The New Vibe: Decoding Open Relationships and Shifting Romance in Bollywood
For decades, the "Bollywood Dream" was built on a singular, unshakeable foundation: . From the rain-soaked reunions of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to the iconic airport chases of Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
, love in Hindi cinema almost always ended with two souls becoming one, forever.
But as the 2020s unfold, the script is changing. Both on-screen narratives and off-screen rumors are increasingly exploring a concept that once seemed alien to the "Dharma" world: open relationships The Screen Reflects a New Reality
Recent films and web series are ditching the "happily ever after" for "it’s complicated." While traditional romance still rules the box office, modern storytellers are pushing boundaries with narratives that acknowledge the complexities of modern intimacy:
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The Evolution of Bollywood: Embracing Open Relationships and Romantic Storylines
The vibrant world of Bollywood, known for its elaborate song and dance numbers, melodramatic plot twists, and larger-than-life characters, has long been a reflection of Indian society's values and cultural norms. Traditionally, Bollywood films have portrayed romantic storylines that adhere to conventional societal standards, often emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the importance of family. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the narratives presented on the silver screen, with a growing trend towards depicting open relationships and more progressive romantic storylines.
This change is reflective of a broader societal shift in attitudes towards relationships and marriage. As India continues to urbanize and globalize, traditional views on love, marriage, and relationships are being challenged. The youth of today are more exposed to global cultures and are more likely to question established norms. This shift in perspective is being mirrored in Bollywood, with films now exploring themes that were previously considered taboo.
One of the earliest and most significant indicators of this change was the movie "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga" (1999), which touched upon the theme of a woman's struggle with her lesbian relationship. However, it was the film "Fire" (1996), directed by Deepa Mehta, that truly broke ground by exploring the complexities of a lesbian relationship in a conservative Indian society. These films faced significant backlash but paved the way for future explorations of non-traditional relationships.
In more recent years, Bollywood has seen a surge in films and web series that explore themes of open relationships, non-monogamous partnerships, and various forms of love. Movies like "Masaan" (2015), "Dear Zindagi" (2016), and series such as "Sacred Games" (2018) and "Fleabag" (though not exclusively Bollywood, it influenced the narrative style) have shown a willingness to engage with complex emotional narratives and diverse relationship structures. These stories not only highlight the multifaceted nature of human relationships but also contribute to a more inclusive representation of society.
The portrayal of open relationships and diverse romantic storylines in Bollywood serves several purposes. Firstly, it reflects the changing attitudes of the Indian audience, providing them with narratives that resonate with their experiences. Secondly, it challenges traditional norms and encourages a more accepting and open-minded society. Lastly, it enriches the cinematic landscape by introducing complexity and depth to storytelling.
However, it's also important to acknowledge the challenges and controversies that come with these portrayals. There are still significant sections of society that view such relationships with skepticism or outright disapproval. The creators of these films and series often face criticism and backlash, with some works being censored or banned.
In conclusion, the evolution of Bollywood's portrayal of open relationships and romantic storylines is a significant indicator of the changing values and attitudes in Indian society. While there is still a long way to go in achieving full acceptance and understanding, the role of cinema in challenging norms and fostering dialogue cannot be overstated. As Bollywood continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more diverse and complex narratives, contributing to a more inclusive and empathetic society.
The landscape of Bollywood romance is currently undergoing a seismic shift, moving from the saccharine, eternal love of the 1990s toward a gritty, more cynical exploration of modern intimacy. For decades, the industry was defined by "shidat"—a desperate, all-consuming passion where the ultimate goal was marriage and social approval. However, a new wave of storytelling is dismantling these tropes, placing open relationships and non-traditional romantic structures at the center of the cinematic conversation.
Historically, Bollywood romantic storylines functioned as moral fables. Characters played by icons like Shah Rukh Khan represented the ideal of "Ek Ladka Ek Ladki" (One Boy, One Girl), where love was synonymous with sacrifice and monogamy. Any deviation from this path was usually reserved for the "vamp" or the antagonist. But as urban Indian sensibilities have evolved, so too has the celluloid representation of desire. Filmmakers are now treating romance not as a destination, but as a fluid, often messy negotiation between individuals who prioritize personal autonomy over societal expectations.
The introduction of open relationships in mainstream films marks a significant departure from these conservative roots. Movies like "Gehraiyaan" and "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" have begun to peel back the layers of traditional partnership, suggesting that emotional and physical fidelity are not always intertwined. In these narratives, "cheating" is often reframed as a symptom of a deeper search for self or a reaction to the stifling nature of domesticity. While the industry still struggles to fully endorse non-monogamy without a degree of tragic fallout, the mere inclusion of these themes reflects a growing recognition of "situationships" and polyamorous leanings in modern metropolitan life.
Furthermore, the "happily ever after" is being replaced by the "happily ever now." Contemporary romantic storylines often focus on the expiration dates of relationships. Characters are shown choosing their careers or mental well-being over staying in a stagnant relationship, a concept that would have been unthinkable in the era of "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge." This shift is powered by a more cynical, realistic lens that views romantic love as one of many experiences rather than the singular purpose of human existence.
Ultimately, Bollywood is in a state of transition. It remains tethered to the spectacle of song and dance, but its heart is increasingly occupied by the complexities of modern dating. By exploring open relationships and unconventional romantic arcs, Hindi cinema is finally catching up to the reality of its audience. It is moving away from the fantasy of the "soulmate" and toward an honest, if sometimes uncomfortable, depiction of the diverse ways people love today.
The landscape of Bollywood romance is a fascinating study in the contrast between the industry’s "larger-than-life" cinematic ideals and the complex, modern realities of its stars. While films often champion eternal, singular love, the real-world industry is frequently shrouded in rumors of open marriages and non-traditional dynamics. Bollywood and Open Relationships: Rumors vs. Reality
In the real world of B-Town, the concept of open relationships is often discussed in whispers, gossip columns, and blind items, though a few stars have been more candid. Sushant Singh Rajput
Bollywood Open Romance Comedies
Bollywood, known for its vibrant storytelling and diverse genres, has a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide for its romantic comedies. Open romance, or more broadly, romantic comedies that explore relationships in a light-hearted and humorous manner, have been a staple of Indian cinema. Here are some aspects and examples of Bollywood open romance comedies:
Ajeeb Daastaans (2021) – The Dark Side of "Openness"
Not all portrayals are aspirational. In the segment Majnu by Shashank Khaitan, a married man and a married woman enter a secret, sexually open arrangement. However, the film uses this "openness" not as liberation but as an escape from dead marriages. The result is manipulation, guilt, and societal collapse. This narrative reflects a deep-seated anxiety: that without the scaffolding of tradition, open relationships devolve into selfish infidelity.
Mainstream Bollywood: The Great Contradiction
What about the big stars? The Khans, the Kapoors, the Kumars? Here, the resistance remains fierce, but cracks are appearing.
Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Romance, has built a career on the ‘one woman man’ trope. Yet, in Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017), his character Harry is a tour guide who sleeps with multiple tourists. The film pivots on him finding "true love" with Sejal and abandoning his open lifestyle. The message is clear: Openness is a phase before maturity. Monogamy is the prize.
Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) offered a scathing critique of marital openness. The parents (Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah) are in a dead, open arrangement—he has affairs, she looks away. The film brutally satirizes this as the death of love. In contrast, the younger generation’s "openness" (Farhan Akhtar flirting with multiple women) is depicted as playful but ultimately hollow.
Ayushmann Khurrana, the poster boy of social reform, has stayed away from open relationships. His hits (Badhaai Ho, Dream Girl) deal with unconventional sex, but always within a monogamous framework. The closest he came was An Action Hero (2022) , a meta-commentary on fame, not romance.
The industry seems paralyzed. It can show open relationships in an urban, English-speaking, "elite" context (Netflix originals). But it cannot yet show a small-town boy choosing an open marriage without facing a moral comeuppance.
The Verdict: Bollywood is Non-Committal (Ironically)
So, where does Bollywood stand on open relationships and romantic storylines?
The short answer: It’s stuck in the talking stage.
Bollywood is currently playing a double game. On OTT platforms, characters openly discuss polyamory, swinger parties, and polycules without batting an eyelid. These shows cater to a global, urban Indian audience that is already experimenting with ENM.
However, on the 1000-crore blockbuster stage, the industry remains fiercely monogamous. An open relationship cannot be the happy ending because the target audience—the family audience—equates "open" with "immoral."
Yet, the very fact that we can have this conversation is a victory. A decade ago, the term "open relationship" would have been censored from a film’s dialogue. Today, films like Gehraiyaan use the phrase casually. OTT shows depict throuples having breakfast together.
The future of Bollywood romance will likely be fragmented. We will see two distinct genres:
- The Aspirational Monogamy Film (for theaters): Where love is exclusive, possessive, and traditional.
- The Realist Polyamory Series (for streaming): Where love is negotiated, complex, and often open.
Bollywood is no longer asking "Is an open relationship wrong?" It is asking "Is an open relationship possible for me?" And by asking that question aloud, framed by song, drama, and close-up shots of teary eyes, Hindi cinema is slowly, reluctantly, helping a billion people realize that love doesn’t always have to come with padlocks.
Some stories end with ‘happily ever after’. Bollywood’s new romantic storylines are beginning to explore the braver, harder truth: ‘happily for now, with transparency, and maybe with someone else.’
And for a film industry built on the dream of the ‘janam janam ka saath’ (lifetime partnership), that is a radical, and very human, step forward.
Beyond "Happily Ever After": Open Relationships and the New Bollywood Romantic Lexicon
For decades, Bollywood romance was defined by the "soulmate" ideal—two people destined for each other, often overcoming parental disapproval or class divides to reach a singular, monogamous finale. But as real-world dynamics shift, the silver screen is starting to reflect a more complicated truth. From rumored off-screen "open marriages" to bold new narratives on streaming platforms, the industry is tentatively exploring the boundaries of non-traditional love. 1. The On-Screen Shift: From Sacrosanct to Experimental
Modern Bollywood has begun to peel back the layers of traditional marriage, moving away from idealized devotion toward more realistic—and sometimes messy—dynamics. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Bollywood's exploration of love has evolved from the rigid traditions of the 90s to modern narratives that question monogamy, commitment, and individual freedom. While the industry still cherishes its grand romantic fables, recent years have seen a bold shift toward "deep stories" that mirror real-life complexities. The Shift Toward Modern & Open Relationships
Contemporary Bollywood increasingly portrays relationships that move beyond the "happily ever after" trope, exploring nuances like live-in arrangements and open marriages. : A modern remake that explores the complexities of live-in relationships
in a metropolitan setting, questioning whether marriage is the only destination for love. Manmarziyaan
: A raw look at love and self-discovery where the protagonist is torn between passionate impulse and stable commitment
, reflecting the chaotic reality of modern youthful romance. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
: A pioneer in discussing emotional dissatisfaction within marriage. It challenged traditional norms by focusing on extramarital dynamics and individual contentment over societal expectations. Real-Life Dynamics : Public discourse and forums often highlight rumored open marriages among industry A-listers, such as Bhushan Kumar and Divya Khosla Kumar
, signaling a broader cultural shift in how relationships are perceived. Classic Romantic Storylines: The "Deep Story"
Traditional Bollywood romance is defined by "deep stories" of sacrifice, tragic fate, and unyielding devotion.
Catch your favourite Bollywood love stories on The Bombay Journey
The concept of "happily ever after" in Bollywood has historically been synonymous with traditional marriage and lifelong monogamy. However, the last decade has signaled a seismic shift. As societal norms in urban India evolve, the Hindi film industry—often called the mirror of Indian society—has begun to dismantle the "soulmate" trope in favor of more complex, realistic, and sometimes controversial romantic structures, including open relationships and non-traditional storylines. The Evolution of the "Ideal" Romance
For decades, the Bollywood formula was rigid. Boy meets girl, families intervene, obstacles are overcome, and a wedding marks the end of the story. Any deviation from this, such as infidelity or a desire for independence, was usually framed as a moral failing.
In the modern era, writers and directors are treating love as a spectrum rather than a binary. The focus has shifted from "finding the one" to "finding oneself" through various relationship dynamics. This shift reflects a generation that prioritizes personal compatibility and mental health over societal expectations. Deconstructing the Open Relationship Trope
The exploration of open relationships in Bollywood often serves as a lens to examine modern anxieties regarding commitment and possessiveness.
Gehraiyaan (2022): While not a traditional "open relationship" by choice, this film plunged deep into the murky waters of emotional and physical infidelity. It stripped away the glamour of the "affair" and focused on the trauma and complexity of why people seek connections outside their primary partnership.
Befikre (2016): Set in Paris, this film attempted to showcase a "no-strings-attached" culture. It toyed with the idea of romantic freedom and the fear of labels, though it eventually succumbed to a traditional climax.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016): This film explored the "friendzone" and the idea that love doesn't always need a sexual component or a formal commitment to be profound. It challenged the idea that a relationship is only successful if it leads to marriage. Breaking the Monolith of Marriage
Beyond open relationships, Bollywood is increasingly comfortable depicting romantic storylines that don't culminate in a wedding mandap.
Live-in Relationships: Films like Luka Chuppi, Ok Jaanu, and Shuddh Desi Romance have normalized the idea of couples living together before—or instead of—marriage. These stories often highlight the conflict between youthful pragmatism and parental traditionalism.
Divorce and Second Chances: Movies like JugJugg Jeeyo and Thappad have reframed divorce not as a tragedy, but as a necessary step toward self-respect. They suggest that a "failed" marriage is better than a toxic one, a radical departure from the "adjust and compromise" mantra of older cinema.
Non-Linear Love: The Lunchbox and Sir showcased quiet, unconventional romances that transcend age and social class, proving that romantic storylines can be poignant without ever following a standard "dating" template. The Influence of Digital Platforms
The rise of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar has been the biggest catalyst for this change. Free from the constraints of the traditional box office and the scrutiny of conservative family audiences in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, creators are pushing boundaries.
Series like Made in Heaven and Four More Shots Please! have been instrumental in depicting polygamy, casual dating, and the fluid nature of modern sexuality. They provide a space for nuanced conversations about consent, boundaries, and the reality that one person might not be able to fulfill every emotional and physical need of another. The Audience Response: A Divided House
While urban audiences and critics praise these "brave" new narratives, they often face pushback. Conservative segments of the audience frequently label these storylines as "anti-Indian culture." This tension creates a fascinating cultural dialogue. Bollywood is currently in a transitional phase—trying to satisfy the nostalgic craving for grand, musical romances while acknowledging the lived realities of a modern, globalized Indian youth. Conclusion
Bollywood’s journey from the "chaste' lovers of the 90s to the "complicated" partners of the 2020s reflects a maturing industry. By exploring open relationships and unconventional romantic storylines, cinema is validating the experiences of many who feel left out by traditional narratives. As the lines between reel life and real life continue to blur, Bollywood is proving that there is no single "right" way to love—only the way that feels most honest to the individuals involved.
The Illusion of Openness in Gehraiyaan
Take Gehraiyaan. The film was marketed as a bold take on "open relationships" and modern sexuality. Yet, what we saw was not an open relationship; it was a neurotic tangle of betrayal, gaslighting, and emotional carnage. Alisha (Deepika Padukone) doesn’t negotiate an open relationship with her boyfriend; she has an affair with her cousin’s fiancé. The film conflates polyamory with pathological lying. By the end, the narrative punishes the characters with suicide, broken families, and emotional ruin. The moral hangman of traditional Bollywood simply changed clothes—from a judgemental mother to a tragic screenplay.
This is the industry’s greatest sleight of hand. It confuses depicting non-monogamy with endorsing it. In Hindi cinema, having two partners is never a stable, happy arrangement. It is always a prelude to a catastrophe.
