
Delhi, 2025 — In the annals of Indian cinema, one daring moment still echoes vividly. In the 1933 film Karma, the pioneering actress Devika Rani delivered what was once said to be the longest on-screen kiss in Indian film history—a continuous lip-lock that reportedly lasted four minutes!

The Story Behind the Kiss
The bold scene unfolds in a dramatic sequence: Devika Rani’s character attempts to revive her fainted co‑star (and real‑life husband), Himanshu Rai, by showering him with kisses. Described as being so intense that the actor turned unconscious, the “kiss‑revival” remains one of the most talked‑about intimate scenes from early Bollywood.
Fact or Fiction?
While Bollywood Life sensationally reported the four‑minute duration—complete with claims of the actor fainting and Devika Rani refusing to stop filming. later sources, including the BBC and authoritative film records, suggest a slightly more modest duration. According to these accounts, the scene likely featured a rapid succession of kisses—a notable moment, but closer to two minutes rather than four.
Why It Matters
Beyond its shock value, this moment marked a turning point in Indian cinema—challenging traditional norms of the era and opening the door for more expressive storytelling on screen. Whether it was two minutes or four, one thing is clear: Devika Rani’s courage to push boundaries left an indelible mark.






