Pairs mean a lot in Hindi Cinema, often shaping the fate of a film. Some of these star-pairs have worked with each other again and again, while others have done just one film. But their joint appeal and chemistry was and is so strong that we just want to watch them again.
Aamir Khan-Kareena Kapoor
Films: 3 Idiots, Talaash, Laal Singh Chaddha
Chemistry: 9/10
Why we want more: No one expected such a superb chemistry between their (late) first-time pairing in 3 Idiots. This was a film that was neither centered on them nor on their love story and still they resonated with a rare magnetism, leaving us thirsting for more. The other two films were not up to the mark as cinema, but their chemistry was impeccable and so we want to see more of AK and KK together!
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Ajay Devgn-Kajol
Films: Hulchul, Gundaraj, Ishq, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, Dil Kya Kare, Raju Chacha, U Me Aur Hum, Toonpur Ka Superrhero, Tanhaji—The Unsung Warrior
Chemistry: 9/10
Why we want more: Soulmates in real life, they have a mixed track-record at the box-office, but their on-screen chemistry is more intense than ebullient. Even in films like Toonpur…, which was about their reel-life kids, and the diametrically contrasting Tanhaji…, it is obvious that they ‘completed’ each other in the most charming and wholesome way possible.
Akshay Kumar-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Films: Khakee, Action Replayy
Chemistry: 8/10
Why we want more: This is a combo that has not really been exposed to the audience: in Khakee, the emphasis was not on their romance and Aishwarya’s character was negative, while Action Replayy did not fare well and had them in part in aged roles, that too with a buck-toothed Akshay. Wish we could watch them in regular roles, and yes, maybe in yet another Akshay laugh-riot.
Anil Kapoor-Madhuri Dixit-Nene
Films: Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Parinda, Kishen Kanhaiya, Total Dhamaal among hits
Chemistry: 9/10
Why we want more: This is one team that will probably never stale. Beginning with the flop Hifazat (1987), they became a huge attraction with Tezaab (Madhuri’s breakthrough film) and Ram Lakhan. Crackling chemistry was seen also in their flop, Khel, as well. And in Total Dhamaal they came together 19 years after Pukar, a flop wherein they also showed sparks.
Dharmendra-Hema Malini
Films: Sharafat, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Naya Zamana, Jugnu, Raja Jani, Seeta Aur Geeta, Jugnu, Dost, Patthar Aur Payal, Pratiggya, Sholay, Charas, Chacha Bhatija, Dream Girl, Azaad, Dil Kaa Heera, Ali Baba Aur Chalis Chor among the hits. Latest films: Tell Me O Kkhuda, Shimla Mirchi (with Dharmendra in a romantic cameo)
Chemistry:10/10
Why we want more: After the Raj Kapoor-Nargis team, no one was so exciting and charismatic as the South Indian Dream Girl and the Punjab da (Not Just A) He-Man with a heart of gold and a fist of steel. Their unbroken dream run began with Sharafat and Tum Haseen Main Jawan in 1970 and extended to 11 unbroken jubilees followed by many more. If cast today, they will still be incredibly magical.
Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone
Film: Fighter
Chemistry: 8/10
Why we want more: They were brilliant in Fighter, which was not exactly a romance. So what can’t they do by way of a chemical romantic reaction on-screen if cast in a mature romance?
Ranbir Kapoor-Katrina Kaif
Films: Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Raajneeti, Jagga Jasoos
Chemistry: 8/10
Why we want more: We have seen their lighter kind of pairing in one film, a serious team-up in the second, and a wacky combo in the third. Katrina Kaif was lucky for Ranbir Kapoor in his early career, which must be why he cast her in his maiden co-production, Jagga Jasoos. And both are completely into growth as artistes, experimenting with challenging roles. Here’s a team we can watch again and again, that too in varied genres, because they are individually versatile as well.
Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone
Films: Goliyon Ki RasLila—RamLila, Bajirao Mastani, Finding Fanny, Padmaavat, 83
Chemistry: 9/10
Why we want more: Their personae are so relatable to their respective genders and they are such powerhouses of energy that they simply crackle on screen together. In Padmaavat his character craved for her but they did not share a single frame, and yet one could sense his passion for her based on just a painting! And yes, their desi flavor has a mass appeal from Nashik to New York and from Mumbai to Melbourne. What a real-life as well as reel-life pair this one is!
Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif
Films: Yuvvraaj, Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, Tiger 3
Chemistry: 9.5/10
Why we want more: They are simply the perfect reel pair. Their real-life romance has metamorphosed smoothly into a healthy and affectionate friendship as Katrina is now married. They are major market-forces individually and simply look wonderful together. Their screen union is getting increasingly magical in the Tiger franchise and we hope that we can see them not just in Tiger 4 but also in other films.
Salman Khan-Sonakshi Sinha
Films: Dabangg, Dabangg 2, Dabangg 3
Chemistry: 9/10
Why we want more: When a fresh pairing whets curiosity, and then actually surpasses expectations, it is such a rare event that the pair becomes an electric proposition. We miss this team—Dabangg 3 came in 2019 and backfired, so we want to see them in a non-Dabangg setup now.
Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol
Films: Baazigar, Karan Arjun, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…, My Name Is Khan, Dilwale
Chemistry: 9.5/10
Why we want more: If ever there was a complete package of a lead pair after Raj Kapoor-Nargis, Dharmendra-Hema Malini and Rishi Kapoor-Neetu Singh, it was this one. The SRK-Kajol USP was that there was no hint of off-screen romance, and yet they looked so made-for-each-other on screen! They had five blockbusters and no flops in a row, and their record remains unsullied because even …Khan worked overseas. Ditto Dilwale.
Siddharth Malhotra-Kiara Advani
Film: Shershaah
Chemistry: 8/10
Why we want more: Just one film (that too before they wed each other!) for the cutest young couple on the block? Bahut na-insaafi hai, especially now that they are individually recognized as charismatic youngsters.