Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s love story may have ended years ago, but their on-screen pairing remains unforgettable in Bollywood history. While their relationship off-screen has been surrounded by controversies and a tough breakup, the cinematic magic they created together is still cherished by their fans. One film, in particular, changed the trajectory of both their careers and made their pairing iconic – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. This movie not only gave Aishwarya her first major Bollywood hit but also ignited a love story that fans thought would last forever.
Aishwarya’s Early Struggles in Bollywood
Before she became the Aishwarya Rai we know today, she faced some challenges in Bollywood. Despite winning the Miss World title in 1994, her initial films didn’t perform well at the box office. Her first two Hindi films, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya and Aa Ab Laut Chalen, were both commercial failures. It seemed like Bollywood wasn’t quite ready to welcome her with open arms just yet. However, everything changed when Salman Khan and Aishwarya were cast together in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
Salman’s Support Behind Aishwarya’s Breakthrough
Released in 1999, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam became Aishwarya Rai’s first Bollywood superhit. Salman Khan, already a major star in the industry at that time, played a pivotal role in the success of the film. Not only did the audience fall in love with the film’s story, but they were also captivated by the on-screen chemistry between Salman and Aishwarya.
While Salman had already established himself as a box office powerhouse with successful films, Aishwarya was still trying to find her place in the industry. There’s a popular belief that Salman played a significant role in supporting Aishwarya’s career during this period. Even though he could have chosen to work with any leading actress, Salman had no objections when Bhansali cast Aishwarya as the lead opposite him. This decision ultimately worked in her favor, and the film became a turning point in her career.
The Film That Changed Everything: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was a cinematic masterpiece that resonated deeply with audiences. Aishwarya played the role of Nandini, a young woman caught between love and duty, while Salman portrayed the fun-loving Sameer. Their love story, along with Ajay Devgn’s powerful performance, made the film a memorable experience. The film’s budget was around Rs. 16 crores, but it went on to earn over Rs. 51 crores at the box office, making it one of the biggest hits of the year.
The film’s success had a huge impact on Aishwarya’s career. Nandini’s role, with her simplicity and grace, captured the audience’s hearts. For Aishwarya, who had previously faced box office setbacks, this was her first taste of true success. The film solidified her as a leading actress in Bollywood, and it was clear that Salman had played a significant part in that journey.
The Real-Life Chemistry That Became Reel
The chemistry between Salman and Aishwarya in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam wasn’t just limited to the screen. Rumors of their real-life relationship began circulating during the making of the film. Their off-screen romance became the talk of the town, and the couple was often seen together at award functions and events.
In 2002, Aishwarya also did a cameo in the film Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. She played the role of Salman’s girlfriend, further fueling the buzz around their relationship. Fans were hopeful that their love story would go beyond the reel and become a real-life fairytale.
Salman’s Established Stardom and the 90s Trend of Hero Selection
By the time Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was released, Salman had already starred in 20 films and had a string of hits to his name. As one of the biggest stars of the 90s, he was in a position to influence casting decisions. During this period, it wasn’t uncommon for male actors to have a say in who their co-stars would be. However, despite Aishwarya’s initial failures, Salman did not object to working with her.
There were whispers that Salman had started liking Aishwarya before the film even began, which could have influenced his decision to work with her. Regardless, it’s clear that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam played a significant role in bringing the two stars closer, both professionally and personally.
A Memorable Pair That Left a Lasting Impact
Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai may no longer be a couple, but the memories they created together, both on and off-screen, continue to captivate their fans. Their story in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is a timeless love tale, and their real-life chemistry added an extra layer of intrigue. For Aishwarya, this film was a breakthrough, and Salman’s presence played a vital role in shaping her career. Their pairing remains one of the most memorable in Bollywood history.
