Bollywood has always been a land of glamour, stardom, and larger-than-life romances, but it is equally known for its controversies, heartbreaks, and industry politics. Among the many high-profile relationships in the Hindi film industry, the one between Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan remains one of the most talked-about even two decades later.
Recently, renowned ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar opened up about Aishwarya Rai’s emotional struggles after her breakup with Salman Khan, claiming that the actress felt “abandoned” by Bollywood. According to him, Aishwarya’s deepest wound was not just the turbulent relationship or its painful end, but the way the film fraternity chose sides—most of them allegedly standing with Salman Khan instead of her.
In this detailed article, we explore the timeline of their relationship, the aftermath of their separation, and how this episode shaped Aishwarya Rai’s career, resilience, and eventual personal happiness.
The Fairytale Beginning of Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan’s Romance
The year was 1999. Bollywood witnessed the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, a film that brought together Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai on-screen for the first time. The movie became a massive hit and is still remembered as one of Indian cinema’s most iconic love stories. But beyond the screen, a real-life romance was blossoming between its lead pair.
At the time, Salman Khan was already one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, while Aishwarya was emerging as a new sensation. Having won the Miss World crown in 1994, Aishwarya had established herself as not just a beauty queen but also a talented actress with notable films like Jeans and Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya. Their chemistry was undeniable, and soon, their relationship became the talk of the town.
Fans adored them as a couple, but what seemed like a fairytale love story soon spiraled into controversy, obsession, and heartbreak.
Cracks in the Relationship
Behind the glamour, things were reportedly far from perfect. Rumors of Salman Khan’s alleged possessiveness and aggressive behavior began surfacing. According to several reports from that era, Salman would frequently appear unannounced on Aishwarya’s film sets, often creating uncomfortable situations for her co-stars and directors.
Ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar, who lived in the same building as Aishwarya back then, claims he witnessed Salman’s erratic behavior firsthand. Speaking to journalist Vickey Lalwani, Kakkar revealed that Salman often created dramatic scenes, even banging his head against walls in the foyer of their building.
According to him, “The relationship had ended long before it officially ended. It was a relief for everyone—her parents, her, and the whole world.”
The 2002 Breakup: A Turning Point
In 2002, Aishwarya Rai publicly confirmed her breakup with Salman Khan. Reports suggested that the actress had accused Salman of physical abuse and harassment, allegations that shocked the industry.
What should have been a moment of solidarity for a woman standing against toxic behavior turned out differently. Prahlad Kakkar revealed that Aishwarya’s greatest pain was not the breakup itself, but the way Bollywood treated her afterward.
“She wasn’t upset about the breakup. She was upset that everybody took Salman’s side and not hers. The truth was on her side, but she felt completely betrayed by the industry. She didn’t trust Bollywood anymore because it wasn’t playing fair,” Kakkar shared.
For Aishwarya, the professional repercussions were immediate. Projects were shelved, offers dwindled, and filmmakers distanced themselves from her. In a male-dominated industry, her decision to speak up reportedly made her an outsider.
Bollywood’s Alleged Bias Towards Salman Khan
Salman Khan was already a superstar with immense box office pull, and many within the industry were reluctant to antagonize him. Kakkar alleged that the industry turned its back on Aishwarya, leaving her to face not just heartbreak but also professional isolation.
“She felt abandoned. That was her greatest hurt,” Kakkar explained.
In hindsight, this reflects the gender imbalance within Bollywood, where powerful male stars often received support despite controversies, while actresses had to bear the brunt of industry politics.
Aishwarya Rai’s Resilience and Reinvention
Despite the challenges, Aishwarya Rai did not give up. The early 2000s may have been difficult, but she soon bounced back with critically acclaimed performances.
Films like Devdas (2002), directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, not only revived her career but also earned her international recognition. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, marking the beginning of Aishwarya’s long association with the prestigious event.
She went on to star in successful projects like Guru (2007), Dhoom 2 (2006), and Jodhaa Akbar (2008), proving her versatility and resilience.
Finding Love Again: Marriage to Abhishek Bachchan
While her professional journey saw ups and downs, Aishwarya eventually found stability and love in her personal life. After working together in films like Dhai Akshar Prem Ke, Kuch Naa Kaho, and Guru, Aishwarya developed a close bond with Abhishek Bachchan.
The two tied the knot in 2007 in a highly publicized wedding, which was attended by the who’s who of Bollywood. In 2011, the couple welcomed their daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, completing their family.
Unlike her previous turbulent relationship, Aishwarya’s marriage has been marked by dignity, mutual respect, and privacy.
Salman Khan’s Journey Post-Breakup
On the other hand, Salman Khan continued his meteoric rise in Bollywood. Despite controversies surrounding his personal life, he became the undisputed “Bhai” of the industry. With blockbuster hits like Wanted (2009), Dabangg (2010), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Salman solidified his position as one of the most commercially successful actors in India.
However, unlike Aishwarya, Salman never settled down. Despite frequent speculation about his marriage, the superstar remains single, often joking about his bachelorhood in interviews.
Industry Politics and Gender Dynamics
The Aishwarya-Salman episode highlights deeper issues within Bollywood. Industry insiders and critics often point out how the film fraternity tends to rally around powerful male stars, while actresses face greater scrutiny and career risks.
Aishwarya’s experience is a stark reminder of how women in cinema often have to fight harder to reclaim their space after personal or professional controversies. The bias she faced in the early 2000s mirrors many other cases where actresses were sidelined for speaking up.
Aishwarya Rai Today: A Global Icon
Today, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stands tall as one of India’s most respected and admired actresses. Beyond Bollywood, she has made her mark internationally, representing brands like L’Oréal at Cannes for over two decades.
Her performances in films such as Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022) and Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023) have been widely praised, showing that her star power remains undiminished.
Far from being “abandoned,” Aishwarya reinvented herself, proving that talent, resilience, and dignity can outshine industry politics.
Conclusion
Prahlad Kakkar’s revelations about Aishwarya Rai’s sense of betrayal after her breakup with Salman Khan shed light on one of Bollywood’s most controversial chapters. For Aishwarya, the greatest wound was not heartbreak but the feeling of being deserted by an industry she had given so much to.
Yet, her journey from heartbreak and professional isolation to becoming a global icon and a beloved star is nothing short of inspiring. Aishwarya Rai’s story is a testament to resilience, strength, and the ability to rise above adversity.
Even today, more than two decades later, the saga of Aishwarya and Salman continues to fascinate fans and remains an important reminder of how Bollywood’s glittering world often hides shadows of bias and betrayal.