The first ever Bollywood film where on-screen kissing was depicted came in the 1933 release Karma, a daring yet controversial piece of Indian cinema. The Himanshu Rai-directed and produced film, where he also stars alongside Devika Rani, shocked audiences through its bold depictions of romance. In the Rai-produced film Karma, Devika Rani is the lead character Maharani, who defies her father’s wishes and marries a prince from a neighboring kingdom, portrayed by Himanshu Rai.
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But what really distinguished the film was its unprecedented four-minute kissing scene. It was an Indian cinema first, and no one would forget the intimate kiss between the lead actors in Karma. This kiss was scandalous and considered seditious; Karma was banned in India when it was released. The film found recognition outside the country, however, and people appreciated it with a following that is substantial to this day.
But the on-screen chemistry between Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai was magnetic, and that passionate kiss was a turning point in Hindi cinema. Although Karma proved to be a commercial dud in India, it paved its way in cinematic history for breaking the societal conventions and pushing the limits of film portrayal of love.
Devika Rani’s fearless performance and her bold approach to her role left a lasting impact. She became an icon, remembered not just for her beauty but also for her ability to challenge the norms of the time. Karma and its controversial kiss will always be remembered as the moment Bollywood cinema took a bold step into uncharted territory, forever altering the way love and intimacy were depicted on screen.
