Arunoday Singh and Aditi Rao Hydari have made headlines with their record-breaking 22 kisses in Sudhir Mishra's film "Yeh Saali Zindagi." The young actors, portraying a married couple, have set a new benchmark in Bollywood, surpassing Mallika Sherawat's previous record of 17 kisses in "Khwahish."
In "Yeh Saali Zindagi," Arunoday Singh and Aditi Rao Hydari play Kuldeep and Shanti, a married couple from Delhi who share a passionate and tumultuous relationship. Their 22 on-screen kisses have not only created a buzz but also set a new record in Bollywood. This surpasses the previous record held by Mallika Sherawat, who had 17 kisses in the film "Khwahish" (2003).
Director Sudhir Mishra explained the rationale behind the numerous kissing scenes, stating, "Aditi (Shanti) and Arunoday (Kuldeep) play a young couple based in Delhi. They kiss every time they quarrel. And they quarrel a lot. If we are showing a couple in love, I'd rather show them kissing at a moment when they should be kissing, than have them dancing and shaking their hips to a song." Mishra's approach emphasizes realism over traditional Bollywood song-and-dance sequences, making a bold statement in the industry.
Both actors initially had reservations about their families' reactions due to their conservative and traditional backgrounds. However, Sudhir Mishra's directorial experience helped alleviate their concerns. Arunoday Singh hails from a political family; he is the grandson of prominent Congress politician Arjun Singh. Aditi Rao Hydari, on the other hand, comes from a distinguished lineage. She is the great-granddaughter of Sir Akbar Hydari, the founder of Osmania University, and her grand-uncle, Sir Muhammed Saleh Akbar Hydari, was the governor of Assam. Aditi is also married to actor Satyadeep Mishra, known for his role in "No One Killed Jessica."
"Yeh Saali Zindagi" has not only garnered attention for its bold scenes but also for its portrayal of a realistic and passionate relationship. The film's approach to depicting love and conflict through intimate moments has sparked discussions about the evolving nature of romance in Bollywood cinema.
Arunoday Singh and Aditi Rao Hydari's record-breaking 22 kisses in "Yeh Saali Zindagi" have set a new standard in Bollywood. Director Sudhir Mishra's commitment to realism and the actors' dedication to their roles have made this film a significant milestone in the industry. As Bollywood continues to evolve, "Yeh Saali Zindagi" stands out as a bold and groundbreaking film that challenges traditional norms and embraces a more authentic depiction of love and relationships.
For more insights into the changing landscape of Bollywood, check out this article on the evolution of Indian cinema by BBC Culture.