Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: A Love Story Through the Years
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the internationally celebrated actress, former Miss World, and one of India’s most admired celebrities, has always drawn immense public interest — not just for her cinematic brilliance but also for her personal life. Over the years, her dating history has been the subject of media attention, with a few high-profile relationships dominating headlines long before she married actor Abhishek Bachchan.
Here’s a closer look at Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s relationship timeline and her romantic journey in the public eye:
1. Rajeev Mulchandani – The First Rumoured Flame
Before Bollywood fame, Aishwarya was rumoured to be in a relationship with model Rajeev Mulchandani during her early modelling days. Though never confirmed, the two were often spotted together at events. This phase marked her pre-film industry era, and the relationship eventually faded as Aishwarya’s career soared post her Miss World 1994 win.
2. Salman Khan – The Controversial Relationship
Arguably the most talked-about relationship in her dating history, Aishwarya’s romance with Salman Khan in the late 1990s and early 2000s captivated media attention. Their chemistry reportedly blossomed during the filming of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), where they starred as romantic leads.
However, the relationship soon turned tumultuous. Aishwarya later publicly acknowledged the emotionally abusive nature of the bond, accusing Salman of harassment even after their breakup. The split, confirmed in 2002, was bitter and publicly documented, leaving both parties in a swirl of controversy.
3. Vivek Oberoi – The Rebound and Public Fall-Out
Soon after her breakup with Salman, Aishwarya was linked with actor Vivek Oberoi. Their relationship became public when Vivek called a press conference in 2003, alleging that Salman Khan had threatened him over his closeness with Aishwarya. While Vivek took a strong stand, Aishwarya chose not to support the claims directly, leading to a reported strain between the two.
The relationship was short-lived and eventually ended on a quiet note, with both actors moving on from the episode without much further discussion.
4. Abhishek Bachchan – A Love That Lasted
Aishwarya finally found lasting love with actor Abhishek Bachchan. Their romance bloomed during the filming of movies like Dhai Akshar Prem Ke, Umrao Jaan, and Guru. The couple kept their relationship private until Abhishek proposed to Aishwarya in Toronto, shortly after the premiere of Guru in 2007.
The duo got engaged in January 2007 and tied the knot on April 20, 2007, in a traditional and star-studded ceremony in Mumbai. Their marriage was widely covered by the media, making it one of Bollywood’s most iconic unions.
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In 2011, the couple welcomed their daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, and have since maintained a largely private and dignified personal life, often appearing together at public events and international platforms.
Conclusion
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s romantic journey mirrors the complexities of stardom — marked by intense public interest, highs and lows, and ultimately, a fairytale ending with Abhishek Bachchan. Despite controversies and speculations over the years, she has handled her personal life with grace, choosing privacy and family over tabloid drama.
Her story is not just about love but also about strength, dignity, and the ability to rise above challenges — making her an inspiration both on and off the screen.