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Love is arguably the most common theme in Indian pop culture. Ranging from books to songs to movies, love is ubiquitous. It’s almost impossible to sit through any form of entertainment without hearing about love. It may be a cliched topic, but it is unsurprising. For eons, Indian culture have seen tons of people who pride romanticism over pragmatism. We’ve put together a list of 3 love stories that capture the spirit and essence of love in India.
The Real- Life Devdas
(Picture Credit: Goodreads)
Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, otherwise known as the author of the global sensation, Devdas, had a tragic love story that could rival that of the book’s namesake. It is said that the convoluted and heart-wrenching tale of Devdas could be compared, in parallel to the actual unrequited love story of the author’s own life. Sarat’s childhood love married another man and this caused the author to longingly wait outside her house for days on end just for a momentary glance at her. This heavy burden on his heart was not for nothing- he ended up writing one of India’s most celebrated literary, and eventually cinematic, masterpieces of all time.
The Tragic Heroine
(Picture Credit: Flickr)
The Adalaj Stepwell, in Ahmedabad city, Gujarat was built by Rana Veer Singh in the 15th century. He took on the project as a means of commemorating his undying and boundless love for his beloved wife, Rani Roopba. Mohammad Begada killed Rana Singh in battle before the stepwell was completed. Begada, completely enamoured by the Rani’s beauty, was compelled to complete the Rana’s vision as he was led by the promise that they would be married once the stepwell was complete. At the moment of the stepwell’s completion, the Rani threw herself into the well and killed herself.
The People’s Romeo
(Picture Credit: Hindustan Times)
After Faizal Hasan Qadri’s wife passed away of cancer in 2011, he spent all his savings of 14 lakh rupees to build a replica of the Taj Mahal. This was done in celebration of her life, and his love for her.He had promised before her death that he would build her a tomb worthy of her. Despite having run out of money during the final construction stages, the government of Uttar Pradesh stepped in and helped him to complete it. Qadri, has officially requested to be buried next to his wife.
