I realised today when we posted Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s pictures in her Gucci outfit just how much everyone loves to comment on everything from Aish’s relationship choices to her post baby weight, so I thought why not put all the hottest topics up for debate in one blog and declare open season right? Enzwai 🙂
1. Should she have won Miss India-Universe in 1994?
As I recall she was asked “If you had to look for the qualities in a husband, would you look for the qualities in Ridge from The Bold and Beautiful or Mason from Santa Barbara?” while Sushmita Sen was asked, “What do to know about the textile industry of your country?”
Giving Sush the opportunity to drop Gandhi’s name in her answer and making Aish sound a bit fluffy. Um ya, that seems fair?! Which side of the debate did you fall on?
PS. Funnily enough when Aish won Miss World, Ron Moss (aka Ridge from The Bold and Beautiful) was one of the judges!
2. The Angry Young Boyfriend.
Everyone knew she was dating Salman Khan and after their break-up in March 2002, Aish claimed that he had not been able to come to terms with their break-up and was harassing her.
In 2005, we heard a mobile phone call recorded by the police in 2001 where Salman allegedly threatened her to appear at a social event held by a Mumbai underworld don. Eventually the tape was deemed fake. Aish cited verbal, physical and emotional abuse, infidelity and indignity as reasons for ending the relationship.
In 2009 Salman denied ever beating her: “It’s not true that I hit a woman.”
3. 41 Missed Calls.
Hot on the heels of their break up she started dating Vivek Oberoi who famously gave her 30 gifts on her 30th birthday.
He also called a press conference to report threats and some 41 missed calls from Salman Khan, a move which he later claimed ruined his career and made him an industry outcast. Aishwarya was quoted describing Vivek as “immature.”
4. Her kiss with Hritik in Dhoom 2.
An onscreen kiss sent Bollywood’s hottest romance tumbling into rough weather. The year-long Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai romance hit turbulence when the Bachchans were invited to Yashraj Studio for an exclusive preview of Dhoom 2.
The grapevines were abuzz with gossip that the Bachchan’s were not at all pleased to see their bahu-to-be making out with Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2, which is probably why they steered clear of any kissy face in their next film together – Jodha Akbar.
5. The Bachchan Rumors.
Probably the craziest rumor I’ve heard so far is that she had an affair with Big B. before she married little B. now whichever Bollywood conspiracy theorist came up with this one has got to be one sick puppy. I can believe a lot of things, but I can’t believe that. Eeks.
If anything I blame Kajra Re! *lol*
6. Umrao Jaan & Heroine
Obviously people compared her to the legendary Rekha since she reprised her infamous role of a courtesan in Umrao Jaan. BBC was quoted saying, “while only Aishwarya could emulate the grace and poise of Rekha, she doesn’t quite capture the intensity of Umrao’s abiding melancholy.” And then there was much debate about who would play Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine in Heroine. (I personally would have loved to see Aish in the role, I’m not much of a Kareena Kapoor fan to be honest.)
7. The Bachchan Bahu!
And she did it, she bagged Bachchan royalty and can now call the most famous man in Bollywood “papa”. Her wedding to Abhishek Bachchan was a low key affair due to his grandmother’s poor health but much of the film fraternity seemed mighty outraged that they weren’t invited.
8. BetiB Arrives.
OMG people went nuts. They’re having a baby! Is she due on 11/11/11? What does she look like, is that a real photo? Does she have her mama’s eyes? Has she taken over their bedroom? Did you know they pierced her ears?
And later… she was spotted taking baby B to Cannes.
9. Abhishek’s Ex.
There were murmurs over at the Ambani mansion that Aish and hubby Abhi’s ex Karisma Kapoor came face to face but dodged an encounter.
10. The Post Baby Weight.
And here’s a topic that seems to fire up endless debate. Comparing her to Victoria Beckham, contemplating if she will ever return to work (which FYI she has) and the most ridiculous of course being that her baby weight is somehow a major betrayal of her country (?!) I fear we may have gotten a little carried away eh?
Her most recent sighting (dressed in Gucci) was during the Global Partnership Forum Women Leaders sparked which this Facebook faceoff and I would love to know what you think in the comments below! xoxo
For more check out: Happy Birthday Aishwarya Rai Bachchan! (From Crown to Baby Bump.)
*Update: Her bombshell red carpet appearance at Cannes in May 2014 has once again silenced her critics, take a look!