10 Bollywood Icons Who Boldly Chose Live-In Relationships

In the glamorous world of Bollywood, a modern trend is taking centre stage, reshaping the traditional narratives of love and companionship.

The concept of live-in relationships, once taboo, is now being embraced by some of the most iconic figures in the industry.

The legendary actress Zeenat Aman leads the charge, whose recent statement on the benefits of live-in relationships before marriage has sparked conversations and admiration alike.

This bold move by Aman and other Bollywood stars sets a new standard for understanding and compatibility in romantic relationships.

DESIblitz delves into the lives of 10 Bollywood icons who boldly chose live-in relationships, exploring how these actors and actresses redefine partnership in the modern era.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Kareena Kapoor Khan epitomises the modern Indian woman who balances tradition with contemporary values.

Married to Saif Ali Khan, with whom she shares two children, Kareena has consistently been at the forefront of challenging societal norms.

The couple’s decision to embark on a live-in relationship before their marriage in 2012 not only garnered significant media attention but also sparked a broader conversation about modern romantic partnerships in India.

In a candid revelation to a media outlet, Kareena expressed her strong endorsement of live-in relationships, stating:

“I have tried and tested the live-in relationship formula, and now I can personally advocate it for modern Indian couples.

“Live-ins are common in modern India. I am a contemporary woman, and I am delighted I was able to live up to my beliefs.”

Akshay Kumar

Not many fans know that Bollywood’s power couple, Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, shared a year of live-in relationship bliss before their grand wedding in January 2001.

In a heartfelt interview, the duo revealed that this step was inspired by Twinkle’s mother, the esteemed actress Dimple Kapadia.

This decision to live together before marriage was seen as a forward-thinking move, especially coming from a figure of an earlier generation of Bollywood.

It highlights not just the personal journey of Akshay and Twinkle as a couple but also reflects a broader acceptance and evolution of relationship norms within the industry.

Soha Ali Khan

Soha Ali Khan, echoing the path taken by her brother, embarked on a journey of companionship with Kunal Khemu without shrouding their relationship in secrecy.

Soha harbours a belief that cohabiting with a partner, grounded in trust and love, holds an essence akin to marriage.

For her, the depth of faith in one another renders the formalities of documentation secondary.

While this approach to a live-in relationship significantly enriched the bond between Soha and Kunal, they have been candid in expressing that their experience should not set a precedent for others.

In an interview, Soha articulated: “We don’t advocate live-in relationships for everyone.

“It’s a choice that worked wonders for us before marriage, but couples need to navigate their paths and make decisions that best suit them, rather than replicating someone else’s journey.”

Sushant Singh Rajput

Sushant Singh Rajput once shared a beautiful chapter of his life with ex-girlfriend Ankita Lokhande.

The couple lived together in a live-in relationship that was both modern and open.

Sushant, ever candid about his personal life, openly expressed his views on their arrangement, saying:

“Yes, I am in a live-in relationship with Ankita, and I am comfortable with it.”

“Both of our parents agree with our decision. I’ve never felt the need to conceal my live-in relationship.”

This statement not only highlighted their commitment to each other but also reflected a progressive stance on relationships, resonating with many of their fans who admired their honesty and openness.

Katrina Kaif

In the whirlwind world of Bollywood, the relationship between Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor was nothing short of a cinematic saga.

The buzz around the couple moving in together broke in October 2014, capturing the imagination of fans and media alike.

Sources close to the couple revealed that they shared a life in a plush Bandra residence for more than two years.

This period of their lives was marked by intense scrutiny and public fascination, with fans eagerly anticipating a walk down the aisle.

However, destiny had other plans, and in 2016, after a romance that spanned nearly six years, Ranbir and Katrina decided to part ways.

John Abraham

John Abraham and Bipasha Basu’s relationship was once the talk of Bollywood, capturing the hearts of fans across the nation.

Their breakup, after nearly a decade together, sent shockwaves through the industry.

Known for their sizzling chemistry both on and off the screen, Bipasha and John were trailblazers in openly acknowledging their live-in relationship, a rarity among celebrity couples of their time.

After sharing life and love for about nine years in a live-in arrangement, the duo decided to part ways, a decision that garnered significant media attention and public interest.

Today, both John and Bipasha have found happiness and love again, each married to their respective partners.

Kalki Koechlin

Before tying the knot in April 2011, Kalki Koechlin and Anurag Kashyap shared a chapter of their lives in a live-in relationship, a testament to their deep connection and mutual understanding.

This period of togetherness allowed them to explore the depths of their relationship before committing to marry.

However, life sometimes takes unexpected turns, and in 2013, the couple announced their decision to part ways, marking the end of their marital journey.

In the aftermath of their separation, Anurag Kashyap expressed his sentiments, stating that parting ways with Kalki was “no bigger loss” for him.

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors, found love on the sets of the iconic film Lagaan in 2001, where he first met Kiran Rao.

At the time, Aamir was navigating through his life with his first wife, Reena Dutt.

It was after his separation from Reena that Aamir and Kiran’s paths intertwined once more.

“Before we married, we lived together for a year or year and a half,” Aamir shared, reflecting on the significance of their time together before tying the knot.

“I can’t fathom my existence without Kiran by my side.

“I consider myself extremely fortunate and appreciative,” he expressed, highlighting the profound bond and mutual respect that defined their relationship.

Konkona Sen Sharma

Ranvir Shorey and Konkona Sen Sharma have consistently been at the forefront of redefining traditional norms, embracing a path less travelled with grace and conviction.

Their journey together has been marked by a series of bold choices that reflect their progressive outlook on life and relationships.

Opting for a simple yet intimate wedding within the comfort of Konkona’s apartment, they showcased their preference for meaningful experiences over grandeur.

Their transparency about their separation, subsequent divorce, and the approach to co-parenting their son highlights their commitment to ensuring the well-being of their family, despite personal differences.

Before taking the plunge into matrimony, Ranvir and Konkona lived together, a decision that underscored their belief in understanding each other outside the conventional bounds of marriage.

Abhay Deol

Abhay Deol, a prominent figure in Indian cinema, openly shared his views on relationships and marriage during an appearance on the talk show India’s Most Desirable.

With Preeti Desai, the former Miss Great Britain and his partner at the time, Abhay explored the dynamics of a live-in relationship, challenging conventional norms around commitment.

Although their paths eventually diverged, Abhay’s perspective on marriage remained unchanged.

He articulated a thought-provoking stance, stating: “Marriage, in my opinion, is a cultural phenomenon; nature does not command someone to marry.

“I may or may not marry, but I will settle down in a live-in relationship.”

As we conclude our journey through the love-laden lanes of Bollywood, it’s clear that the stars we’ve discussed are pioneers of a modern lifestyle.

By choosing live-in relationships, these couples have opened up a new dialogue about the essence of companionship.

Zeenat Aman’s advice to her sons, and by extension to the world, serves as a testament to the evolving nature of romantic relationships in today’s society.

It’s a narrative of breaking free from the shackles of traditional expectations and embracing a more open, understanding, and genuine connection.

Bollywood, with its array of stars, actress and actor duos, and endless gossip, continues to be a mirror reflecting the changing dynamics of love and romance.