The tumultuous relationship between Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Salman Khan remains one of Bollywood's most talked-about chapters. Their romance, which began during the filming of "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam," ended acrimoniously, with Aishwarya later accusing Salman of emotional and physical abuse. While Aishwarya has largely maintained a dignified silence on the matter, the aftermath of the breakup and its impact on her career continue to be subjects of speculation.
Ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar, who played a significant role in launching Aishwarya's career, has recently offered his perspective on the situation. According to Kakkar, Aishwarya Rai felt "abandoned" by Bollywood after her breakup with Salman Khan. While Kakkar's specific remarks haven't been widely circulated in the news, his prior statements and general insights into the industry shed light on the possible reasons for such feelings.
Following the breakup, Aishwarya Rai faced immense public scrutiny. In 2002, she issued a public statement detailing the emotional and physical behavior she found unacceptable, while Salman Khan denied the allegations. The media coverage surrounding the split was intense, with reports of late-night confrontations and leaked tapes adding fuel to the fire.
In the aftermath, Aishwarya chose to distance herself from discussing the relationship. In a 2012 interview with Simi Garewal, she stated that she had "exorcised her demons" and preferred to leave the past behind her. She consistently dodged questions about Salman, expressing her unwillingness to discuss the matter on a public platform.
Given the power dynamics in Bollywood, it's plausible that Aishwarya Rai experienced a sense of isolation after the breakup. The industry, known for its close-knit relationships and influential figures, may have subtly shifted its support. While concrete evidence of a deliberate boycott is scarce, it's possible that some filmmakers and producers were hesitant to cast her, fearing potential repercussions or simply wanting to avoid controversy.
Notably, Aishwarya reportedly lost some projects because of Salman Khan's behavior. There were reports that Shah Rukh Khan replaced Aishwarya with Rani Mukherjee in "Chalte Chalte" because of Salman's actions.
Despite the challenges, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan rebuilt her career and achieved further success. She married Abhishek Bachchan in 2007 and continued to star in notable films. Over time, both Aishwarya and Salman have seemingly moved on, with Salman even expressing his happiness for Aishwarya after her marriage. However, the chapter remains a significant part of Bollywood history, highlighting the complexities of relationships within the industry and the impact of personal matters on professional lives.