Which is the most romantic mythological love story in India?

Shiv-Shakti

Shiv is Parabrahma and Shakti is Parashakti and they both are the source of creation in the Universe. They both are parents of the entire universe including atoms, rays, light, matter, waves, tissues, etc. They are the first couple in the universe. Shiv is nothing without Shakti. Shiv needs Shakti to live , to provide creation and destruction of the world. When she was Sati, she married Shiv but self immolated herself when she saw her father Prajapati Daksha insulting her and her husband. Then she came back as Shiv and Shakti are incomplete without each other and as Parvati she reunited with Shiv.

Shri Ram and Mata Sita

They are not mythology but actual history still they are the most beloved couple because they were entirely devoted towards each other. There was no one for them except each other. Shri Ram was a King yet he refused to be polygamous and never even maintained a harem. His life was empty without his beloved wife. Uttar kand is an interpretation but even if her exile happened, still he didn't abandon her as his wife. He refused to marry anyone else even when he was pressurised for it and when Mata Sita left the world, he made her golden statue and did penances and Yajnas and led his life as a celibate caring for their twis Lava and Kusha.

Radha Krishna

Radha is eternal consort of Shri Krishna in Goloka and in mortal world she was born as daughter of Vrishbhanu and Kalavati (Kirtida) and Brahma married them in Bhandirvan. Despite various regional folklores and other traditions, originally Radha is the wife of Krishna and she emerged from him so she is also his Shakti. They are incomplete without each other. He left her and other Gopis in Vrindavan when he left for Mathura.

Radha is source of all the wives of Shri Krishna as when he is Ram she is Sita, when he is Vishnu she is Laxmi, when he is Parbrahma (Vishwaroop) she is Parashakti.

Kusha and Kumudvati

Kumudvati was a Naga Princess and Kusha was son of Shri Ram and therefore benefactor of Garuda, enemy of Nagas. Garuda had killed Kumudvati's father. Yet, their love passed all the obstacles as it was a divine plan. Rishi Agastya prophesized that his first wife Champika won't have sons but daughters and he expected advent of Kumudvati. Later, after thinking that Nagas had taken his golden arm- bracelet when he was sporting in Sarayu with Champika and other junior wives and almost annihilating them with Garudastra, Naga King Kumud came out along with Kumudvati and returned the bracelet and gave her hand in marriage to Kusha. She was his favourite wife and he built Nageshwarnath Temple just for her. She followed Kusha in death as she couldn't live without him. They are eternal consorts living peacefully in heaven together forever.

What are some lesser-known love stories from Mahabharata and Ramayana?

Shri Ram and Mata Sita are the most famous couple from the epic. Besides them, original Valmiki Ramayana doesn't really deal with any other love story. Dashrath was very much in love with Kaikeyi but her evil boons made him forsake his love for her.

In Ananda Ramayana, Kusha and Champika are a marriage of royal convenience and Kusha and his second wife Kumudvati are a match of alliance but they develop natural love for each other. It's even mentioned in Raghuvansh.

Yupaketu (son of Shatrughna and Shrutkirti) had a love story of his own with Madansundari (Princess of Shivkantipuri) and he had Rakshasa Vivah with her.

Ravana and Mandodari are not a typical love story but when they first met when she was standing alongside with her father, he noticed her beauty and had a pure , ritually approved marriage with her and she was his Chief Queen. She was the only woman he truly respected being mother of his children and his favourite son Indrajit (Meghnad).

In Ananda Ramayana, Meghnad and Sulochana are an ideal couple who were very much in love with each other.

Devnadi Ganga and Shanthanu (Mahabhisha) fell in love with each other and got married but she left him when he broke his promise of never questioning her when she was saving vasus from curse.

Other lesser known couples are Yuddhisthir and Devika, Bhim and Valandhara, Nakul and Karenumati, Sahdev and Vijaya.

What are some movies that most people don't know are based on true stories?

 1 – Ted Bundy: The Irresistible Face of Evil (2019)

The film tells the story of Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers of all time, portrayed by Zac Efron. The movie details his trial, his crimes, and his prison escapes.

2 – Victoria and Abdul (2019)

The film is about the beautiful friendship between Queen Victoria of England (played by Judi Dench) and her valet, Abdul Karim (played by Ali Fazal), who worked for her for fifteen years, winning her affection.

3 – The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

The Wolf of Wall Street tells the true story of Jordan Belfort, played in the film by Leonardo DiCaprio, who was a stockbroker who quickly became wealthy but was discovered by the police for his illegal way of making money.

4 – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

The film is based on the murder of a woman named Kathy Page in Vidor, Texas, in 1991. Because no action was taken to find the culprit, Page's father put up three billboards in the Vidor area to draw the police's attention, leading to consequences for several people.

5 – 127 Hours (2010)

The film tells the story of Aron Ralston (James Franco), who became trapped under a boulder while hiking in a Utah canyon. To survive, he must take some desperate measures, fighting for his life for 127 hours, and this is what inspired the film's title.

6 – Catch Me If You Can (2002)

The film tells the story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who uses his cunning to scam various people and companies, pretending to be a doctor, a lawyer, and even a co-pilot, all before he turns 18. Later, he is caught by an FBI agent named Carl Hanratty (played by Tom Hanks).

7 – The Fate of a Nation (2017)

The film is based on the story of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who faced the decision of choosing between peace and violence amidst terrible circumstances. The role was played by Gary Oldman, who won an Oscar for his performance.

8 – The King (2019)

The film is based on the life of King Henry V (played by Timothée Chalamet), who becomes heir to the English throne after the tyrannical death of his father. He must now learn about palace politics and come to terms with some aspects of his past emotional life.

9 – Moneyball (2011)

The film is about Oakland A's manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) and a man named Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), who collaborated to create a great baseball team. Lacking resources and talent, they changed the game of baseball, making the most of the resources they had at their disposal.

10 – The Post – The Secret War (2017)

In 1971, Washington Post editors Katharine Graham and Ben Bradlee risk their careers to expose government secrets about four US presidents. The film stars Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.

Can you share the stories or legends behind some of the most famous Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu?

 There are 75 Vishnu Kshethra out of 108 Divyadesa, revered by Alvars. There are 108 Siva temples revered by Nayanars in the surroundings of Kumbakonam. No need to tell about more than 1000 Siva temples in Tamilnadu. There are six main abodes of Subrahmanya Swami in Tamilnadu with the name Arupadaiveedu. (Where Kumaraswami killed Tarakasura in one place, married Devasena in another place, got Brahmagnana in another place... like that), excluding Marda malai near Coimbatore, with a great temple of Subrahmanya Swami. No need to tell about Kanchi Kamakshi, Madhura Meenakshi like temples which belong to Parvati Mata. Many famous temples of Narasimha Swami are also there in TN.

Every temple and it's Kshethra have a history and legend of which, one can get through Google. We had visited more than 200 temples in Tamilnadu though I am pakka Hyderabadi and a pure Telugu person who doesn't know how to talk and read Tamil. We used only maps to get there and read the history before the trip. Now I tell some interesting facts and rare temples in TN for you, though we have many such temples in our Telugu states also.

Madhura Meenakshi is the sister of Lord Mahavishnu with the name Azhagar or Kalazhagar, Who comes to do marriage ceremony of Meenakshi with Sundareswar every year. Because at first, Mahavishnu did this marriage ceremony of Meenakshi, the daughter of Pandyaraja alongwith Parameswara who came as Sundareswarar to marry her. Azhagar comes here by procession every year from Azhagar Koil, which is also a Divyadesa with a great legend. It takes 2 days to understand the largest temple of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. This temple has lotus pond, 1000 pillared Mandapam etc…

From Azhagar Koil, we can go uphill to Pazhamudhircholai (one of Subrahmanya Swami's Aruveedu Divyakshathras) and Nupura Gangai. These waters are used for the Brahmothsava of Meenakshi. While going to uphill from Azhagar Koil, turn head to see back the beautiful alaya Sikharam of Azhagar Koil. This Sikharam is called Somasundara Vimanam, brought by Indra. Tirupparakundram (one of Aruveedu) is also in Madurai, where Shanmukha Swami had celestial wedding with Devayani. Tirukkudal, the temple of Kudal Azhagar Perumal is also in Madurai, which is very unique in its style with three storeyed temple where Lord Vishnu lies in sitting, standing and sleeping postures.

Namakkal itself is very special place near Srirangam with Narasimha Swami and Anjaneya Swami temples. While returning from Himalayas to Lanka, a piece of Sanjivani fell from the mount, which had been lifted by Hanuman. Hanuman requested to see Narasimha Swami here. Meanwhile, Lakshmi Devi was doing Tapas to see Narasimha Swami in the same place. So Narasimha Swami appeared for both of them. One can observe very beautiful carvings of Narasimha Swami idols on the hill rock inside the temple. 18 feet Hanuman gives us goosebumps. A grand abhisheka is held to Hanuman for which 1000 eyes are not enough.

If you plan Rameshwaram don't forget to Visit Dharbhasayana (Tiruppulani), where Rama lied down for 3 days praying the Hindu Ocean to make the way to Lanka. The Ramasethu was built afterwards. One can see Rama here in three temples as Jagannatha (standing posture), Dharbhasayana (sleeping posture) and Pattabhisheka Murthi (sitting posture), side by side. One should not forget to bath in the sea at Dhanushkoti. I saw Guruvayurappan in Palani Murugan while watching early morning Abhishek here. Subrahmanya Swami looked like Guruvayoor Krishna.

Kanyakumari, Suchindram, Vaideeswaran Koil, Tirukkadiyur Abhirami temple (where the temple is bustling always with Shashtipurthi couples etc... One can get the lunch also here.), Srimushnam Adi Varaha Swami temple (the first foot of Varaha Swami on the Earth happened here), Siva temples in Kurthalam, Tirunalveli, Papanasam, Sankaran KOil etc.., are very famous temples with a great legend. Wherever you go you find a temple nearby your location. That's it.

Tiruppulani Dharbhasayana Perumal

Namakkal Anjaneyar

Subrahmanya Skandha Shanmukha Kamara Swami in Palani

Madurai Meenakshi

What are some Bollywood untold stories?

 Ok I really wanted to write this answer , maybe our parents knew about these but I just wanted to write about my opinion on this

Before writing my opinions I just want to say absolutely respect all these senior actors who are legendary and do not mean any disrespect .

So apparently Sri devi Mam and Mithun sir married each other in 1985 , while he was already married to his first wife Yogeeta .

And when sri devi came to know about this she annulled the marriage .

I mean how did mithun sir allow himself to marry another woman when he was already committed to his wife . If he was already so much in love with sri devi ji he should have been honest with her and also his wife did not deserve this disrespect.

Shratugan sir had an affair with Reena but then he married Sonakshi's Mom ( Poonam Sinha ) and even after marriage continued the affair with Reena until she got married .

This is what Poonam Sinha wrote about the extra marital affair of her husband :-

“The truth is that I did step aside and gave Reena a clear field, but Shatru didn’t want to marry a girl whose fidelity was in doubt. I was aware that they revived their old romance after our marriage.”

I just want to say if he really loved poonam ji then why did he continue his affair with Reena , I can't even imagine as a woman to have her husband go after another woman.

I think he changed that's why their marriage lasted 😕 and ig he did love poonam ji more coz she was loyal and idk man I just want to say we shouldn't just put celebrities on a pedestal they make many mistakes just as humans . And its quite sad that their personal life is on display .

Did Telugu ever make classy love stories sans skin show or vulgarity like Tamil movie 96?

 Telugu Film Industry or Tollywood is one of the biggest film industries in India. It is prolific and produces films in a variety of genres. Romance is one of the oldest and one of the most popular genres of Tollywood. Few actors like Akkineni Nageshwar Rao, Shoban Babu, Nagarjuna, Uday Kiran are famous for starring in Romantic films.

Some of classy “platonic” love stories made by Telugu film industry are;

Source: Google

#1. Saptapadi (1981)

One of the classic films directed by the legendary K Viswanath, Saptapadi is a story which revolves around the relation between a Brahmin Classical Dancer (Hema) and a Dalit Flutist (Haribabu). It is remembered for its bold take on caste system at a time when the society was still conservative. The relationship between Hema and Haribabu was presented beautifully and there wasn't even a single scene, where Haribabu proposed Hema! The film was later remade in Hindi in 1984 as Jaag Utha Insaan.

Source: Google/IMDB

#2. Sagara Sangamam (1983)

Another cult film made by K Viswanath, Sagara Sangamam chronicles the story of a male classical dancer Balakrishna (portrayed by Kamal Hassan). The story mainly revolves around the character of Balakrishna, but there was a portion where his relationship with Madhavi (portrayed by Jaya Prada) is shown. Balakrishna developed feelings for Madhavi but later discovered that she is married and is seperated from her husband! He gets a chance of marrying Madhavi but chooses to unite Madhavi with her husband. Not completely a romantic film, but the bond between Balakrishna and Madhavi is considered to be platonic and matured.

Source: Google/ The Indian Express

#3. Swathi Mutyam (1986)

The second collaboration of K Viswanath and Kamal Hassan, Swathi Mutyam till date remains the only Telugu film to be sent as India's official entry to Oscars. Swathi Mutyam follows the story of Shivayya (Kamal Hassan) and Lalitha (Radhika). The films chronicles how Shivayya, a person suffering with autism rescues Radhika, a widow from the atrocities of widowhood by marrying her! Except for the song, Manasu Pallike (where both had a romantic intercourse), Shivayya and Lalitha are shown sharing a very deep and platonic relationship with each other.

Source: Google/Reddit

#4. Anand (2004)

One of the most popular romantic film of the modern era, Anand was directed by Shekhar Kammula and was released in 2004. Anand follows the story of Roopa (portrayed by Kamalini Mukherjee) who starts living independently after her family dies in a car accident and Anand (potrayed by Raja Able) who is a rich man, falls in love with her and moves into her neighbourhood to win her over. The film is liked by youngsters and adults alike and is considered to be one of the modern classy love stories of Tollywood.

Source: Google/ Prime Video

#5. Godavari (2006)

The second film directed by Shekhar Kammula after Anand, Godavari follows the story of Ram (potrayed by Sumanth) and Sita (potrayed by Kamalini Mukherjee) who meet under different circumstances in a boat trip to Badrachalam in the river Godavari. It became an industry hit at the time of its release and attained the status of classic over the years.

These are some of the evergreen love stories made in Tollywood.

What are some Bollywood untold stories?

 Real life thriller that has everything including s@x, jealousy and money

Laila khan, starred with Rajesh Khanna once, might not have made big in Bollywood, but her life had always beena super thriller horror movie.

Bollywood starlet Laila Khan alias Reshma Nadirshah Patel and 5 her family members were enjoying a vacation at their farm house in Mumbai in Feb 2010 last when Laila’s mother’s third husband, Parvez Iqbal Tak (29) — allegedly killed all the six family members in a ‘fit of rage.’

The Investigation revealed that he disliked his wife’s( Shehline Patel) proximity to her second husband Aasif Sheikh. Parvez, a resident of Kashmir, hated her proximity and gifting expensive items to her second husband. Parvez had always eyed on Laila khan’s and her ancestral property.

Shehline married another man in Dubai and shifted there with 5 children including Laila khan. Shehline left Parvez in Mumbai and suggested him to not join them in Dubai as her new husband(third) doesn't like him This made Parvez feel stranded all alone and felt insecure financially. The family visited Maharashtra for some documentation work in Feb 2010 and decided to rejuvinate for a couple of days at their farmhouse in Maharashtra and also invited Parvez to join them for the vacation.

Aasif Sheikh registered a complaint at Mumbai police station when he learned that his wife, Laila and her 4 siblings went missing for days. The police started investigation quickly and Parvez Iqbal Tak was arrested on July 3, 2011 from Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir.

A Mumbai Police team reached Kishtwar and took custody of Parvez, who admitted the crime after a “brief hospitality” by Mumbai police. A team forensic experts and doctors, unearthed six skeletons — five female and one male — from the farmhouse after Parvez indicated the location.

The skeletons were of Shehlina Nadirshah Patel, Azmina, Laila, Zara, Imran and Reshma.

“On February 8, they had a lavish party and retired to their rooms around 1 AM where Parvez and Shehlina had a heated argument. Parvez hit her on the head with a blunt object. She was grievously injured and died due to it.

“Listening to the hues and cries, others tried to intervene when the watchman(Shakir Hussain)entered and joined Parvez . Parvez brought Shakir from Kashmir two months before the incident and gave him the job of watchman to keep an eye on Shehlina and her 5 kids.

The police sent them both to jail where they both are serving life-impriso ment.

What makes the stories of Aja and Indumati, Ram and Sita, and Kusha and Kumudvati stand out in the narrative of Raghuvansh?

Their love stories stand out because they were madly in love with each other. Aja and Indumati were parents of Dashrath and they were devoted to each other. When once they were spending some quality time, a garland of Narada fell on her and she died. It was predetermined and he fell into a pit of deep grief. He survived only for his son but after few years he passed away. There was no one else for him other than his dear wife Indumati. He like Shri Ram had never maintained an Antahpura because he couldn't imagine someone else in place of Indumati.

The love story of Mata Sita and Shri Ram needs no introduction. They were highly romantic and completely devoted from their souls to each other. Many times Shri Ram has said in the epic that he didn't want heaven without Mata Sita. Akampana had advised Ravana to abduct Mata so that Shri Ram could be defeated as he couldn't live without her. She didn't want to stay in luxuries of the palace of Ayodhya and happily came to jungle with him and she was the happiest there because her husband was with her till her abduction and both were miserable without seeing each other. Their devotion towards each other is remarkable and an inspiration.

Uttar Kand is considered an interpolation but even if it's considered as part of original Ramayana, it's evident that Shri Ram had forsaken the queen but not his wife. Like his grandfather Aja, he also never maintained an Antahpura. He had one and only one wife and she was Sita. He kept doing penances, did Yajnas with her statue with him and his mind was never at peace ever again. He missed her so much. Shri Ram had threatened mother Earth to return Mata to him and he pacified only when he was ensured he would reunite with her.

Kusha and Kumudvati are a little different story. Kusha was already married to many Princesses as per Ananda Ramayana and Raghuvansh.

In Ananda Ramayana, his first wife was Champika, daughter of Maharaja Bhurikirti of Eastern Lands. She had chosen serious and skilled in archery Kusha in Swayamvar and he was an extremely shy prince. He had nine daughters with Champika but no sons. Their daughter Hema was married to Prince Chitrangad of Avanti.

When Shri Ram went to his divine abode, as narrated to him by Rishi Agastya, Kusha got a second wife named Kumudvati and she gave birth to his Eight sons and the eldest one was Atithi who succeeded him on the throne of Ayodhya. Their daughter was called Champakmalini.

In Raghuvansh as well, Kusha is called married to many princesses and he was on a pleasure tour in Sarayu river with them when he lost his golden bracelet and it was found by Kumudvati. When he decided to attack Nagas of Sarayu river to get his bracelet back which was a gift from Shri Ram, Kumud offered the bracelet along with Kumudvati’s hand in marriage and he accepted her hand and suddenly the devas blessed the union by showering flowers.

Kumudvati was crazily in love with Kusha. She was highly devoted to him and they shared passionate love. He made their son Atithi as Prince Regent and wished to ascend the throne after he's gone when he left to fight demon Durjaya to help Indra. He was fatally wounded after slaying Durjaya and died. Kumudvati not being able to handle the pain follower her husband in death. Atithi succeeded him on the throne.

Kusha and Kumudvati are typical royalty of Ancient India. His love story had proper happiness and enjoyment which his father and great grandfather couldn't have. Kusha didn't suffer separation from his spouse and probably it was karmic justice.

Sources- Ananda Ramayana and Raghuvansh by Kalidas

What are some unknown stories about Luv and Kush from Ramayana?

Kusha and Lava were twin sons of Lord Ram and Mata Sita. When their mother was pregnant, she had to leave her seat as a queen and go, live in Great Sage Valmiki’s Ashram at banks of Tamasa river as people were not able to tolerate that their Queen was confined to pleasure garden of Ravana named Ashoka Vatika for one year.

She gave birth to Kusha and Lava in the Ashram and they were educated by Maharishi Valmiki. They became great warriors and singers at a very young age, proficient in all Vedas.

When Shri Ram was doing his Ashwamedha Yajna, Kusha and Lava were called as they were singing Ramayana on the streets. Shri Ram told Bharat that the story will not be a pleasant one to hear (due to his exile and Sita’s abduction).

While singing the epic, they revealed to the King that they were his sons. Shri Ram was overjoyed to see his sons and he called Maharishi and Mata Sita. Mata Sita preferred to go back to Mother Earth than returning as Queen. While others praised her, Lord Ram’s looked agitated and disturbed. His mind was never at peace. He kept ruling and always placed Sita’s golden idol everytime he did Yajnas. Surprisingly, Kusha and Lava’s reactions are not mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayana. Kusha was given Kushavati and Lava was given Sravasti to rule.

Source- Valmiki Ramayana

The story of Kusha and Lava fighting with their father and uncles is in Padma Purana and other versions of Ramayana. Original Valmiki Ramayana does not mention his sons fighting him and to be honest, Shri Ram of Valmiki Ramayana would never tolerate this rebellious nature. Shri Ram of Valmiki Ramayana is very different from Shri Ram of Ramcharitmans.

Kusha and Champika

While Shri Ram was ruling Ayodhya, he got invitation of Swayamvar of the daughters of Maharaja Bhurikirti (King of eastern lands) named Champika and Sumati. He took his sons along with his brothers and their sons to the Swayamvara.

Champika chose Kusha as her husband and both kings were overjoyed and the marriage happened with pomp and grandeur.

Kusha had daughters with Champika.

Source- Ananda Ramayana

Lava and Sumati

Then Sumati decided to marry Lava and she chose him as her husband and it gladdened their fathers.

Source- Ananda Ramayana

Kusha and Kumudvati

Long after Shri Ram had given up his body, one night goddess of Ayodhya visited Kusha and asked Kusha to rebuild Ayodhya to its former glory. Here is the only hint in any sources available of how Kusha felt on the death of her mother because he was reluctant to go there where his mother didn't get the life she deserved. But he eventually went there with his ministers and people and with absolute hard work , he rebuild the city.

One day, he went on a pleasure tour in Sarayu river with his wives and servants. They all looked happy playing in the water and he decided to join them. When he came out he saw one of his golden bracelets gifted to him by Shri Ram was missing. He got angry because it was memory of his father and it got lost. Suddenly Naga King Kumud along with his beautiful sister Kumudvati came out of water. She was timid, shy and held the bracelet in her hand.

Kumud said his sister got the bracelet and she was playing with it. He returns the bracelet and gives his sister’s hand in marriage to Kusha. Kusha gladly accepted her hand and they got married right there and devas blessed the union. Kumud got safety from Garuda, vahan of Vishnu due to this marriage alliance.

Kumudvati soon became his favourite queen and he raised her to the dignity of Queen Consort. They eventually got a son named Atithi who was jewel of both dynasties. Kusha made him Prince regent and arranged his marriage to princesses. When he left to fight a giant named Durjaya, he corwned him as Yuvraj officially. He killed the giant but got fatally injured. When he died, Kumudvati followed him in death. They reunited in heaven where he shared half of the throne with Indra and she with sachi.

Source- Raghuvansh by Kalidas

Kalidas always exaggerated his stories but he was remarkably faithful to the names of the people, so history wise, quite accurate even if he added mythical, supernatural and romantic elements.