Sylvie 
This Valentine’s Day, as love fills the air in Mumbai and across India, it’s essential to reflect on how Bollywood shapes our ideas of romance—and sometimes, not in the best way. From the intense obsession in ‘Kabir Singh’ to explosive elements like Shankar’s petrol bombs, these five Bollywood-inspired ‘toxic tropes’ continue to influence who we consider worthy of love or ‘main character’ status.
1. Obsession Masquerading as Love
The notorious portrayal of obsession as love is a major concern. ‘Kabir Singh’ showcased an all-consuming, almost dangerous fixation that many celebrated, but in reality, it’s a significant red flag. Love shouldn’t feel suffocating or unhealthy.
2. Violence as a Measure of Passion
Bollywood heroes often use violence to win love, inspired by Shankar’s intense action sequences involving petrol bombs. This trope glorifies aggression and destruction as signs of passion. It’s time we reject violence as a means to express affection.
3. The “Jealous Lover” Stereotype
Jealousy is frequently depicted as romantic in Bollywood films. However, in real life, it is controlling behavior that can harm partners and relationships, not an expression of love.
4. Neglect of Communication
Characters who avoid honest conversations or express feelings through problems only foster confusion and mistrust. This trope teaches viewers the wrong lessons about the importance of open and honest communication in relationships.
5. Toxic Sacrifice
One partner always compromising or suffering for love is another glamourized trope. Although sacrifices have their place, extreme self-neglect portrayed glamorously can be damaging to one’s well-being.
As Valentine’s Day approaches in the city of dreams, it’s important to enjoy love stories but also recognize the unhealthy patterns Bollywood sometimes reinforces. Let’s embrace better, respectful, and kinder portrayals of love.
Stay tuned for Flick Bites for more latest updates.
About The Author
