The 1990s were a golden time for Bollywood, with new faces bringing charm and talent to the big screen. Among them was Ayesha Jhulka, a name that became a household favourite thanks to her innocent looks and natural acting. Starting her career in 1991, Ayesha quickly rose to fame, working with some of the biggest stars like Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Mithun Chakraborty. She gave hit after hit, winning hearts in films like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Khiladi, and Waqt Hamara Hai. But her journey wasn’t just about success—it came with controversies, near-death moments, and a tag that stuck with her: “Most Controversial Newcomer.”
Fast forward to 2022, Ayesha made a stunning comeback with the web series Hush Hush on Amazon Prime Video. After years away from the spotlight, she returned to show she’s still got the magic. Let’s take a fresh look at her rollercoaster ride—from her debut days, a life-saving incident with Salman Khan, the media buzz that shaped her image, to her new chapter in the OTT world.
A Blockbuster Debut in 1991 That Started It All
Ayesha Jhulka stepped into Bollywood with her debut film Kurbaan in 1991, starring opposite Salman Khan. It was a romantic drama mixed with action, and it hit the right notes at the box office. Playing a sweet, lovable character, Ayesha caught everyone’s eye. But it wasn’t just her acting that made headlines—something dramatic happened behind the scenes during the shoot that would stay with her forever.
Her charm didn’t stop with Kurbaan. In 1992, she teamed up with Aamir Khan for Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, a film that’s still a fan favourite today. As Anjali, the girl-next-door who falls for Aamir’s character, she won over audiences with her simplicity. The same year, Khiladi with Akshay Kumar added another feather to her cap. These back-to-back hits made her one of the top actresses of the 90s, proving she could shine with any big star.
Salman Khan Saves Ayesha’s Life: A Railway Track Drama
One of the most thrilling stories from Ayesha’s career came during the shooting of Kurbaan. In a recent chat with Bollywood Bubble, she shared a memory that still gives her goosebumps. The team was filming a fun song called “Nahi Padhni Mujhe ABC” on a railway track in Igatpuri, a quiet spot far from busy stations. Back then, there were no walkie-talkies—signals were given with handkerchiefs, and the crew relied on basic coordination.
Ayesha explained how they were told no trains would come on that track. The cameraman set up, Salman danced first, and then it was her turn. The music was blasting, and they were busy rehearsing. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Salman yanked her off the track so fast that she felt her body jolt. “I was pulled so hard, everything shook,” she recalled. Why? He’d heard a train’s whistle—something the loud music had drowned out for everyone else.
The train zoomed past seconds later, shocking the crew. “Abe, your life is saved!” someone shouted. Ayesha said she was too stunned to react at first—she even laughed it off, a habit she had back then. Salman, meanwhile, was furious, yelling at the unit for the mix-up. “He was on the track just before me,” she added. “It could’ve been him too.” This heart-pounding moment showed how quick thinking turned a fun shoot into a life-or-death drama—and Salman became her real-life hero that day.
The “Most Controversial Newcomer” Tag: Where Did It Come From?
Ayesha’s rise wasn’t all smooth sailing. The 90s media loved a good story, and she often found herself in the middle of them. In her Bollywood Bubble interview, she opened up about being labelled the “Most Controversial Newcomer” by a magazine. “I still don’t know where it came from,” she said with a laugh. “It’s a big secret!”
Back then, interviews were rare, but gossip was everywhere. “There were stories about affairs and all sorts of things,” she shared. Half her time went into clearing up rumours, saying, “I’m innocent!” The media linked her with co-stars left, right, and centre—Salman Khan from Kurbaan, Aamir Khan from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Akshay Kumar from Khiladi, and even Mithun Chakraborty from Dalaal. She found it funny yet frustrating. “How many affairs can one person have?” she joked. “I was doing 8-10 films at once—when would I even have the time?”
One article even claimed she was dating four different heroes in a single month. “Wow, man, so much demand!” she quipped. “When? How? With how many people at once?” For Ayesha, it was embarrassing, especially when names like Mithun came up. “He’s my double senior—think before you write!” she said. Despite the chaos, she learned to laugh it off, a skill that helped her stay grounded in an era with zero privacy.
Ayesha’s Take on 90s Gossip and Privacy Struggles
Life in the 90s spotlight wasn’t easy. “There was no privacy at all,” Ayesha recalled. “No rooms to hide in, nothing. You just had to take it in your stride and laugh about it.” The tabloids loved digging into her personal life, from dating rumours to breakup stories. But she had a solid support system—her mom or dad was always with her on set. “I was never alone,” she stressed. “They knew what was right for me.”
When asked how the gossip affected her, she said it didn’t hit too hard personally, but it did upset her. “If nothing happened, why write it?” she wondered. Instead of focusing on the fun times—like joking around with co-stars after shots—the media cooked up romance tales. “Why not write about the good stuff we did?” she asked. Over time, she stopped letting it bother her, choosing to focus on her work instead.
Hits, Controversies, and a Career Shift
Ayesha’s filmography is impressive—around 70 movies, from leading roles to supporting ones. After her early hits, she kept the momentum going with films like Waqt Hamara Hai (1993) with Akshay Kumar and Sangram (1993) with Ajay Devgn. But one film, Dalaal (1993) with Mithun Chakraborty, stirred up trouble. It had bold scenes done by a body double, which Ayesha didn’t agree to. The controversy hurt her image, and soon, offers shifted to B-grade films.
Despite the setback, she bounced back with Chachi 420 (1997) alongside Kamal Haasan, a hit that showed her versatility. Still, by the late 90s, her career slowed. After dating actor Armaan Kohli and planning to settle down, their breakup led her to step away from films. “I stopped signing movies because I thought I’d get married,” she once told Lehren. When that didn’t happen, she took a long break, leaving fans wondering where their favourite star had gone.
The 2022 Comeback: Hush Hush Brings Ayesha Back
After years out of the limelight, Ayesha Jhulka returned in 2022 with Hush Hush, a suspense-packed web series on Amazon Prime Video. Playing a strong, layered character, she proved she could still hold her own. The show, co-starring Juhi Chawla and Soha Ali Khan, was a hit, marking her big OTT debut. In 2023, she followed it up with Happy Family: Conditions Apply, a light-hearted series that showed her range.
Fans were thrilled to see her back. “She’s still got that spark,” one wrote online. Her return wasn’t just a nostalgic trip—it showed she could adapt to today’s storytelling, blending her 90s charm with modern flair.
Ayesha’s Bond with Bollywood’s Big Stars
Ayesha worked with the best—Salman, Aamir, Akshay, Mithun, Govinda, and more. In a 2023 DNA interview, she said picking a favourite was tough. “I loved working with all of them,” she shared. “Salman and I pick up right where we left off. Govinda, Akshay, Suniel Shetty, Mithun Da, Jackie—there’s no disconnect when we meet.” Her warm ties with co-stars reflect the fun, family-like vibe of 90s Bollywood sets.
Life Lessons from the 90s Spotlight
Ayesha’s journey teaches us plenty. From dodging a train thanks to Salman’s quick reflexes to shrugging off wild rumours, she handled it all with grace. “I have more guy friends in real life,” she said, laughing off the affair stories. “Times have changed, but back then, it was all made-up drama.”
Her “Most Controversial Newcomer” tag? More media hype than reality. “It was half our time explaining we’re not what they wrote,” she said. Yet, she turned it into a strength, focusing on her craft over the noise.
Why Ayesha Jhulka’s Story Still Matters
Ayesha Jhulka’s tale is one of talent, twists, and triumphs. She ruled the 90s with her relatable charm, faced controversies head-on, and came back strong in 2022 with Hush Hush. That railway track moment with Salman Khan? It’s a reminder of how unpredictable life can be—on and off-screen. Her ability to laugh at rumours and keep going makes her a true Bollywood survivor.
Whether you’re a 90s kid who loved her in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar or a new fan discovering her in Hush Hush, Ayesha’s story has something for everyone. It’s about chasing dreams, dodging drama, and making a comeback when the time’s right. Her name still shines, linked to four mega-stars and a legacy that’s uniquely hers.
