When Aishwarya blushed and called Salman Khan ‘most gorgeous man’

When Aishwarya blushed and called Salman Khan ‘most gorgeous man’

Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan: A Romance That Defined the 90s

Dubbed the ‘IT couple’ of that era, Aishwarya and Salman reportedly fell in love during the shooting of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

Mumbai: Aishwarya Rai’s two-decade-long journey in Bollywood has often been in the spotlight, not just for her acclaimed performances but also for her high-profile relationships. Among them, her romance and eventual breakup with Salman Khan remains one of the most talked-about chapters of the 1990s.

Dubbed the ‘IT couple’ of the era, Aishwarya and Salman reportedly fell in love during the shooting of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Salman was deeply in love with her and openly expressed his desire to marry her. However, their relationship came to a highly publicised and turbulent end in 2002. Even today, their old interviews, photos and videos frequently resurface online, keeping memories of their romance alive.

One such moment dates back to 1999, when Aishwarya appeared on Simi Garewal’s chat show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal. Asked to name the sexiest and most gorgeous man in Bollywood, a visibly shy Aishwarya finally named Salman Khan, calling him internationally admired and undeniably charming.

For the unversed, at that time, Salman had made global headlines after being listed among the world’s most attractive men by People magazine.

Following the breakup, Aishwarya shifted her focus entirely to her career, delivering several critically acclaimed performances. She later reconnected with Abhishek Bachchan, with whom her friendship blossomed into love. The couple tied the knot in 2007 in a grand wedding that captured nationwide attention.

The breakup with Salman Khan was one of the most talked-about celebrity splits of the early 2000s. Rumors and speculations about the reasons behind it were rampant in newspapers and magazines, and fans were divided in their opinions. While some blamed misunderstandings and career pressures, others speculated about the intense media scrutiny both stars faced.

Despite the public nature of their separation, Aishwarya showed remarkable poise. She continued to pursue challenging roles that showcased her acting skills, moving beyond the romantic heroine image. Films like Devdas, where she played the tragic Paro, and Jodhaa Akbar, where she portrayed a historic queen, helped solidify her status as a leading actress who could command attention on her own merit.

Salman, meanwhile, focused on consolidating his superstar status. He took on several blockbuster films and built a strong fan base that admired him not just for his screen presence but also for his philanthropic work. The fact that both actors managed to continue thriving professionally while handling personal heartbreak demonstrated their resilience in a demanding industry.

Social media and online platforms have given fans a chance to relive the Aishwarya-Salman era. Throwback clips from their movies, interviews, and magazine covers frequently trend online, reminding audiences of the magnetic chemistry they shared. This enduring fascination has ensured that their story remains a part of Bollywood’s pop culture history.

Aishwarya’s eventual relationship with Abhishek Bachchan marked a new chapter in her life. Their love story, rooted in friendship, eventually led to marriage, providing her with a stable personal life alongside her thriving career. While she moved forward, the chapter with Salman remains a nostalgic part of her journey, illustrating how early experiences shaped her both personally and professionally.

Looking back, the romance and breakup with Salman Khan highlight the complex balance between fame, love, and personal growth. For many fans, it was a defining Bollywood moment, and for Aishwarya, it was a stepping stone that helped her evolve into one of the most respected and celebrated actresses in Indian cinema.