In the vast, glittering universe of Hindi entertainment—from the soap operas that dominate prime time to the blockbuster films that break box office records—one element remains the undisputed king of audience engagement: Romance . However, in the last decade, a specific sub-genre has taken the obsession with love to a new, often controversial, level. We are talking, of course, about Hindi Extra relationships and romantic storylines .

They want the "extra" that reflects reality: the married man on a dating app, the divorced single mother falling for her best friend’s husband, the IT professional who leaves his arranged marriage bride at the altar for his childhood sweetheart.

The future of this genre lies in . It will move from the regal sets of Mumbai studios to the gritty streets of Delhi and Lucknow. It will include grey hair, real bodies, and messy divorces.