Mumbai/London — Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has shared a candid account of a period in her career when she was unexpectedly removed from several high-profile films, including Veer-Zaara and Chalte Chalte, an experience she said left her taken aback and hurt. The comments come from a past interview on Rendezvous With Simi Garewal that has resurfaced online, prompting fresh conversation about the challenges actors face in the film industry.
‘Taken Aback, Confused And Hurt’ By Sudden Casting Changes
In the throwback interview, Rai addressed rumours about a string of casting changes involving her and Shah Rukh Khan. When the host referred to her work with Khan, asking if they had been slated to collaborate on several projects including Veer-Zaara, Aishwarya replied: “Yes, at the time, there was talk of a couple of films that we (her and SRK) would be working in together. And then, suddenly they weren’t happening, without any explanation whatsoever. I have never had the answer to why.”
Reflecting on her emotional reaction to the unexpected removals, she said: “No, it wasn’t my decision. You obviously are taken aback, confused and of course hurt. You wonder about it.”
Perspective On Industry Power And Project Decisions
When asked whether the experience changed her view of how the Bollywood industry operates, Rai responded by describing what she had come to understand about film projects and influence: “You become more aware of what you’ve heard about, like in terms of…situations, people having a domino effect on another people or another projects. It became obvious that it can happen to me too… with all your apparent box office success or ‘secure positioning’ in the industry.”
She also addressed whether she confronted anyone about the casting decisions, emphasising her personal approach: “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.”
Context Of The Films And Casting Changes
Industry reports indicate that Rai was originally considered for leading roles alongside Shah Rukh Khan in several big-banner films, such as Veer-Zaara and Chalte Chalte. In the case of Chalte Chalte, production challenges and reported on-set issues ultimately led to a change in casting, and the film went on to star Rani Mukerji instead.
While the complete list of the five films Rai referred to has not been publicly detailed, Veer-Zaara and Chalte Chalte are among the most widely cited examples of projects from which she was removed.
Legacy And Career Beyond The Setbacks
Despite these professional setbacks, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actresses, with a successful career spanning decades, including acclaimed roles in films such as Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Ponniyin Selvan. She has also worked in international productions and continues to be a prominent figure in Indian cinema.
