Which are the best love betrayals in Hindi cinema?

I was studying in school when I watched Baazigar for the first time. Like many others, it came as a big shock to me watching Shahrukh Khan’s character killing Shilpa Shetty’s character by throwing her from terrace. It was something never seen before on Indian screen. Shilpa’s character trusted her boyfriend so much that she never imagined he is going to kill him, thus giving the biggest betrayal in love. Yes, it’s so hard breaking to see someone who you loved most betray you, and it is hard hitting when getting killed in the hands of that person.

What told above is reel. Here is one real story, which gained great media attention in Kerala in recent times. Last month, from the state of Kerala, judicial first-class magistrate court of Neyyattinkara Taluka gave a unique judgement. A 24-year-old woman, Greeshma was sentenced to death by the Kerala court in the 2022 murder of 23-year-old boy Sharon Raj. After multiple failed murder attempts, she finally succeeded in killing her lover by mixing poison in ayurvedic drink, saying it’s her bitter medicine and he can taste it. He died due to multiple organ failures after 11 long days of suffering, and till the last moment, he never told a single word about her. Maybe on his final days, he realized her betrayal, the girl whom he loved most. Yet he chose to keep his mouth shut.

Betrayal happens in both love and friendship. But here I shall focus on love betrayals only; some of the films which stay in my mind. Through this column I shall try to add a few such films with iconic love betrayals, which audience won’t forget easily. It’s not a countdown, but simply a listing of shocking betrayals. I may not able to add movies which I watched long ago. Before you proceed to read, I should warn you, this topic is full of spoilers.

1. Vicky (Ajay Sharma) in Baazigar (1993) played by Shah Rukh Khan

I have already mentioned this film. Yes, that betrayal scene is iconic, because Hindi audience has never seen such a scene before. Even if we travel back to past decades, that’s not easy to find this kind of betrayal. It was a remake film of a non-Indian film. That’s why Indian audience was not ready to accept the scene, or the movie where the lead hero plays anti-hero role too. Read a few more such interesting films here. Many people advised Shah Rukh Khan not to accept the project as it can damage is grooming career. Yet he took risk and rest is history. This ‘Dhokebaaz’ character Vicky will definitely go into the history books of Hindi cinema.

2. Don in Don: The Chase Begins Again (2006) played by Shah Rukh Khan

Let’s move on to the next betrayal character of Shahrukh Khan. How can we forget the twist in the climax and the biggest betrayal done by Don! Not only did he fooled the audience but also broke the trust of his lady love Roma Bhagat, the character played by Priyanka Chopra.

3. Akash in Gangster: A Love Story (2006) played by Emraan Hashmi

The film should have been titled Gangster: A Betrayal Story. What an irony! A story which tells a great betrayal story in love at times which was not so familiar to Indian cinema, it was titled ‘Gangster: A Love Story’. In the film Emraan Hashmi‘s character comes in between the love story of Kangana Ranaut and Shiney Ahuja, and towards the end we feel empathy for Ahuja’s character.

4. Mahalakshmi in Khakee (2004) played by Aishwarya Rai

It came as a big shock to the audience, seeing Aishwarya Rai in a new avatar. When her betrayal for Akshay Kumar is revealed towards the climax, the way Akshay was acting, it was the same feel of audience as well. When Aishwarya Rai runs into the arms of Ajay Devgn in front of a shocked Akshay Kumar, it was breaking all Bollywood stereotypes. How can someone betray like this and kill him too?

5. Shekhar Saxena in Kasoor (2001) played by Aftab Shivdasani

Kasoor is a highly underrated gem. A husband is arrested for his wife’s murder and from the beginning scene, the director Vikram Bhatt manages to convince and fool the audience that he is not the culprit. The husband’s character played by Aftab Shivdasani falls in love with his defending lawyer, the character played by Lisa Ray. In the climax when it is revealed that Aftab’s character Shekhar Saxena is indeed the murderer, we painfully understand, he betrayed Simran’s character too.

6. Mitee in Yeh Saali Aashiqui (2019) played by Shivaleeka Oberoi

In her debut film, Shivaleeka Oberoi shocked everyone with her finest performance and also received a nomination at Filmfare for female debut category. Her role broke all stereotypes and was loved by audience.

7. Neha Verma in Fida (2004) played by Kareena Kapoor

This betrayal is generally considered as one of the greatest in Hindi cinema. Though the movie was widely promoted, when the lead pair Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor were dating, it was a flop. The movie is only remembered for the betrayal scene towards the climax. Kareena’s character Neha Verma is seen with Fardeen’s negative character Vikram Singh which comes really unexpected.

8. Rehan Qadri in Fanaa (2006) played by Aamir Khan

This one again comes as an unexpected betrayal. Though Aamir Khan and Kajol shared screen space in Ishq, Fanaa was the first time there casted as lead pair. The film’s surprise twist is revealed in the interval, where Aamir Khan’s character Rehan Qadri faked his death and leave Zooni, a blind girl played by Kajol.

9. Gauri in Sooryavansham (1999) played by Rachana Banerjee

A remake film from a blockbuster hit from south, it was a huge hit after the television release. The story strikes the right chord with audience, especially the betrayal part, where Gauri’s character played by Rachana Banerjee completely fools Heera, the character played by Amitabh Bachchan.

10. Kainaaz in Freddy (2022) played by Alaya F

Post pandemic it’s quite normal that main stream actors are willing to take grey and negative shaded characters. Alaya F’s character remind us of Bipasha’s character in Jism, where she uses John Abraham to kill her husband. Here John has been replaced by Kartik Aaryan, and though a violent film, it received rave reviews. While writing this, one more film flashes in my thoughts – Merry Christmas (2024). This movie also tells the story of how a wife gets rid of her abusive husband. But the main difference is, though Katrina Kaif’s character executes the whole plan and acts friendly towards Vijay Sethupathy, she never wants to put him into trouble. We even witness a blooming romance in one Christmas night.

11. Sonia Khanna in Jism (2003) played by Bipasha Basu

This erotic thriller played a magnificent role in establishing the career of Bipasha, and a real-life relation with her co-star John Abraham. As told about Freddy (not seen discussions on their striking similarities), to get rid of her abusive husband & own his property, Bipasha’s character lures Kabir Lal into a stormy affair, character played by John Abraham and once she gets what she wants, completely turns him into a stranger. It was a heartbreaking moment for Kabir when he finds Sonia was using him.

12. Krishna Verma in Ishqiya (2010) played by Vidya Balan

Ishqiya – the black comedy film is always listed among the finest works of Vidya. Her intimate scenes with Arshad Warsi were widely discussed. But what comes later is – betrayal! Yet the trio, Vidya, Arshad and Naseeruddin Shah are seen together in the film climax. Vidya was presented as a helpless and vulnerable widow, who manipulates men to achieve her hidden agendas. Yet audience feels empathy for her. In Vidya’s Kahani also, she is seen showing soft corner towards ASI Rana, the character played by Parambrata Chatterjee and in the climax she simply disappears in thin air.

13. Sunny Deva in Murder (2004) played by Emraan Hashmi

Murder, an erotic thriller starring Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat is all about love, betrayal and infidelity and definitely deserve a place in this list. The way Emraan’s character Sunny hatches a plan and betrays Simran, the character played by Mallika Sherawat is worth mentioning. But the movie was in spotlight mainly because of the intimate scenes of the lead pair. Emraan Hashmi has done a series of films based on the subject of betrayal. Zeher, Dil Diya Hai and The Train need special mention.

14. Ehsaan Khan in Kurbaan (2009) played by Saif Ali Khan

Started off as a beautiful love story, the movie gave us a big shock with the twist, when we come to know that Ehsaan Khan was using Avanika’s identity to move out of the country and that he is a terrorist. Avantika’s character played by Kareena Kapoor feels deeply betrayed, realizing her entire relationship was built on lies. Though he used Avantika for his personal gains, deep inside he loves her.

15. Karan Singh Rathod in Ek Hasina Thi (2004) played by Saif Ali Khan

One more Saif Ali Khan film which can be safely placed in the list. Here his character pretends to love Sarika (played by Urmila Matondkar). However, after gaining her trust, Karan betrays her by framing her for a crime involving illegal arms smuggling.

16. Sheetal in Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974) played by Zeenat Aman

Sheetal (played by Zeenat Aman) accepts the marriage proposal of her boss Mohan Babu (played by Shashi Kapoor), leaving her boyfriend Bharat (played by Manoj Kumar) heartbroken. When she chose rich boss over poor boyfriend, it becomes true betrayal. Yet in the end, her character repents her act and her death touches us deeply.

A few more movies in the list

Rahul Roy in Gumraah (1993), Mahi Gill in Sahib, Biwi Aur Gangster (2011), Udita Goswami in Emraan Hashmi starrer Zeher (2005), Geeta Basra in Emraan Hashmi starrer The Train (2007), Shalini Pandey in Maharaj (2024), Madhavan in Dhokha: Round D Corner (2022) etc are a few. I hope I can add more films here. We have also watched films on infidelity like Gumrah (1963) which was later remade as Bewafaa (2005).

While I look back, I can’t recollect films belonging to classic era which can be categorized here. But definitely I want to add some old films too. Most probably, such characters were less accepted in Indian cinema back then. Only more film which comes to mind is Sharmilee where the twin sister Rakhee Gulzar plays a negative role and even break the trust of Shashi Kapoor. If you remember any more films, please do in comment section. I shall add to the list.

And a few honourable mentions

These films won’t completely fit into betrayal list, but worth mentioning. In Humraaz, Ameesha Patel is seen hatching a plan with her bf Akshaye Khanna to get a ransom amount from Bobby Deol. But seeing Bobby’s love, she corrects herself.

How can we forget Bodyguard? When it comes to female friendship betrayal stories, this film should list first. Though Maya’s betrayal is for getting her friend’s love, it doesn’t fall into the category we are discussing now. That’s why I am listing it here. Kajol’s character in Gupt also comes as a big surprise. She does everything for love, yet she doesn’t get what she wants.

Race series was full of betrayals and twists. I have totally forgotten the story. I have to re-watch to refresh my memories. Just felt like mentioning here, before I conclude.