Boney Kapoor admits to feeling ‘attracted to females’ but says his ‘passion and love’ for Sridevi will remain eternal; understanding the difference

Kapoor continued, “Even today, I may have (female) friends, I may get attracted to females around me, but as far as she’s concerned, the passion and love will never go away.” The producer discussed how relationships naturally evolve with time, noting that couples tend to let down the barriers they may have initially maintained as the years pass in their marriage. He said, “Opposites attract. But temperamentally opposite people get closer day by day.”

His words reflect a sentiment shared by many who have experienced the loss of a partner: the distinction between fleeting attractions and lasting love. Kapoor’s reflections raise important questions about how relationships evolve after the death of a spouse, particularly when feelings of attraction or desire for others emerge over time.

Differentiating between new feelings of attraction and lingering emotional attachment after the loss of a spouse

Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, says, “Losing a partner can feel like navigating an emotional minefield. As life gradually normalises, new feelings of attraction may emerge, even as the emotional attachment to the deceased partner remains a powerful undercurrent. Attraction is a natural human response — similar to appreciating a beautiful painting or feeling warmth from a kind gesture. Emotional attachment, however, is rooted in years of shared experiences, trust, and deep intimacy. The key difference? Attraction is about curiosity, while attachment is about connection. And it’s perfectly okay to feel both. The brain doesn’t have a switch to turn off love just because grief has arrived.”

Psychologist Sonal Khangarot explains, “Is it possible to love a late partner while forming new emotional bonds? Absolutely.” (Source: Freepik)

Psychological factors that influence how these emotions evolve over time

Feeling attraction to others while cherishing the memory of a late spouse can often feel like a betrayal — like cheating on someone who is no longer here, notes Khangarot. But the truth is, it’s not. Grief doesn’t take away our humanity or our capacity to form connections. 

“Psychologically, this duality is shaped by a mix of guilt, longing, and the natural progression of healing. Attraction can provide a sense of normalcy, while the enduring love for a late partner remains a steadfast and unshakable anchor,” states the psychologist. 

Maintaining a deep connection to their late partner while still allowing room for new relationships or attractions

Khangarot explains, “Is it possible to love a late partner while forming new emotional bonds? Absolutely. Loving someone who has passed is about honouring their memory and cherishing the role they played in your life. Moving forward doesn’t mean moving on; it means creating space for both remembrance and new connections.” 

Healthy individuals find ways to integrate the memory of their late partner into their lives while leaving room for fresh relationships. It’s about redefining love, not replacing it. The heart, as it turns out, is remarkably capable of multitasking.