Bollywood has seen its fair share of high-profile and controversial breakups over the years. These relationships, often under intense media scrutiny, have sparked significant public interest and controversy. Here are some of the most talked-about and controversial Bollywood breakups:
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1. Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai
Relationship Timeline: Late 1990s to early 2000s
Controversy: One of the most high-profile relationships in Bollywood, Salman and Aishwarya’s breakup was marred by allegations of abuse and harassment. Aishwarya publicly spoke about Salman being possessive and abusive, which led to their split. Even after their breakup, reports suggested that Salman allegedly created trouble on the sets of Aishwarya’s films. The breakup was widely covered in the media, making it one of Bollywood’s most controversial splits.
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2. Karisma Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan
Relationship Timeline: Late 1990s to early 2000s
Controversy:Karisma and Abhishek were engaged in 2002, but the engagement was called off unexpectedly. The reason for the breakup was never clearly stated, leading to widespread speculation. Since both families, the Kapoors and the Bachchans, are Bollywood royalty, the split attracted immense media attention. It was rumored that family differences played a role in the breakup, but neither party confirmed any details.
3. Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone
Relationship Timeline: 2007-2009
Controversy: Ranbir and Deepika were one of the most adored couples in Bollywood. However, their breakup was surrounded by rumors of infidelity on Ranbir’s part. Deepika later revealed in interviews that she was hurt by the breakup and hinted that Ranbir had cheated on her. Despite the controversy, the two have remained friends and have worked together in successful films like *Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani* and Tamasha.
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4. Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor
Relationship Timeline: 2004-2007
Controversy: Shahid and Kareena’s relationship was a public affair, and their breakup, right after filming Jab We Met, came as a shock to fans. Kareena’s growing closeness to Saif Ali Khan during the shooting of Tashan was rumored to be the cause of the split. Kareena soon after started dating Saif, and they later got married. Shahid and Kareena’s breakup attracted a lot of media attention because of their contrasting personalities and the abrupt nature of the split.
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5. Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan
Relationship Timeline: 2000-2014
Controversy: Hrithik and Sussanne’s 14-year marriage came to an end in 2014, shocking fans and the industry alike. While both maintained that they parted amicably, rumors suggested that Hrithik’s alleged affairs, including one with his Kites co-star Barbara Mori, played a role. Sussanne reportedly supported Hrithik during his legal battle with Kangana Ranaut, showing their relationship was still respectful despite the split.
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6. John Abraham and Bipasha Basu
Relationship Timeline: 2002-2011
Controversy: John and Bipasha were one of the hottest couples in Bollywood for nearly a decade. However, their breakup came unexpectedly, and the reason was never fully disclosed. There were rumors of infidelity on John’s part and Bipasha hinted that she felt betrayed. The controversy was further fueled when John married Priya Runchal soon after, raising questions about the timeline of their relationship.
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7. Kangana Ranaut and Hrithik Roshan
Relationship Timeline: 2013-2014 (alleged)
Controversy: This is one of Bollywood’s messiest and most publicized controversies. Kangana claimed that she had been in a secret relationship with Hrithik while filming Krrish 3. Hrithik denied the claims and filed a defamation suit against her. The matter escalated into a public legal battle, with both sides making accusations. Leaked emails, legal notices, and media interviews kept the controversy alive for months, making it one of the most dramatic breakups in Bollywood history.
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8. Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif
Relationship Timeline: 2009-2016
Controversy: Ranbir and Katrina’s relationship was largely kept under wraps, but the couple was often spotted together, and they even moved in together. Their breakup in 2016 was surprising, especially since rumors suggested they were headed toward marriage. There were reports that Ranbir’s commitment issues and family pressures played a role in the split. The breakup left fans divided, especially after reports of tension between them while filming Jagga Jasoos surfaced.
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9. Ankita Lokhande and Sushant Singh Rajput
Relationship Timeline: 2009-2016
Controversy: Ankita and Sushant’s long-term relationship ended suddenly in 2016, which came as a surprise to many. There were rumors that Sushant’s growing success in Bollywood and Ankita’s possessiveness caused the rift, though neither publicly confirmed the reasons. The breakup was back in the spotlight after Sushant’s tragic death in 2020, with Ankita sharing emotional tributes to him.
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10. Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta
Relationship Timeline: 1986-2002
Controversy: Aamir and Reena’s divorce after 16 years of marriage shocked Bollywood. Aamir maintained that it was a mutual decision, but rumors about Aamir’s alleged closeness to other women during his career raised questions. Despite the breakup, Aamir and Reena have remained cordial and co-parented their two children.
These breakups not only dominated headlines but also became part of Bollywood’s history, reflecting the complex personal lives of its stars, often in the public eye.
