Bollywood lives on nostalgia, and nothing evokes public feeling like a moment that makes the past come flooding back. A few weeks ago, an old clip of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan grooving to Chand Chhupa Badal Mein went viral on social media, leaving fans in a whirlwind and churning up memories of one of Bollywood’s most enduring on- and off-screen pairings.
A Viral Moment Reignites Memories
The clip, from Zee Cine Awards 2011, shows Salman Khan and Aishwarya performing together on stage. They are seen grooving to Chand Chhupa Badal Mein, the romantic track from their 1999 film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Salman, in a jazzy blue-and-yellow jacket, and Aishwarya, in a stunning blue traditional outfit, command the stage with grace and charm.
What makes this performance stand out isn’t just the choreography or the costumes; it’s the chemistry. A look, a smile, a synchronized step, and suddenly it feels like 1999 again. That magnetic screen presence they once shared feels just as powerful.
A Romance That Captivated Millions
The performance brings back more than memories of a hit film; it reopens a chapter of Bollywood history. Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai weren’t just co-stars in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam; they fell in love during the film’s making. Their affair soon became the buzz of the town.
The two were Bollywood’s golden couple for almost three years. Whenever they appeared together, it made front-page news. Fans did not only like watching them on screen together but also the camaraderie they appeared to share off screen.
A Breakup That Unfolded in the Open
In 2002, the fairy tale ended acrimoniously and publicly. In interviews after the fact, Aishwarya disclosed that the relationship was emotionally taxing and even abusive. She accused Salman of having a short fuse, suggesting both emotional and physical abuse.
While Salman avoided speaking openly about the breakup, Aishwarya’s statements sparked a media storm. The relationship that once seemed full of promise became a cautionary tale, unfolding in the pages of tabloids and in TV debates.
After the split, the two never worked together again. They also kept personal and professional space, never standing in public or appearing together on screen again until that 2011 performance.
The Surprise Reunion
Their dual performance at the Zee Cine Awards took everyone by surprise. Nobody thought that with their past, they would get together on stage one more time. But for a couple of minutes, they danced together effortlessly, beautifully, and with respect.
Was it professionalism? Closure? A nod to their previous work? Nobody is really sure. But what is sure is that the performance evoked a reaction on an emotional level. It brought back memories of a time when Bollywood love affairs, reel and real, were bigger than life.
Now that the clip has once again gone viral in 2025, the reactions are even bigger. Social media is abuzz with comments, from nostalgia to shock to awe at how well they handled themselves.
A Look at Where They Are Now
Both stars have long since left behind that part of their lives today.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan married Abhishek Bachchan in 2007 and is now a proud mother. She still remains choosy in her film projects but remains a respected actress in Indian cinema. Her latest film, Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023), was much appreciated.
Salman Khan is still one of the top-grossing actors in India. Famous for his blockbusters and faithful following, he was recently seen in Sikandar alongside Rashmika Mandanna and is next up in Battle of Galwan, which is being helmed by Apoorva Lakhia.
Though they’ve taken very different paths, both have continued to dominate headlines and hearts in their own ways.
Why This Video Still Resonates
Some performances fade with time. But others, especially those tied to strong emotions, find their way back. This video isn’t just about a song or a dance. It’s about remembering an era of grand romances, soulful music, and actors who carried their stories offscreen as much as they did on it.
For longtime fans, it’s a time capsule. For younger audiences, it’s a look into a bygone era of Bollywood, an era where emotions seemed more authentic and chemistry real. The clip has awakened people not only to the actors but also to the way love, heartbreak, and art can be so possible together.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the most striking thing about the reappearance of the performance is its subtle emotional hold. Aishwarya and Salman had a troubled past, but they came together and made something here that is now immortal. Perhaps their tale did not have a fairy tale ending, but such moments assure us that even fleeting pages can leave lasting reverberations.
Certain memories require no words. A song, a look, and the past whirls itself back into life.