, Sajan' from Barsaat, film classics like Awara and Shree 420 – or the touching final scene in Jagte Raho when Nargis provides a thirsty and perturbed Raj Kapoor with water? Surely no one would have foreseen then that this scene was the good-bye from this inimitable jodi who had been linked in real life as well – for after that, Nargis fell in love with Sunil Dutt, married him and quit films.



Shammi Kapoor – Asha Parekh

If Shammi was the Elvis of India, then Asha was his Elizabeth Taylor. He was the country bumpkin made good, who could shimmy and shake with the best of them and whose sole purpose in life was Maximum Enjoyment. She was the ice-cold dark-eyed beauty with the perfect hair and the hint of mischief in her smile – and she could wrap him round her finger any day of the week.. They first came together in Dil Deke Dekko in 1959, the tour de force film that propelled Bollywood into the rock'n'roll age and made Shammi a star. He played four different roles in the movie and pronounced himself a comic masterpiece. They came together again in Teesri Mansil, one of the all-time classics of 60s cinema. A gripping murder mystery, it was also the peak of Shammi's musical career and contained an item number by Helen – 'Oh Haseena Zulfonwaali,' that still leaves male audiences drooling. Asha looks stunning in the movie and her performance has real depth. These two defined the essence of the meaning of jodi and will always be a classic!



Rishi Kapoor – Neetu Singh

Remember Akbar Ilhabadi and Dr. Salma Ali? We are referring to none other than Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh. This wonderful Jodi has amazed Bollywood film buffs everywhere. Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh have always had this brilliant chemistry that would make films worth watching. Whether it is comedy, seriousness, romance, or even dancing, this Jodi had it all. While starring in notable films together, such as Rafoo Chakkar, Kabhi Kabhie, and Amar Akbar Anthony, this couple of the 1970s developed a liking for each other. Then on January 22nd 1980 it happened. The filmi jodi finally got married. This alliance proved that infatuations just don't get over when the director says, "cut"; they can become life-long relationships. After their marriage, Neetu Singh retired from acting due to personal reasons. None-the-less, this jodi shall always be included in the list of best filmi jodis. Many years into their marriage, now their son Ranbir Kapoor is trying to make a mark in Bollywood. The beauty, charisma, divinity and innocence of Neetu Singh will not be forgotten, same goes for the swiftness, charm and tashan (style) of Rishi Kapoor.. Here's saying cheers to the beautiful jodi of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh.



Dharmendra – Hema Malini

This couple is one of total extremes. He is India's answer to He-Man while she is the eternal dream girl. He is from the north and she from the south. However, when they get together, what you get is nothing less than magic. Dharamendra and Hema Malini acted together in over 42 projects, which have included blockbusters such as Seeta Aur Geeta and Sholay. The couple has forever been immortalized as Basanti and Veeru; making them one of Bollywood's most adored and loved couple. In real life, their controversial marriage caused quite a stir in the industry. In the recent past, rumors have been climbing up and down the grapevine that there may be a possible comeback project for this evergreen couple, however none of them have materialized. We do hope that the duo will decide to grace their fans with their great chemistry and light up the big screens again!



Amitabh Bachchan – Rekha

Chemistry is a divine weapon for a director. It is the one weapon he uses to charm the film going audience into the cinema halls. One that is hard to come by on celluloid, but once found history is created. Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha were one of the biggest pairs of the late 70's and early 80's, having starred in ten films together of which 8 were declared a hit: Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Mr Natwarlal, Suhaag, Ram Balraam, Ganga Ki Saugandh, Khoon Pasina, Do Anjaane and Silsila.

No film stars' personal lives have been written about as expansively as Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha. It probably would not be a lie to say that the Bachchan-Rekha combination was the one jodi who gained the most from the rumour mill. It is actually said that their films would run to a full house on the Monday before the film release due to pre-booked tickets. And why not? On screen, this pair sizzled be it the nautch girl dance performance or the death scene acted out by Rekha in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar and not to mention the romantic scenes shared between them in the infamous Silsila. The audiences loved every moment of it with a total box office impact of Rs. 4,74,43,88,272 from 10 films; this has to be a classic jodi.



Amitabh Bachchan – Zeenat Aman

Following his split from the Rekha jodi, Amitabh Bachchan was developing a more sophisticated western look for his movies and that made him perfect for a team-up with former Miss Asia Pacific, Zeenat Aman. Zeenat brought to Bollywood a sense of modern style that helped the industry to move in a new direction. Their movies together included Don, in which they set the screen alight with a chemistry that must have left Jaya shaking in her shoes, and followed this up with electric performances in The Great Gambler, Ram Balram, Dostana, Laawaris and Pukar. Zeenat in her appearances with Amitabh brought a freshness and modernity to the screen that even today brings happiness to those lucky enough to see them.

Amitabh Bachchan – Jaya Bhaduri

This is one of those rare cases were a real life couple had great chemistry in the reel world. Although Jaya Bhaduri (now Bachchan) has quite a short filmography, several of her films included husband Amitabh Bachchan. These include classics like Zanjeer, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke and the mother of all Bollywood films, Sholay. However, they made the most waves in Silsila, which surprisingly didn't do extremely well at the box office but went on to become a classic. That happened to be Jaya's last film as a lead actress. The iconic couple later starred together as husband and wife in Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham where they proved that even after several years, the chemistry is still alive and kicking!



Anil Kapoor – Sridevi

Sridevi is married to Anil's brother Boney Kapoor and it is this familial relaxed attitude towards each other that has made their on-screen chemistry such a hit in many movies. Starting with Karma and then of course the magnificent Mr. India. Some suggest that because of Sridevi's famous rain dance that made some eyebrows wag the film should have been called Miss India! Other notable pairings included Lamhe, Gurudev, Mr Bechara and Judaai - and who's to say it's all over yet? With talk of Mr India 2 being made, it would seem natural for the jodi to flare up once again.

Sanjay Dutt – Madhuri Dixit

They made headlines on screen as well as off screen. Much was written about the alleged affair between Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit in the early 90's – an affair both of them denied from the first moment on until today. Many people wished that they were a jodi in real life because in their reel life the two superstars made a beautiful couple in films like Thanedaar, Saajan and Mahaanta. Even when they played antagonists like in Khalnayak or Sahibaan, there always was that special magic between them which could never be ignored. Working with one of the best dancers in Hindi Cinema even inspired Sanjay to improve his dancing skills – just watch the legendary 'Tamma Tamma Loge' from Thanedaar. And 'Mera Dil Phi Kitna Pagal Hai' from Saajan remains one of the most touching love duets ever.

Anil Kapoor – Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit is one actress who looks good with almost anyone that she's paired with, but her work with Anil Kapoor is on a different level altogether. As they reigned Bollywood in the 90's, the duo came together in several films like Parinda, Beta, Ram Lakhan and more recently, Pukar. Together they created the iconic track that crowned Madhuri the 'Dhak Dhak' girl. Without ever being cheap or vulgar, this pair managed to exude sensuality with the subtlest chemistry. The fact that all their movies together became successes is ample proof that audience's hearts went dhak dhak for these two!

Aamir Khan – Juhi Chawla

Growing up in the eighties, you had to love this young and cute jodi. He was the cute young boy next door who smiled, and your heart melted. She was an ex-Miss India who had no background in the world of films. Together the duo debuted with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, which was a super hit. After that the two became India's sweethearts, and from there started a series of movies including Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and Ishq, which incidentally was their last feature film together. Audiences loved their chemistry, their comic timing, basically the jodi as a whole. Unfortunately, the couple's friendship had a fall out and since then the big screen hasn't seen the likes of these two again. They have since managed to revive their friendship and we only hope they decide to take a stab at their great on-screen jadoo!



Govinda – Karisma Kapoor

These two managed to dish out more movie successes and resulting song hits than any other jodi. They are the most unlikely couple that have managed to create masala and magic on screen. Bollywood fans adored the ChiChi-LoLo phenomenon in the nineties. While Karisma Kapoor hailed from the prestigious Kapoor khaandan, Govinda was anything but royalty. However, when they got together, they were a blast. Their chemistry showed on screen when they got together and danced to hits such as 'Meri Pant bhi sexy' and 'Sarkaye Liyo khatia jada lage'. After a few years, Karisma got married and the couple have since not been seen together. Here's hoping our favorite masala couple will be on screen again!



Shah Rukh Khan – Kajol

Ask any Shah Rukh Khan fans whom they think he makes the best jodi with, and the answer you'll most likely get is Kajol. From their first film together, Baazigar, this superhit jodi has rocked the screen with their undeniable chemistry. They've made 5 films together, Baazigar, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Karan Arjun, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and all 5 have been major hits. Shah Rukh and Kajol attribute their 'chemistry' to their real life friendship. They are very comfortable with each other on the sets; therefore it shows through on the screen. Their newest film is My Name Is Khan, directed by Karan Johar, which will start shooting in India and the US in 2009. We hope they can continue their legendary success together in the coming years.

Shahid Kapoor – Amrita Rao

These two young actors have already proven their chemistry together in their short time in the industry. While many jodis are known for the heat they create on the screen, these two are pure romance. From their first pairing in Ishq Vishk, to their other movies together, Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi and Shikhar, they had such a natural chemistry. It was easy to fall in love right along with them. However, it was the wonderfully romantic Vivaah that showed how perfectly matched they are in a reel love story. Their portrayal of two strangers slowly falling in love made everyone fall in love with them all over again. We hope to see them together again soon!

Akshay Kumar – Katrina Kaif

Even though they are a comparatively new jodi, this pair will certainly go down as one of the most successful in Bollywood even though they have only worked together four times. We are talking the magical jodi of Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. In their first film together Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, you could see that the two had that "it" factor on screen. That was proven true once again when they starred in the hugely successful Namstey London. The two light up the screen whenever they are together. They went on to make a splash in Welcome and then proved they are THE jodi with Singh is Kinng. Producers know when they have a good thing going so the duo is getting ready entertain audiences again in De Dhana Dhan. They have had so much success togehter that Akshay calls Kat his "lucky mascot". We are sure this hot jodi will keep bringing in the crowds for years to come.

Hrithik Roshan – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

When Aishwarya and Hrithik were paired opposite each other in Dhoom 2, audiences and critics weren't sure whether this jodi would work. But they proved everybody wrong and lit the screen on fire, especially with that controversial and sensational kiss! Their chemistry was so great that fans could not wait to see them in Ashutosh Gowariker's magnum opus Jodhaa Akbar. Once again magic: they had zing, they had passion (think sword fight) and they had romance. The couple was widely appreciated by audiences and with that film; they made a special place in the hearts of their fans. Jodhaa Akbar, will always remain their most memorable flick of all time. Fans were ecstatic to hear that they are to work opposite each other once again in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's forthcoming romantic flick.

Whether or not we like it, Bollywood can't do without its love stories and these timeless jodi's have made several Hindi romances possible. Sometimes the most unlikely couples click because of that unexplainable factor we call 'chemistry'. Whether it's the twinkle in their eye or their passionate embrace, we can't quite put our finger on it. All we know is that these pairs are something special and if nothing else allows audiences around the world to continue dreaming about that perfect person! Let's hope Aditya Chopra gives us another couple to celebrate this Friday!

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