Kiss Day 2025: A Look Back at the First On-Screen Kiss in Indian Cinema
On the fifth day of Valentine’s Week, February 13th, Kiss Day is celebrated to honor the symbolic act of kissing, which is often associated with love, affection, and respect. Kisses have long been an essential part of expressing love and emotions, not only in real life but also on the big screen. Bollywood has been celebrating the expression of love for many years, portraying modern-day romance through its films. On the occasion of Kiss Day, let’s take a fascinating trip back in time to uncover the film that introduced the very first kissing scene in the history of Indian cinema.
The Introduction of the Kissing Scene in Karma (1933)
Believe it or not, the first-ever kissing scene in Indian cinema took place in the 1933 film Karma. This scene lasted for an astounding four minutes, which was quite a bold and controversial move at the time. The kissing scene involved two of Bombay’s leading stars: Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai. Interestingly, both were married to each other in real life, which added an intriguing layer to the scene. At the time, Devika Rani was considered one of the most glamorous and beautiful actresses in the industry.
The Four-Minute Kiss in Karma
Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai were not just co-stars, but also the founders of the iconic Bombay Talkies studio, which played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian film industry. The two first met in London and tied the knot in 1929. Four years later, they worked together in the film Karma. The scene in question featured a situation where Himanshu’s character is unconscious, and Devika’s character has to kiss him to wake him up. This is where the first-ever extended on-screen kiss occurred. Devika Rani kissed Himanshu for a full four minutes, making it not just the first kiss in Indian cinema but also setting the record for the longest kissing scene at the time.
The Controversy Surrounding the Kissing Scene
While the kiss may seem relatively harmless to modern audiences, the scene sparked quite a bit of controversy when it was first released. The fact that both actors were married to each other in real life did not stop the public from criticizing the scene. Himanshu Rai was 16 years older than Devika, and this age gap became a focal point of the criticism surrounding the scene. The cultural norms of the time were not as open to such on-screen intimacy, and as a result, the kissing scene was met with backlash from the public.
Although the film was unsuccessful in India, it garnered considerable attention abroad and became a hit in foreign markets. The film’s boldness in depicting a romantic scene also caught the attention of the British royal family. In 1934, a special screening was organized for the Windsor royal family, which highlighted the international recognition Karma received. Despite its success overseas, Karma flopped in India, and the criticism surrounding the kiss added to the film’s failure in the domestic market.
The End of the Love Story Between Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai
The aftermath of Karma and the surrounding controversies had a lasting effect on Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai’s personal relationship. The attention and backlash from the kissing scene seemed to contribute to the gradual breakdown of their marriage. In 1935, Devika Rani, after her split with Himanshu, eloped with her co-actor Najam-ul-Hassan, marking a dramatic turn in her personal life. Their love story, both on and off-screen, came to a tragic end, and the emotional turmoil following the film’s release played a significant role in this unraveling.
The Legacy of the First Kissing Scene in Indian Cinema
The first-ever kissing scene in Karma marked a pivotal moment in Indian cinema’s evolution. Despite the criticism and controversy, it set a precedent for future filmmakers to explore romance in a more open and bold manner. While it was a significant leap for the industry, it also highlighted the cultural tensions that Indian society experienced during that era when it came to expressing love and intimacy on screen.
On this Kiss Day, as we reflect on the history of on-screen romance, Karma’s landmark scene reminds us of the bold steps taken by pioneers like Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai. Their contribution to Indian cinema not only changed the way love was portrayed on screen but also began a conversation about societal norms, taboos, and how they evolve over time