Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan, two of Bollywood’s most iconic stars, shared electrifying chemistry in movies like Devdas, Josh, and Mohabbatein. Despite their scintillating on-screen presence, the last time they appeared together as romantic leads was in 2002.
This absence left fans wondering why this hit duo didn’t continue to grace the silver screen. Aishwarya Rai, in a candid interview with Simi Garewal on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, discussed the industry’s unfairness and her abrupt removal from several films opposite Shah Rukh Khan, including notable hits like Veer Zaara and Chalte Chalte.
Aishwarya Rai About Missed Films
During the interview, Aishwarya expressed her bewilderment and discomfort regarding her sudden exclusion from these projects. She stated, “How can I have the answer to that? Yes, at the time, there was talk of a couple of films that we would be working in together. And then, suddenly they weren’t happening, without any explanation whatsoever. I have never had the answer to why.” Aishwarya’s dignified response highlighted her confusion and hurt over the situation, as she never received an explanation for her removal and chose not to seek one, maintaining her composure and professionalism despite the circumstances.
SRK On Why No To Films With Aishwarya Rai
Simi Garewal brought up Shah Rukh Khan’s public apology for his role in Aishwarya’s ousting from these projects. Aishwarya reiterated that she never questioned Shah Rukh about the reasons behind her removal, stating, “It’s not in my nature to. If a person feels a need to explain it, they will. If they never did, they never intend to. So, it’s not in my nature to get into questioning what and why. Probably within myself, but I wouldn’t go up to a person and ask why. By the grace of God, I’m not defined by the other.” Her response reflected her resilience and grace in handling professional setbacks without harboring bitterness or resentment.
Salman Khan & SRK Fight
In a 2003 interview, Shah Rukh Khan admitted that Aishwarya’s removal from the projects was not her fault and expressed regret over the situation. “To start a project with someone and then change her for no fault of hers is very difficult. It is very sad as Ash is a good friend. Personally, I think I did wrong. But as a producer, it made sense. I apologized to Ash,” he confessed. Despite the hurt and confusion, Aishwarya chose to move on swiftly from these incidents, never dwelling on the lost opportunities. She said, “I was never put in a position where I was suddenly sitting there, with these films out of my diary, with absolutely nothing happening career-wise, where I would be wondering ‘oh, now what, and why?’”
Although Aishwarya and Shah Rukh Khan haven’t been paired as romantic leads since 2002, they did share screen space in the 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. This brief reunion was a reminder of the captivating chemistry they once shared, leaving fans hopeful for more collaborations in the future. Despite the missed opportunities, both stars have continued to shine in their respective careers, showcasing their talent and resilience in the ever-evolving world of Bollywood.