When Salman Khan's On-Set Antics Led To Aishwarya Rai's Replacement In 'Chalte Chalte'

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan marked her entry into acting with the Tamil film 'Iruvar' directed by Mani Ratnam, and later made her debut in Hindi cinema with 'Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya' alongside Bobby Deol. The former Miss World gained widespread recognition through Sanjay Leela Bhansali's hit films 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'Devdas'. Throughout her career, she received acclaim for her performances in movies such as 'Chokher Bali', 'Dhoom 2', 'Guru', and 'Jodhaa Akbar'. Despite being among Bollywood's top-tier actors, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan faced a challenging period in her career when projects were taken away from her. As reported by several media organisations, The setback coincided with her romantic involvement with Salman Khan, which began during the filming of 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.' Although they were in a relationship, Rai decided to end it in March 2002, citing that it had reached a dead end. The situation took a turn for the worse when an angered Salman caused a disturbance on the set of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Chalte Chalte,' where Rai played the lead role. Director Aziz Mirza, present on set, had to halt the shoot due to the commotion. Even though Salman Khan apologized to Shah Rukh Khan for his behavior, SRK found himself in a dilemma. Aishwarya Rai also extended an apology, leaving the decision of her casting in the hands of SRK. After careful consideration, it was ultimately decided to replace Aishwarya with Rani Mukerji. She was later dropped in many films in which she was supposed to be cast against SRK. Aishwarya acknowledged on television that Shah Rukh Khan played a role in her removal from five films, including successful ones like "Veer-Zaara" and "Chalte Chalte."

When questioned about the speculation that Shah Rukh Khan was instrumental in her removal from several films, despite their shared success, Aishwarya addressed the issue on "Rendezvous with Simi Garewal." , “How can I have the answer to that? Yes, at the time, there was talk of a couple of films that we would be working in together. And then, suddenly they weren’t happening, without any explanation whatsoever. I have never had the answer to why.”

Subsequent to her removal from the project, in September 2002, Aishwarya shocked the public by revealing allegations of physical abuse against Salman Khan. In a candid interview with an English daily, she disclosed, "Salman and I broke up last March but he isn't able to come to terms with it. After we broke up, he would call me and talk rubbish. He also suspected me of having affairs with my co-stars. I was linked up with everyone, from Abhishek Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan. There were times when Salman got physical with me, luckily without leaving any marks. And I would go to work as if nothing had happened." Aishwarya Rai officially closed the chapter on her tumultuous relationship with Salman Khan and declared, "For my well-being and for the self-respect of my family, I will not work with Mr Salman Khan. The chapter of Salman Khan was a nightmare in my life. I am thankful that it is over now." In contrast, Aishwarya Rai found happiness in her marriage to actor Abhishek Bachchan, with whom she shares a daughter named Aaradhya Bachchan. Meanwhile, Salman Khan has been rumored to be in a relationship with Romanian model and television presenter Iulia Vantur. Also Read: Superstar Chiranjeevi Congratulates His ‘Deva’ Prabhas For Salaar Ceasefire

When Salman Khan’s Antics On Set Led To Aishwarya Rai’s Replacement In ‘Chalte Chalte’

Aishwarya gained widespread recognition through Sanjay Leela Bhansali's hit films 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'Devdas'