Sylvie 
This Valentine’s Day, Bollywood fans in Mumbai and beyond are urged to rethink what love really means on screen and in life. Our cinema has long showcased certain red flags as romantic and desirable traits, often glorifying toxic behaviours that should never be mistaken for true love. From Kabir Singh’s obsessive love to Shankar’s dramatic petrol bomb scenes, these are five Bollywood-inspired toxic tropes you must avoid this Valentine’s Day.
1. Obsessive Love
Firstly, we see the trope of obsessive love, popularised by films like Kabir Singh. The intense, often aggressive pursuit of a lover as passion is shown as proof of deep affection. However, this obsession crosses the line into manipulation and emotional harm, sending the wrong message in real relationships.
2. The Angry Hero
Secondly, the ‘angry hero’ who resorts to violence to show his love often becomes the central figure. Shankar’s character throwing petrol bombs is an extreme example of this, glorifying aggression as a sign of commitment. Such portrayals normalize toxic, destructive behaviour instead of healthy communication.
3. Romanticizing Possessiveness
Thirdly, Bollywood often romanticizes possessiveness, suggesting that jealousy and control are signs of true care. This harmful trope can encourage toxic dynamics where boundaries are not respected, a serious warning sign in real life romance.
4. Self-Sacrificing Heroines
Fourth on the list are the ‘self-sacrificing heroines’ who give up their desires, freedom, or dreams for the sake of love. While sacrifice is a part of relationships, Bollywood’s extreme depiction sometimes promotes unhealthy dependency and loss of self-identity.
5. The Ideal of Undying Love
Lastly, the ideal of ‘undying love’ where characters forgive repeated mistakes without consequence can undermine the importance of respect and mutual understanding in partnerships.
As Bollywood continues to influence millions, recognizing these toxic tropes is essential to promote healthier and more realistic ideas of love. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate relationships based on respect, equality, and genuine care instead of flawed cinematic fantasy.
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