Bollywood has a long history of on-screen couples becoming real-life partners. It’s a trend that’s become familiar to fans, who eagerly await the next big celebrity wedding. The latest example is of ‘Heeramandi’ actress Sonakshi Sinha, who confirmed her marriage to Zaheer Iqbal, her co-star in the 2022 film ‘Double XL’.
According to a Times Now report, Sonakshi Sinha and her boyfriend Zaheer Iqbal are set to get married. The couple has reportedly finalised their wedding date as June 23 and is preparing for the big day later this month. This news is the latest in a string of on-screen romances that have blossomed into off-screen relationships, solidifying Bollywood’s reputation for turning co-stars into soulmates.
Some major hit stars that have made their space in the list include:
Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan
The veterans lead the pack of Bollywood couples. Their whirlwind romance began on the sets of the 1973 blockbuster “Zanjeer”. Jaya was already an established star, while Big B was a struggling actor trying to make a name for himself. As their on-screen chemistry blossomed into off-screen love, the couple made a pact to celebrate the film’s success with a trip to London.
As the story goes, “Zanjeer” shattered box office records, and the couple’s excitement grew. However, their plans were put on hold when Big B’s father, the renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, refused to approve the trip unless they were married. With their love for each other evident, the couple hastily tied the knot and departed for London on the same day, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey together.
Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Like father; like son. Also known as the ‘Brangelina of Bollywood’, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai’s friendship, forged on the sets of “Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke” and “Kuch Naa Kaho”, evolved into romance in 2006 when they were both single again. Working together in “Umrao Jaan”, “Guru”, and “Dhoom 2” that year, they spent extensive time together, fostering a deep connection. As their feelings grew, they decided to tie the knot in 2007, and today, they are proud parents to their daughter, Aaradhya, an internet sensation in her own right, with their love story serving as a testament to the power of friendship and second chances.
Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh
A beloved Bollywood couple of all time, the duo first met on the sets of “Zehrila Insaan”. Their relationship blossomed gradually, as they spent more time together. At the time, Neetu, just 14 and new to the industry, caught the attention of the established actor Rishi Kapoor. Despite facing opposition from Neetu’s mother because of their young age, their love persevered and ultimately triumphed, leading to their marriage.
Ajay Devgn and Kajol
A very unlikely yet beloved couple offscreen, Ajay Devgn and Kajol, first met on the set of “Hulchul” in 1995. Initially, they didn’t get along, with Ajay finding Kajol too loud and Kajol seeing Ajay as aloof. However, they became friends, and eventually, their friendship blossomed into romance. After dating for four years, they got married in 1999, without a formal proposal or a grand wedding. They have two children together, Nysa and Yug, and have been going strong for over two decades, celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2019.
Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza
One of the cleanest and controversy-free reel and real-life couples, Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza also belong to the same list. The duo first met during the test shoot for their debut film “Tujhe Meri Kasam” in 2003. Genelia initially assumed Riteish, son of then-Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, would be a spoiled brat, but was pleasantly surprised to find him down-to-earth and kind. After dating for nearly a decade, they tied the knot in 2012 and are now proud parents of two sons, Riaan and Rahyl.
Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan
One of the most talked-about Bollywood couples for their interesting situations, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan’s whirlwind romance began on the sets of “Tashan” in 2007, where they shot romantic scenes in stunning locations like Kerala, Ladakh, Rajasthan, and Greece. At the time, Saif was divorced from his first wife, Amrita Singh, whom he was married to from 1991 to 2004, and with whom he has two children, Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan.
Kareena and Saif’s four-year courtship culminated in a grand wedding in 2012, and they welcomed their sons Taimur Ali Khan in 2016 and Jeh in 2021. Despite their age difference, Kareena and Sara Ali Khan share a strong bond, with Kareena describing Sara as her “best friend” and “bar hopping partner”. This blended family dynamic is a unique and inspiring example of interfaith marriages and respect for partners, showcasing how love can conquer all.
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt met on the sets of ‘Brahmastra’, their first movie together. In no time their on-screen chemistry soon turned into off-screen romance. As they worked together, their connection deepened, leading to a much private yet popular courtship. They tied the knot in an intimate wedding in April 2022, there by uniting two of Bollywood’s most legendary legacies – the Kapoors and the Bhatts.
Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif
Many eyebrows were raised when this couple got married, Katrina being senior to Vicky both in age and experience. Vicky’s love life was a clean slate (at least publicly) before he married Katrina because he was not linked to any of his co-stars. As for Katrina, she was first said to be dating Salman Khan and her affair with Ranbir Kapoor was no secret either.
Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani
In a classic tale of Bollywood romance, rumours of a collaboration between two leading stars, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, on the biopic, “Shershaah” sparked a frenzy of excitement among fans, who quickly shipped the pair. As they promoted the eventual blockbuster film, released in August 2021, their undeniable chemistry on and off screen only fueled the speculation. The duo’s playful social media exchanges and sweet gestures hinted at a blossoming romance, leaving fans and media alike eagerly following their every move. It was made public in no time that the two fell head of heels for each other tuning magic of movies to real-life fairytales. The couple married on February 6, 2023, at the lavish Suryagarh Palace Hotel in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan raising the bar of Bollywood couples getting hitched to a whole different level.
