Kiss Day may be a celebration of love, but Bollywood has seen its share of kisses that ignited controversy rather than romance. From legal battles to social media storms, these moments remain etched in public memory. Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about and debated kisses in Bollywood history.
Udit Narayan’s Viral Selfie Kiss
Legendary playback singer Udit Narayan recently found himself at the center of controversy after a video surfaced online showing him kissing female fans on the lips while taking a selfie. The footage quickly went viral, sparking criticism and disappointment from netizens. Social media users debated the appropriateness of the act, with many questioning the singer’s behavior.
Udit Narayan kissing a female fan on the lips during a “Concert”, while she came to take a selfie, has sparked massive reaction from netizens- What kind of behavior is this? pic.twitter.com/nCClumY3TQ
— Megh Updates ™ (@MeghUpdates) February 1, 2025
Shilpa Shetty and Richard Gere’s Legal Battle
One of the most infamous kissing controversies in Bollywood dates back to 2007, when Hollywood actor Richard Gere kissed actress Shilpa Shetty on the cheek during an AIDS awareness event.
The seemingly harmless gesture triggered a legal storm, with obscenity charges filed against Shilpa. The case dragged on for 15 years before she was finally cleared of all accusations. The incident highlighted the cultural sensitivities around public displays of affection in India.
Deepika Padukone and Siddharth Mallya’s Stadium Kiss
In 2011, actress Deepika Padukone and businessman Siddharth Mallya made headlines after their celebratory kiss at Eden Gardens during an IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Cameras captured the passionate moment, and social media was abuzz with discussions. The incident further fueled speculation about their rumored relationship at the time.
Mika Singh and Rakhi Sawant’s Forced Kiss Scandal
Singer Mika Singh’s birthday party in 2006 became a legal battleground when he forcibly kissed actress and dancer Rakhi Sawant in front of guests. Rakhi accused Mika of misconduct and filed a police complaint, sparking nationwide debate. While Mika later defended himself, claiming it was mutual, the controversy remained in the spotlight. He even released a song, Pappi Kyu Li (Kissa Ek Kiss Ka), inspired by the incident.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bipasha Basu’s Unexpected Kiss
Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed headlines in 2007 when photos of them sharing a kiss surfaced online. The incident gained even more traction as Bipasha was dating actor John Abraham at the time. The viral images led to widespread speculation and media frenzy, making it one of the most talked-about celebrity moments of the year.
While Bollywood embraces romance on screen, these real-life moments prove that public kisses can sometimes lead to lasting controversy.