While Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has become synonymous with certain iconic roles in Bollywood, it has been revealed that another actress was initially considered for one such role. According to industry insiders, a Pakistani actress was the first choice for a role eventually played by Aishwarya Rai in a comedy-drama.
Although the specific movie remains undisclosed, this revelation highlights the interconnectedness between Bollywood and the Pakistani entertainment industry. Numerous Pakistani actors have crossed the border to showcase their talent in Bollywood films, with some achieving considerable success and recognition. Actresses like Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar, and Sajal Aly have all played leading roles in Bollywood productions, earning praise from audiences and critics alike.
Mahira Khan, for instance, starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan in "Raees" (2017). Saba Qamar received accolades for her performance alongside Irrfan Khan in "Hindi Medium" (2017). Sajal Aly, known as one of Pakistan's highest-paid actresses, played a significant role in Sridevi's last Bollywood movie, "Mom" (2017). These actresses, among others, have contributed to the rich tapestry of Bollywood cinema, bringing their unique perspectives and talents to the Indian screen.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a former Miss World, has had a prolific career in Bollywood, with leading roles in commercially successful and critically acclaimed movies. She made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam's Tamil film "Iruvar" (1997) and her Bollywood debut in "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya" (1997). She gained wider recognition for her roles in movies such as "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" (1999) and "Devdas" (2002), for which she won Filmfare Awards for Best Actress.
Aishwarya has starred in various genres, including romantic dramas like "Mohabbatein" (2000) and "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" (2016), action films like "Dhoom 2" (2006), historical dramas like "Jodhaa Akbar" (2008) and "Ponniyin Selvan: I & II" (2022, 2023), and comedies like "Action Replayy" (2010).
The fact that a Pakistani actress was considered for a role eventually taken on by Aishwarya Rai sheds light on the casting processes within the film industry and the various factors that can influence such decisions. While it remains speculation as to why the Pakistani actress may not have been cast, several factors could have been at play, including political tensions between the two countries or scheduling conflicts.
Regardless, this revelation serves as a reminder of the talent that exists beyond Bollywood and the potential for cross-cultural collaborations in the world of cinema.
