In the captivating world of Bollywood, where on-screen romances often blur the lines of reality, a unique phenomenon has emerged: actresses who have romanced both a father and his son in their careers. This unusual casting dynamic has led to intriguing cinematic pairings and sparked considerable interest among audiences.
One notable example is Madhuri Dixit, a celebrated actress who starred opposite Vinod Khanna in films like Dayavan (1988) and Maha-Sangram (1990). Their on-screen chemistry, particularly in Dayavan, was widely discussed, especially the intimate scenes. Years later, in 1997, Madhuri Dixit romanced Vinod Khanna's son, Akshaye Khanna, in the film Mohabbat. This pairing created a fascinating contrast, as audiences witnessed her sharing romantic moments with both generations of the Khanna family.
Another actress who has romanced two father-son duos is Dimple Kapadia. She shared screen space with Dharmendra in movies such as Batwara (1989) and Shehzade (1989), and with his son Sunny Deol in several films including Manzil Manzil (1984), Arjun (1985), and Narsimha (1991). Dimple Kapadia also acted alongside Vinod Khanna in Insaaf (1987) and later appeared as Akshaye Khanna's love interest in Dil Chahta Hai (2001).
Sridevi is another iconic actress who has been paired with both a father and his son. She first romanced Sunny Deol in Chaalbaaz (1989), and then appeared opposite Dharmendra in Naka Bandi (1990). The pairing of Sridevi with both Dharmendra and Sunny Deol offered audiences a chance to see her in different romantic contexts.
Amrita Singh also falls into this category. She debuted opposite Sunny Deol in Betaab (1983). Six years later, she played Dharmendra's wife in Sachai Ki Taqat.
Hema Malini, the "Dream Girl," also appears on this list. She debuted opposite Raj Kapoor in Sapnon Ke Saudagar (1968). Years later, she romanced his son, Randhir Kapoor, in Haath Ki Safai (1974).
Rani Mukerji has also been part of this trend. She romanced Abhishek Bachchan in films like Bunty Aur Babli, Yuva, and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. She also had an intense relationship with Amitabh Bachchan in Black.
These instances highlight the interconnectedness of Bollywood's acting families and the willingness of actresses to explore diverse roles across generations. The age gaps and the established legacies of the fathers often add layers of complexity to these on-screen pairings. While some may view these pairings as unconventional, they undeniably contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of Bollywood cinema.