Friendship is often celebrated in Bollywood films, creating heartwarming stories of companionship that resonate with audiences. However, not all on-screen friendships are as heartwarming as they seem. Some of them are fake and toxic. There have been instances where characters portrayed as friends have engaged in toxic behavior, leaving us to question the authenticity of their friendships. Let’s take a closer look at some on-screen BFFs in Bollywood films who were actually part of one-sided and toxic relationships.
1. Anjali and Rahul (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai)
In the classic film “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” Rahul’s behavior towards his best friend Anjali is nothing short of toxic. Remember the moment when Anjali tries to change her appearance to please Rahul, and he ends up laughing at her, along with everyone else? This incident sheds light on Rahul’s insensitivity and how he doesn’t value Anjali’s feelings as a friend.
2. Sweetu and Naina (Kal Ho Naa Ho)
Naina’s friendship with Sweetu in “Kal Ho Naa Ho” takes a disappointing turn when it becomes evident that Naina constantly body-shames and humiliates her friend. The scene where Naina relentlessly cracks fat jokes about Sweetu is a stark reminder of how toxic this friendship is. Naina’s unsupportive comments about Sweetu’s appearance reveal a lack of empathy and genuine concern for her friend’s feelings.
3. Bunny and His Friends (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)
In “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” Bunny’s behavior towards his friends portrays a one-sided friendship. Bunny keeps significant life decisions, like moving away for further studies, a secret from his friends. When he finds success in his career, he fails to stay in touch with his friends and neglects his responsibilities towards them.Â
4. Akash & Sid (Dil Chahta Hai)
Akash’s role in “Dil Chahta Hai” demonstrates a lack of sensitivity towards his friends. Not only was he a terrible friend to Sameer, but he also displayed toxic behavior towards Sid. A notable instance is when he makes a derogatory remark upon Sid’s confession of love for Tara. Akash’s insensitivity highlights his disregard for his friends’ feelings and his tendency to undermine their emotions.
5. Sonu & Titu (Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety)
In “Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety,” Sonu’s character is a classic example of a toxic friend. Sonu manipulates his way into Titu’s life with ulterior motives, posing a threat to Titu’s bond with his to-be wife, Sweety. Sunny’s attempts to drive a wedge between the couple and his schemes to manipulate Titu for personal gain make his friendship with Titu a one-sided and toxic relationship.
6. Micky & Manu (Tu Jhoothi Hai Makkar)
In the movie “Tu Jhoothi Hai Makkar,” there are two friends named Micky and Manu. They are buddies, but there’s something not quite right in their friendship. Micky usually talks to Manu only when he has a problem or needs something. This makes their friendship a bit one-sided. A true friendship means both friends care about each other, no matter what. The movie helps us understand that real friends are there for each other in both happy and tough times, making their bond strong and genuine.
Toxic friendships depicted on-screen raise important questions about the portrayal of relationships in Bollywood films. It’s crucial to differentiate between genuine friends and fake and topic friends. While these instances might serve as dramatic elements in storytelling, they also remind us of the importance of healthy and supportive friendships in real life. As viewers, it’s essential to recognize and challenge such unhealthy dynamics, both in reel and real life, promoting the value of mutual respect, empathy, and understanding in any friendship.
