Golden-era romances of Bollywood: Love stories that never got a happy ending

Before he became India’s first superstar, Rajesh was in a long-term relationship with actress Anju Mahendru. But as fame soared, their relationship faltered. He later married Dimple Kapadia, but Anju remained a part of his inner circle till the end.

One of Bollywood’s earliest heartbreaks — Dev Anand fell deeply for Suraiya, but her family reportedly disapproved due to religious differences. Despite the pain, he never spoke ill of her, and she remained unmarried till the end of her life.

They were the ultimate golden couple — beautiful, talented, and madly in love. But family disputes and legal troubles during Naya Daur tore them apart. Madhubala’s tragic end still haunts the legacy of their unfinished love story.

He was the brilliant filmmaker, she the muse with quiet grace. Their professional brilliance was matched by a personal bond that many believe ran deeper than friendship. But societal pressure and his troubled marriage clouded their connection.

Their chemistry defined an era, both on and off screen. Though Nargis was a muse for Raj Kapoor, their love was overshadowed by his existing marriage. Their bond ended, but their on-screen magic lives on in classics like Barsaat and Shree 420.