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When a movie couple makes us root for their romance on screen, magic wins.
To convince an audience there's no greater love than theirs in the world, to suck us inside their attraction again and again is a work of great artistry.
Countless screen pairs have come together but only few can lay claim to that extra something called chemistry.
Sukanya Verma looks at 20 all-time jabardast jodis of Bollywood. Vote for your favourite below.
Raj Kapoor and Nargis
Right from that iconic pose in each other's arms -- that would go on to become RK studio's logo -- to burning up the screen with their intense passion in significant stories, Raj Kapoor's everyman charisma found a heartfelt anchor in Nargis.
Witness their magic in: Aah, Aag, Awara, Andaz, Shree 420, Barsaat, Chori Chori.
Dilip Kumar and Madhubala
So intimate is the real-to-reel life chemistry between a broody Dilip Kumar and ethereal Madhubala, it's almost like an invasion of privacy.
Witness their magic in: Mughal-E-Azam, Amar, Tarana.
Dev Anand and Nutan
Dev Anand's charm and Nutan's warmth got along famously and took every rom-com they worked on a notch higher.
Witness their magic in: Paying Guest, Tere Ghar Ke Saamne.
Kishore Kumar and Madhubala
When Hindi cinema's King of Comedy teamed up with its most gorgeous star, the upshot could not be more fun, Fun, FUN! Working opposite her madcap, multi-talented husband also made the world realise just how underrated Madhubala's comic timing is.
Witness their magic in: Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Half Ticket, Jhumroo.
Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala
Ditto can be said about the magnificent pairing of Dilip Kumar and Vyjanthimala, and their combined star quality.
Witness their magic in: Madhumati, Naya Daur, Gunga Jumna, Devdas.
Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman
Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman conveyed such awe-inspiring ardour towards each other in their films, fans couldn't help but wish at least some of it were real.
Witness their magic in: Kaagaz Ke Phool, Pyaasa, Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam, Chaudhvin Ka Chand.
Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman
In Dev Anand's playful presence, Waheeda Rehman lightened up too while her heft often rubbed off on him as well. They complimented each other spectacularly in a number of well-crafted films.
Witness their magic in: CID, Solva Saal, Kala Bazaar, Guide, Prem Pujari.
Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh
There was not one false note in exuberant Shammi Kapoor and impish Asha Parekh's cheerful banter, which would lead to courtship and song 'n' dance sessions. The rosy-cheeked hero's distinctive 'yahoo' was always in place but nobody reciprocated to its humour like the original Miss Bubbly.
Witness their magic in: Dil Deke Dekho, Teesri Manzil, Pagla Kahin Ka, Jawan Mohabbat.
Dharmendra-Hema Malini
They were two ridiculously beautiful people, clearly taken in by each another, exuding glamour in a flurry of good, bad, ugly movies even as romance brewed on and off screen.
Witness their magic in: Jugnu, Azaad, Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Pratigya, Naya Zamana, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Kinara, Charas.
Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha
His anger, her seduction, their larger-than-life chemistry is why the Big B and Rekha remain one of Hindi cinema's most irresistible jodis. Not to forget the sustained public interest in their personal equation even after so many decades.
Witness their magic in: Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Silsila, Mr Natwarlal, Ram Balram, Suhaag, Khoon Pasina.
Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan
There's a tenderness, an obvious comfort and refreshing lack of make-believe to their on screen interactions -- one that renders the real-life couple more relatable -- especially in AB's case -- making him a lot more accessible than his superstardom ever allowed.
Witness their magic in: Abhimaan, Zanjeer, Sholay, Mili, Chupke Chupke, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore
In Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore's demonstration of man-woman dynamics, one thing remained constant -- their undeniable sensuality and sexual tension. Most filmmakers put it to really good use.
Witness their magic in: Aradhana, Amar Prem, Daag, Safar, Aavishkar.
Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh
Young love never looked as attractive, delightful or smitten. Real or reel, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh's carefree celebration of romance is still in a league of its own.
Witness their magic in: Khel Khel Mein, Kabhi Kabhie, Doosra Aadmi, Amar Akbar Anthony, Rafoo Chakkar.
Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi
They've worked in quite a few movies and not all involved a romantic association. But Naseer and Shabana's matching sensibilities and skills are a match made in heaven, leading up to some soulful scenes of grown-up camaraderie.
Witness their magic in: Sparsh, Masoom, Paar, Pestonjee.
Farookh Shaikh and Deepti Naval
When two people are as endearing as Farookh Shaikh and Deepti Naval, the romance between them is bound to be equally disarming and aww-inducing.
Witness their magic in: Chashme Buddoor, Katha, Kisi Se Na Kehna, Saath Saath.
Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit
We did an entire feature on Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit's enduring chemistry to highlight its winsome attributes. Total Dhamaal's box office just reaffirmed our belief.
Witness their magic in: Tezaab, Parinda, Kishen Kanhaiya, Beta, Pukar.
Anil Kapoor and Sridevi
Only a fool would deny the crackling chemistry between Anil Kapoor and Sri as they explored fascinating facets of their onscreen relationship in scripts that challenged the status quo.
Witness their magic in: Mr India, Lamhe, Laadla, Judaai.
Aamir Khan-Juhi Chawla
Aamir Khan's boyish appeal and Juhi Chawla's chirpy charm made them heartthrobs of a generation. Even after so many years, not one Bollywood pair comes close to recreating their made-for-each-other cuteness.
Witness their magic in: Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke, Love Love Love, Ishq, Andaz Apna Apna.
Govinda and Karisma Kapoor
Though he looked rather dandy shaking a leg next to Neelam, Govinda found his ideal partner-in-comedy in Karisma Kapoor's enthusiastic goofball. Dancing to silly songs and sillier scenes, they had a ball playing the fool.
Witness their magic in: Raja Babu, Coolie No 1, Hero No 1, Saajan Chale Sasural, Haseena Maan Jayegi.
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol
There's no explaining the magic behind Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's extraordinary chemistry. There's only experiencing it. It's e-l-e-c-t-r-i-c.
Witness their magic in: Baazigar, Karan Arjun, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, My Name is Khan, Dilwale.
Vote for your favourite jabardast jodi!
