Bollywood has always been a faithful mirror to the grandiosity of Indian weddings and the ultimate pursuit of happily-ever-afters. From the elaborate wedding sequences in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to the dreamy romance of Band Baaja Baaraat, movies have long upheld marriage as the gold standard of love. It’s hard to imagine an epic love story without the familiar crescendo of wedding bells, the swirl of lehengas, and heartfelt “mangal sutra” moments.
But as society evolves, so does its reflection in cinema and real life. In recent years, Bollywood has started to explore the idea that not all love stories culminate in marriage. Films like Tamasha and Gehraiyaan delve into the messiness, complexities, and unconventional nature of modern relationships. And when we look at some of Bollywood’s real-life couples — think Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, who took years to settle into marriage, or unconventional duos like Sushmita Sen and her past partners — it’s evident that the narrative of relationships is shifting.
In today’s world, love stories don’t always need a wedding to make them “official”. Relationships are evolving beyond the confines of tradition, embracing a broader, more personal definition of commitment.
The shift away from marriage as the ultimate goal
Bollywood has always been big on the “happily ever after”, but some recent films are challenging the notion that love must equal marriage. Shuddh Desi Romance, for instance, gave audiences a glimpse of commitment-phobic youth navigating love and societal expectations. It posed a vital question: Is marriage really necessary to validate love? For many modern couples, the answer is a resounding ‘no’. Today, more people are prioritising personal growth, career goals, and financial independence over rushing into marriage. They’re questioning whether the institution of marriage — with its elaborate rituals and deep-rooted traditions — aligns with their idea of love. Much like the characters in Wake Up Sid, where the focus was on individuality before coupling, many real-life relationships are about building a foundation based on mutual respect rather than tradition.
Take Bollywood power couple Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal. Before their intimate wedding, they maintained a relationship that was grounded in discretion and privacy. Their approach was a refreshing contrast to the often over-the-top Bollywood weddings, showing that what truly matters is the partnership itself, not the pomp surrounding it.
Building commitment beyond marriage
If not marriage, then how are couples demonstrating their commitment? In Bollywood and beyond, couples are finding meaningful ways to solidify their bond without the legal or religious trappings of a wedding.
Co-living and shared experiences
Bollywood movies often glorify the chaos of living under one roof, but in real life, cohabitation has become a hallmark of modern relationships. Take Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, who moved in together long before tying the knot. Similarly, characters like Naina and Bunny in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani hint at how shared experiences, whether travelling together or creating a home, can symbolise a deeper connection.
Parenting without marriage
Stars like Sushmita Sen have openly embraced motherhood without ever walking down the aisle. Sen, who adopted two daughters, has redefined what it means to be a family in Bollywood. Her story resonates with countless individuals who believe that love, not marriage, is the foundation of parenting and partnership. Films like Paa and Chori Chori Chupke Chupke have also touched on non-traditional parenting setups, albeit in dramatised ways.
Partnerships with an age gap
Age-gap relationships prove that love thrives on mutual respect and shared values, not numbers. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s 10-year difference balances fresh energy with stability, while Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput’s 13-year gap shows how emotional connection transcends societal norms. These couples challenge conventions, focusing on growth, understanding, and love beyond traditional timelines.
Celebrating milestones in unique ways
Not every love story needs a big fat Bollywood wedding. Some couples, much like Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, who had an intimate Christian ceremony alongside their lavish Hindu one, celebrated their milestones uniquely. Others, like Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar, skipped the grandiosity altogether, opting for simpler, more personal moments to honour their connection.
Love, Bollywood style: The freedom to choose
Bollywood is slowly catching up to the realities of modern relationships, where marriage is no longer the inevitable conclusion of love. Films like Dear Zindagi explore the beauty of self-discovery before commitment, while Kapoor & Sons highlight the importance of familial love and support, even in the absence of traditional relationships.
This evolution in storytelling reflects a broader cultural movement toward individuality and authenticity. Couples today are proving that love and commitment can exist outside societal norms. Their relationships are built on trust, loyalty, and shared dreams — values that are timeless, even as the framework changes. As we continue to celebrate the glittering world of weddings, it’s equally important to embrace the nuanced ways couples are choosing to define their love. After all, the most beautiful love stories, whether on-screen or in life, are the ones that break the mould and stay true to the hearts of those living them.
