Jun 27, 2026 7:30pm IST
How Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan And Madhuri Dixit Have Led A Generation of Bollywood’s Love Triangles
Romance and cinema cannot survive without each other. It’s a tale as old as time: humans have found themselves amid undeniable forces on both sides, making for a seat-grabbing, room-dividing presence in the form of love triangles on screen. The flagbearers of this popular film category continue to be Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, who have contributed heavily to it in the 1990s and 2000s.
Amid the ‘spiritual’ revival of arguably one of the most celebrated love triangle films in modern cinema, Cocktail, take a look at the vanguards of this space.
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Shah Rukh Khan’s charm
As the poster boy of love triangles, that image of him holding one woman’s hand (Rani) while hugging the other one (Kajol) from "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" is etched into every 90’s kid’s brain. That’s nowhere near his massive contribution to the cause. Films like “Devdas” have framed an era of division, while those like “Mohabbatein” don’t have him as part of the triangle itself, but still show his involvement as pivotal to the storyline. Meanwhile, “Dil To Pagal Hai,” “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” and “Kal Ho Naa Ho” remain among the most beloved cinematic creations of all time.
Salman Khan’s devotion
Often torn between becoming the gracious man who gives up on his lady love to her man of choice (“Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and “Saajan”) and trying his best to keep any shred of romance alive (“Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”), Salman Khan has always been one for three-sided affections. His other projects, like “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi” and “Jeet,” present crucial dilemmas for the audiences to sink their teeth into. At the same time, those like “Hello Brother,” “Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega,” “Chori Chori Chupke Chupke,” “Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam,” “Biwi No.1,” “Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?” and “God Tussi Great Ho” have made him an undeniable force in the genre.
Madhuri Dixit’s captivation
As the unequaled queen of trio Bollywood romances, the Dhak Dhak Girl truly makes for a heart-thumping presence. “Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam” places her amid two of the most coveted names of the times, King Khan and Bhaijaan, while films like “Aarzoo” test her friendship loyalties. Most importantly, “Dil To Pagal Hai” saw her and Karisma Kapoor in an iconic dance-off vying for Shah Rukh Khan’s attention, which became a memorable scene and continues to be talked about even today. Her contributions to “Saajan” and “Mohabbat” make for a timeless addition to the lineup.
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Setting a benchmark
The 90s were genre-defining for love triangles; that is not to say that the earlier films were not. Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya and Rekha’s “Silsila,” which premiered in 1981, continues to be a classic that somehow hits harder every time you watch it.
This then continued in the following years as directors channeled romantic predicaments to their advantage.
Ajay Devgn has “De De Pyaar De,” “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,” “Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke” and “Dil Kya Kare” under his belt. Akshay Kumar came forth with “Dhadkan,” “Sangharsh,” “Andaaz,” “Aitraaz,” “Dil Toh Pagal Hai,” “Jaan-E-Mann” and “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.” Saif Ali Khan has an impressive lineup with “Kal Ho Naa Ho,” “Dil Chahta Hai,” “Ta Ra Rum Pum,” “Cocktail” and “Rangoon.” Meanwhile, Anil Kapoor hit it out of the park with “Judaai,” before which he had been known for projects like “Ram Avtar,” which was then followed by “Deewana Mastana,” “Karobaar” and multiple other love triangle films, making him a fan-favorite of his time.
Among female actors, Aishwarya Rai was a wonder in “Taal,” “Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai,” “Dil Ka Rishta,” “Robot” and “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.” Kajol has been the chosen girl since “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.” However, she was almost named the homewrecker in “Dil Kya Kare.” She also has movies like “Hameshaa” and “Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha” to her credit. Juhi Chawla’s name can never be separated from the love triangles discourse. Her contribution to the conversation with films like “Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman,” “Aaina,” “Darr,” “Andaz,” “Duplicate,” “Deewana Mastana” and “Karobaar” is undeniable.
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