When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Was Replaced In SRK's 'Chalte Chalte' Because Of Salman Khan

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, who romanced SRK in 'Mohabbatein' and 'Devdas', was replaced with Rani Mukherji in 'Chalte Chalte'. Here's the reason.

Bollywood Actors Shah Rukh, Salman And Aishwarya Rai (Image courtesy - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman Khan - Instagram, Red Chillies Entertainment - Twitter)

New Delhi: Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has turned a year older on Monday (November 1). The former Miss World made her acting debut with Mani Ratnam's Tamil film 'Iruvar'. Her first Hindi film release was 'Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya' alongside actor Bobby Deol. Aishwarya rose to fame with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's blockbuster dramas 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'Devdas'. Over the years, the actor garnered much appreciation with her role in films like 'Chokher Bali', 'Dhoom 2', 'Guru' and 'Jodhaa Akbar'.

Despite being one of Bollywood's A-listed actors, Aishwarya had a tough phase in life career-wise when projects were taken away from her. The 'Guzaarish' actor started dating Salman Khan while shooting 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'. The two got into a relationship but Rai decided to end things in March 2002, citing that the relationship had reached a dead end. Things went for a toss when an infuriated Salman created a raucous on the sets of Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Chalte Chalte', which had Rai in the lead role. Director Aziz Mirza who was present on the sets, called off the shoot.

Although Salman Khan apologised to SRK for his behaviour, the latter was in a fix. Aishwarya also apologised, leaving the final decision of casting her in the film in SRK's hands. After giving it a lot of thought, it was finally decided to replace Aishwarya with actor Rani Mukherji. 

Following her drop from the project, later that year, Aishwarya made a shocking revelation in September 2002, accusing Salman of physical abuse. Divulging details about her break-up in a shocking interview with an English daily, she said, "Salman and I broke up last March but he isn't able to come to terms with it. After we broke up, he would call me and talk rubbish. He also suspected me of having affairs with my co-stars. I was linked up with everyone, from Abhishek Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan. There were times when Salman got physical with me, luckily without leaving any marks. And I would go to work as if nothing had happened."

The Bollywood diva finally sealed the fate of her ugly relationship with a press statement that read, "For my well-being and for the self-respect of my family, I will not work with Mr Salman Khan. The chapter of Salman Khan was a nightmare in my life. I am thankful that it is over now."

Aishwarya Rai is happily married to actor Abhishek Bachchan and has a daughter named Aaradhya Bachchan with him. Take a look at Aishwarya being all smiles with husband Abhishek and daughter Aaradhya Bachchan.

On a related note, Salman Khan is rumored to be in a relationship with Romanian model and television presenter Iulia Vantur.

Follow this space for more updates.