In the early days of Indian cinema, intimate scenes between lead actors and actresses were not widely accepted. To portray such moments, directors often used subtle techniques. However, what if we tell you that a film released in the 1930s featured the longest kissing scene ever? Hard to believe, right? But it’s true! If you’re wondering which film and actress we’re talking about, scroll down to find out.
Released in 1933, this movie was made in two languages and included a scene where the lead actress had to kiss the actor for four minutes straight! While this may sound unbelievable, the film Karma featured it. Karma starred Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai in the lead roles. Rai was the one who established Bombay Talkies studio and made significant contributions to Indian cinema.
The first-ever kissing scene in Indian cinema was filmed in Karma, featuring Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai. According to IMDb, the scene lasted approximately four minutes (240 seconds) and was considered the longest kissing scene at the time.
The plot of the film revolves around a princess who falls in love with a prince. However, the prince’s father was never in favor of their relationship. The movie was directed by J.L. Freer Hunt, and Karma was a collaborative effort between India, Germany, and the UK.
The film had a special premiere in London in 1933, where Devika received massive appreciation from audiences. She later became one of the most successful actresses of her time and was the highest-paid heroine back then.
Devika Rani also had a connection to Rabindranath Tagore. In fact, her grandmother was the sister of the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore. For those unaware, before the film, Devika was already married to Himanshu Rai, and the duo worked together extensively in Bombay Talkies, contributing significantly to Hindi cinema.
After Himanshu’s demise, Devika took over the reins of Bombay Talkies. The late actress was known for her indulgence in alcohol. People often called her the “Dragon Lady” due to her hot-tempered nature.