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The most scandalous scenes in Hindi cinema

Last updated on: November 5, 2009 12:30 IST
A scene from Jail

Bollywood's essentially quite prudish. We talk about sex but we don't show it. There's hardly ever been any on-screen nudity and it's become a cliche to even joke about the way a lovemaking scene cuts to a shot of two flowers or a train entering a tunnel.

However, sometimes Bollywood decides to get daring. Here's a look at some specifically bold moments:

Neil Nitin Mukesh in Jail

Apparently, Neil Nitin Mukesh becomes the first mainstream Hindi film star to go full-frontal naked in Madhur Bhandarkar's Jail.

 

The scene in question is supposed to be one depicting Neil's character going through immense punishment and humiliation behind bars, and is said to be integral to the narrative.

Mahie Gill and Abhay Deol in Dev D

Last updated on: November 5, 2009 12:30 IST
A scene from Dev D

Any doubts that Anurag Kashyap's Dev D was a radical departure from the original were eradicated when, early on, Deol asks for a racy photograph and not just does Mahie take raunchy self-shots, but goes to the local cybercafe to scan and send them off.

It's a scene of female empowerment and liberation and new-age sexuality, and it's sure to raise an eyebrow, especially with Deol's reaction to the picture being a grin and the Hindi translation of 'I'm coming.'

Kangna Ranaut in Fashion

Last updated on: November 5, 2009 12:30 IST
A scene from Fashion

In a scene eventually cut from the final theatrical print of the film, Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion was all set to include a moment of toplessness featuring Kangna on the catwalk -- a moment aiming to mirror model Carol Gracias' wardrobe malfunction, one that really caught the media's imagination.

Nandana Sen in Rang Rasiya

Last updated on: November 5, 2009 12:30 IST
A scene from Rang Rasiya

Ketan Mehta's upcoming biopic of famed artist Raja Ravi Varma is a period tale of censorship and artistic freedom.

Set around the 1870s, the film follows Varma's struggles to artistically portray the female form at a prudish time.

Nandana plays Varma's muse, and is hence seen posing topless in the film as Randeep Hooda, playing Varma, paints her.

Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham in Dostana

Last updated on: November 5, 2009 12:30 IST
A scene from Dostana

Sure Priyanka Chopra wore barely-there outfits and there was much hoo-ha over John Abraham's gratituously displayed bottom.

But the film only broke new ground when both mainstream leading men John and Abhishek Bachchan put mouth to mouth for a big kiss. And it was in the film's finale, too.

Rahul Bose in Split Wide Open

Last updated on: November 5, 2009 12:30 IST
A scene from Split Wide Open

Dev Benegal's film was an experimental one, looking at water wars taking place across Mumbai slums, child abuse and sexual repression.

The film might not have elicited the right response from critics, but those watching it would remember the shot of Rahul Bose's bare behind.

Dimple Kapadia in Saagar

Last updated on: November 5, 2009 12:30 IST
A scene from Saagar

Those of a certain generation derived a lot of pleasure from Ramesh Sippy's hit film, and not just because of fine acting and a good script.

The film, a love triangle set in Goa, was a solid one. But a highlight involved the gorgeous Dimple Kapadia showing off her breasts when her towel slipped for a brief moment.

Zeenat Aman in Satyam Shivam Sundaram

Last updated on: November 5, 2009 12:30 IST
A scene from Satyam Shivam Sundaram

Raj Kapoor's film might have been about surfacial beauty and Zeenat Aman might have played a beautiful girl with half her face completely scarred. But the lasting image of Satyam Shivam Sundaram is Zeenat in a white sari -- and absolutely nothing but that white sari --  and getting very wet.

Zeenat Aman in Qurbani

Last updated on: November 5, 2009 12:30 IST
Zeenat Aman

We've seen bikinis before and after Zeenat Aman's famous white number in Feroz Khan's Qurbani, sure, but the fact remains that this is by far the sexiest bikini shot in Bollywood history.

Zeenat looks stunning, and it's the desi equivalent of Ursula Andress emerging from the waves in Dr No, the first James Bond film.

Mallika Sherawat and Emraan Hashmi in Murder

Last updated on: November 5, 2009 12:30 IST
A scene from Murder

Mallika Sherawat dominated headlines right from the start, what with setting records for the maximum number of on-screen kisses.

However, the Bollywood thermometer was truly tested as she and Emraan Hashmi got it on in the Bheege Hont Tere song in Anurag Basu's Murder.

The film about infidelity not just showed the heroine cheating on husband Ashmit Patel, but succumbing to Emraan's advances with great physical abandon.

There are steamier scenes in movies now, but Murder set the pace for them -- and remains more realistic looking.