Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recently shared insights into her career choices, specifically addressing why she chose to do Rituparno Ghosh's Bengali film "Chokher Bali" immediately after the massive success of "Devdas". Speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival 2025 in Saudi Arabia, the actress emphasized that her decisions have never been driven by insecurity but rather by the compelling nature of the stories offered to her.
Following the critical and commercial triumph of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Devdas" in 2002, a film that set a high benchmark in her career, Rai Bachchan opted for a significantly different role in "Chokher Bali". This 2003 film, based on Rabindranath Tagore's novel, saw her portray Binodini, a young widow in early 20th-century Bengal grappling with societal constraints and her own desires.
"I remember after Devdas, when you feel like a crescendo and people were like, 'What's the next big film after that?' because how much bigger can it be than Devdas," Aishwarya stated, recalling the expectations surrounding her career at the time. Instead of seeking another grand, Bollywood spectacle, she chose "Chokher Bali" because of its captivating narrative. "I did Chokher Bali with Rituparno Ghosh. I was like, 'What a beautiful story and that's the film I want to do'," she explained.
This decision underscores Rai Bachchan's focus on the story itself, rather than succumbing to the pressure of following up a blockbuster with something equally massive. She has consistently prioritized roles that resonate with her creatively, regardless of their scale or language.
Aishwarya Rai's filmography is a testament to her diverse choices, with performances in Tamil, Hindi, and Bengali cinema. Her debut was in Mani Ratnam's Tamil film "Iruvar" in 1997. She has received two Filmfare Awards for Best Actress, for her roles in "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" (1999) and "Devdas" (2002). "Chokher Bali" was her first venture into Bengali cinema, where she impressed audiences with her portrayal of a complex character.
Even earlier in her career, Mani Ratnam's guidance influenced her approach. She recalls him saying about her initial films, "You know what, it is not really a launch film, it is a movie and a story, not about launching Aishwarya," which resonated deeply with her. This perspective shaped her understanding that being part of a compelling story was more important than merely seeking a star-making vehicle.
Aishwarya Rai's choices reflect a career guided by artistic merit and personal connection to the story. Her decision to follow "Devdas" with "Chokher Bali" exemplifies her commitment to meaningful cinema and her confidence in her ability to bring diverse characters to life.
