Bollywood is known for its knack of pairing up people just right. And while the hero-heroine jodis are memorable, it’s the camaraderie and fireworks that come with having two powerhouse men pair off that is really exciting to watch. As siblings, as friends, as enemies and sometimes, even as lovers, a film with two male leads has its own unique and loveable charm. And this is why we can’t wait to watch Sidharth Malhotra and Akshay Kumar in Brothers, the new Dharma Productions remake of the 2011 film, Warrior. As these two dashing and dynamic actors come together as siblings on screen, we recount some of the best male jodis in Hindi cinema.
Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra – Sholay
Jai and Veeru immortalised the promise – “yeh dost hum nahin todenge” – by setting a high benchmark of true friendship in Sholay. Whether it was the perfectly coordinated songs and outfits or the in-sync fight sequences, there was s much to love about these two men together on screen. Partners in crime, Jai and Veeru’s playful camaraderie, staunch loyalty and the courage to stand up for one another no matter what, is what makes them an endearing pair that we just can’t get enough of.
Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor – Deewar
When two brothers are found on the opposite sides of the law, sparks are bound to fly. And that’s why Mr Bachchan as the criminal Vijay and and Shashi Kapoor as the earnest cop Ravi make Deewar the landmark film that it is. As the two brothers are torn apart by circumstances, the sacrifices of the older brother Vijay, along with the younger brother Ravi’s dedication to make his brother a better man, are heartrending to watch.
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan – Yeh Dillagi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Keemat, Aarzoo, Tu Chor Main Sipahi
This was one of the hit jodis of the 90s, featuring in many films together. Right from playing brothers who fall in love with the same woman in Yeh Dillagi, crooks in Keemat and finally, with Akshay Kumar as an honest police officer being studied by an actor played by Saif Ali Khan in Main Khiladi Tu Anari, they have been cast together in various scenarios. Their camaraderie is casual and worked well on screen. They were even seen together in Tashan, as they came together to fight against a local don.
Aamir Khan and Salman Khan – Andaz Apna Apna
Amar-Prem from Andaz Apna Apna is one of the most loved jodis of Bollywood. Aamir Khan and Salman Khan brought out their comic side in this cult film. With cases of mistaken and switched identities, nefarious criminal plans and ulterior motives, this hilarious twosome, with their easy comic timing made the film and absolute delight to watch.
Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan – Karan Arjun
Playing two brothers who are reincarnated for revenge, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in and as Karan-Arjun are forever etched in our memory. Bound by ties of blood and the need to avenge their father’s death, the two brothers reunite in their second birth to fulfill their mother's prophecy of revenge. From their playfulness as brothers to the way they both fight to keep one other safe, one can indeed say, "yeh bandhan toh pyaar ka bandhan hai"
Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan – Kal Ho Na Ho
This duo was amazing together especially during the humorous sequences that involved a lot of sexual innuendo and a very scandalised Kanta Ben. Their emotional bond showed as well, especially in the crucial scene where Aman (Shah Rukh) makes up a diary entry for Rohit (Saif) so that Rohit can profess his love for Naina (Preity Zinta).
Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff - Ram Lakhan
Jackie Shroff as the older brother to Anil Kapoor in Ram Lakhan is one of the most iconic pairs. The responsible and level-headed Ram is an excellent foil to the free-wheeling dreamer Lakhan, as they go through ups and downs to achieve the common objective - making their father's assailants pay for his death. Though they starred in many more films together, like Karma, Trimurti and Kabhi Na Kabhi, their pairing in Ram Lakhan stands out as the most memorable and successful one.
Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham – Dostana
Now this jodi was a fabulous one as Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham played gay in order to get an apartment and hopefully even the girl, Priyanka Chopra. Right from their cute made-up love story, to the pranks they pull on each other in pursuit of the leading lady, these two left no stone unturned in the act, especially when they took the blessings of the mother, played by Kirron Kher, in full couple style.
Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra – Student of the Year
These two actors have been friends before their first film together and the bonding translated to the screen as well. When they played best friends Rohan and Abhimanyu in SOTY, their bonhomie was a treat to watch. As their characters go through clashes, competition and the battle for a girl's heart, they still emerge as strong friends even after 10 years of separation and animosity.
Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor - Gunday
The film celebrates a legendary friendship of childhood buddies Bikram and Bala and Ranveer and Arjun did justice to their bromance. Tested by politics, ploys of the police and shared love for the cabaret dancer, Nandita, their fierce loyalty to one another shines through. Reckless, fun loving and action-packed, this jodi brought back the charm of Calcutta in the 70s.