An old interview featuring Akshaye Khanna confessing his admiration for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has resurfaced, sparking renewed interest in their on-screen chemistry and off-screen dynamic. The actor, known for his roles in films like "Taal" and most recently, "Chhaava," had previously admitted that he found it incredibly difficult to take his eyes off Aishwarya whenever they met.
The revelation came during a rapid-fire round on "Koffee With Karan" in 2017, where host Karan Johar asked Akshaye to name the sexiest woman in Bollywood. Without hesitation, Akshaye responded with Aishwarya Rai, elaborating on his fascination with her. He confessed that he couldn't help but stare at her, a situation he found "embarrassing". He playfully suggested that Aishwarya, being accustomed to such attention, likely didn't find it unusual, but he, on the other hand, wasn't used to being so captivated by someone. Akshaye described his reaction as, "You just keep staring at her like a lunatic".
Interestingly, Sonakshi Sinha, who was also present on the show, chimed in, agreeing with Akshaye's sentiments. She admitted that even she couldn't help but stare at Aishwarya, acknowledging her stunning beauty.
Akshaye Khanna and Aishwarya Rai have shared screen space in two films: "Aa Ab Laut Chalen" and "Taal". While "Aa Ab Laut Chalen" didn't fare well at the box office, their chemistry in "Taal" was widely appreciated. "Taal" even earned several awards, including three Filmfare Awards. Despite the positive reception to their pairing, Akshaye and Aishwarya haven't starred in any other films together since.
The resurfaced clip has triggered a wave of nostalgia among fans, who have been sharing the clip and expressing their admiration for both actors. Some fans also recalled rumors of a potential romance between Akshaye and Aishwarya during their early interactions.
Aishwarya Rai was last seen in "Fanney Khan" (2018) and has since reunited with director Mani Ratnam for "Ponniyin Selvan". Akshaye Khanna was last seen in "Chhaava", a historical action film released in 2025.
