Bollywood actress Devika Rani's kissing scene in the 1933 film Karma holds a notable place in the history of Indian cinema, though certain aspects surrounding it have become subject to historical debate. The film Karma, co-starring and produced by Devika Rani's husband, Himanshu Rai, featured what's widely considered the first on-screen kissing scene in Indian cinema.

About India's First Kissing Scene

The scene involved Devika Rani's character attempting to revive her unconscious love interest (played by Himanshu Rai) with kisses. Although initially reported as a continuous four-minute kiss, later analysis and a BBC article suggest it was more likely a series of kisses over a shorter period (closer to two minutes). It's important to note the nature of the kiss: it wasn't a passionate embrace but rather a depiction of a desperate attempt to save a life, according to Scroll.in.

India's First Lip-Lock By Devika Rani Stirred Controversy

Despite the film's artistic intentions, the kissing scene generated significant controversy in the then-orthodox Indian society. While accounts suggest the film faced backlash and might have been banned in some regions, it was not a nationwide ban, as reported by Bollywood Life.

The film was primarily aimed at a Western audience and premiered successfully in London where it received critical acclaim for Devika Rani's performance. In India, it was released in Hindi as Naagan Ki Raagini and didn't achieve the same commercial success, according to Wikipedia.