The theme of Extramarital relations in Bollywood films is back, as seen in the recent Housefull 5 trailer and the ongoing Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga controversy.
The discussion shows how Bollywood romanticises or trivialises cheating and makes it a plot point without much depth or examination.
This is a problem because it normalises betrayal and undermines relationships.
The content points out that even filmmakers like Vanga try to make bold and edgy stories but cheating becomes a cliche rather than meaningful storytelling.
And the behind the scenes issues – Deepika’s reported demands for fair pay, maternity leave and reasonable working hours – show the clash between creative vision and professional respect.
Her replacement in Spirit over these demands shows an industry that still hasn’t figured out gender sensitivity and fair treatment of actors.
The public fallout between actors and the media’s focus on personal conflicts distracts from the craft and reinforces toxic narratives.
While Bollywood’s love for extramarital relations as a plot point may attract audiences but it also shows lack of creativity and maturity in dealing with real human emotions and relationships.
The industry needs to move beyond these repetitive themes and make stories that respect the audience’s intelligence and the dignity of its artists.
