Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's journey in the world of cinema began not in Bollywood, but in the Tamil film industry. In a recent interview that has resurfaced and gone viral, the actress fondly recalls her early experiences in Tamil cinema, emphasizing how welcomed and supported she felt, which significantly shaped her initial years as an actress.

Rai's foray into Tamil cinema started with Mani Ratnam's "Iruvar" in 1997, a political drama where she played a dual role. This was followed by S. Shankar's "Jeans" in 1998, a romantic comedy that became a major commercial success and was India's official entry to the Academy Awards. These films not only showcased her acting prowess but also highlighted her versatility as she navigated roles that required both emotional depth and comedic timing.

Reflecting on her time working on "Jeans," Aishwarya shared that she never felt like an outsider, despite being a newcomer from Mumbai. The entire crew embraced her, assisting her with the language and ensuring she felt comfortable. This supportive environment played a crucial role in her growth as an artist. She expressed gratitude towards Shankar and the entire team for helping her gain confidence, especially in delivering lengthy dialogues in Tamil. The actress also appreciated the opportunity to explore different facets of her personality through the well-rounded role she was given.

The success of "Jeans" was a pivotal moment in Aishwarya's career. The film's box office performance and its entry into the Academy Awards helped solidify her position in the industry. She transitioned smoothly from "Iruvar" to "Jeans," a phase she considers essential in her early career.

Aishwarya's filmography includes other notable Tamil films such as "Kandukondain Kandukondain" (2000), a Tamil adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," where she portrayed Meenakshi, earning positive reviews for her performance. Later, she appeared in "Raavanan" (2010) and "Enthiran" (2010) alongside Rajinikanth, further cementing her connection with Tamil audiences. More recently, she starred in Mani Ratnam's two-part historical epic, "Ponniyin Selvan: I" (2022) and "Ponniyin Selvan: II" (2023), where her portrayal of Nandini was highly praised.

Aishwarya Rai's experience in Tamil cinema has been marked by warmth, respect, and a sense of belonging. She never felt alienated or like a newcomer, and she was constantly encouraged to give her best. This nurturing environment allowed her to evolve as an actress, and she remains grateful for the opportunities and support she received.