Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actresses, has had her share of professional challenges despite her stardom. In an old interview, she opened up about a particularly painful chapter in her career when she was abruptly removed from five major films that were supposed to feature her alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The films included Chalte Chalte (2003), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), and Veer-Zaara (2004)—all of which went on to become iconic in Hindi cinema, further highlighting the impact of her sudden exclusion.
Aishwarya addressed this experience during an episode of Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, where she revealed how deeply hurt and confused she felt at being replaced without any explanation. This decision not only shocked her but also left many in the industry and her fans wondering about the reason behind such a move, especially considering the excitement surrounding her pairing with Shah Rukh Khan in these high-profile projects. Speaking to Simi Garewal, Aishwarya candidly recalled how she had been working on multiple films with Shah Rukh Khan when, without warning, she was removed from all of them.
Among these films, Veer-Zaara stood out as a particularly sore point for Aishwarya. The Yash Chopra-directed love saga, which eventually starred Preity Zinta opposite Shah Rukh Khan, was initially written with Aishwarya in mind for the lead role. The fact that she had been envisioned as the original choice for such a significant role made her exclusion all the more unexpected and painful. Reflecting on the incident, she said, “There were a couple of films that were supposed to happen with me. But suddenly they weren’t happening, without any reason whatsoever. I have never had the answer to why.”
When Simi Garewal asked her whether the decision to step away from these films had been hers, Aishwarya was quick to clarify that it was not. She explained that the decision to replace her had come as a complete surprise, and she had no prior indication that she was being removed from the projects. “No, it wasn’t my decision. You obviously are taken aback, confused, and of course hurt. You wonder about it,” Aishwarya said. The lack of communication and explanation from the filmmakers only deepened her sense of betrayal.
More Read
The actress’s removal from these films sparked speculation in the media, with many rumors pointing to Shah Rukh Khan’s possible involvement. Industry insiders at the time suggested that Aishwarya’s fallout with her then-boyfriend, Salman Khan, might have played a role. During the filming of Chalte Chalte, Salman had reportedly caused a disruption on set, leading to rumors that Shah Rukh Khan had decided to replace Aishwarya in order to avoid further complications. However, these were never confirmed, and neither Aishwarya nor Shah Rukh publicly discussed the reasons for her removal at the time.
Despite the hurt she felt, Aishwarya maintained a dignified silence for years, choosing not to dwell on the past. In her conversation with Simi Garewal, she expressed a mixture of disappointment and confusion over how things had unfolded but made it clear that she had moved on. “I have never had the answer to why,” she reiterated, indicating that she had accepted the uncertainty surrounding her exclusion from these projects.
Aishwarya’s career, however, did not suffer in the long run. She went on to achieve global recognition, starring in internationally acclaimed films like Devdas (2002) and Bride and Prejudice (2004), and later making her mark in Hollywood. Her resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks have been hallmarks of her career, earning her respect and admiration within the industry.
The incident with Shah Rukh Khan remains a significant chapter in Aishwarya’s journey, a reminder of how even the most successful stars face professional setbacks. It also underscores the often unpredictable nature of Bollywood, where decisions can be made without explanation, leaving actors to grapple with the fallout. Yet, Aishwarya’s grace in handling the situation reflects her strength and her commitment to her craft, qualities that have made her one of the most enduring icons in Indian cinema.
