10th September 2023,Mumbai: An Unexpected Dream
Making Bajirao Mastani looked like a distant dream for Sanjay Leela Bhansali after the infamous separation of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Salman Khan. Fate, however, had other plans as the film eventually materialized with Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. But what really transpired between Aishwarya and the epic historical drama that could have changed her career forever?
A Condition That Altered Destiny
There was strong buzz that Aishwarya walked out of SLB’s Bajirao Mastani, but years later, the Ponniyin Selvan actress spoke about the reports and indirectly revealed her condition of not working with Salman, who was reportedly the Bajirao of the film. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was ready to play Mastani in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani, but she had a condition to not share the screen with Salman Khan, who reportedly was the Bajirao of the film. In her interview, Ash reportedly mentioned that she was happy playing Mastani but not with Bhansali’s Bajirao: “Well, I was game to play Mastani, but not with the Bajirao he had in mind. So, this was evident, probably nationally. The media made it out to be that Aishwarya walked out of Bajirao Mastani. We hadn’t communicated then because I was in the hospital with my leg laid up.”
Salman’s Intriguing Proposal
There were also reports that Salman Khan took Katrina Kaif to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s office and told him that she was your Mastani, but the filmmaker wasn’t convinced by her. In one of the anecdotes, Subhash K. Jha revealed, “After the Aishwarya-Salman pair became unachievable, Salman wanted Bhansali to cast Katrina Kaif as Mastani. In fact, Salman personally took Katrina to SLB’s home and introduced her to the director, saying, ‘This is your Mastani.’”
The Ugly Spat
Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had an ugly spat, and according to reports, she was accused of physically abusing her while the Tiger 3 star strongly refuted the allegations. Since then, Salman and Aishwarya haven’t been under one roof, and if the circumstances are such, they have always avoided coming face to face despite being in the industry for years.
In the world of Bollywood, where stories often remain shrouded in secrecy, the narrative surrounding Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Bajirao Mastani is a fascinating one. It is a tale of missed opportunities, unspoken conditions, and a love story that played out not on the silver screen, but in the gossip columns of tabloids.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s desire to portray Mastani in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus was clear. She was ready to take on the role of the iconic character, known for her beauty, grace, and resilience. However, the catch was that she was not willing to share the screen with Salman Khan, who was rumored to be cast as Bajirao, Mastani’s love interest. This condition became the pivotal point in the unfolding drama surrounding the film.
In a candid interview, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shed light on her perspective, stating that she was enthusiastic about playing Mastani but had reservations about Bhansali’s vision for Bajirao. The media, at that time, speculated that Aishwarya had walked out of Bajirao Mastani, but she clarified that her silence was due to being hospitalized for a leg injury, not an exit from the project.
As the Aishwarya-Salman pairing became untenable, Salman Khan reportedly suggested Katrina Kaif as the ideal choice for the role of Mastani. He even personally introduced Katrina to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, advocating for her selection. However, Bhansali remained unconvinced, and the film took a different turn with Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh stepping into the iconic roles.
The rift between Aishwarya and Salman Khan had deeper roots. Their tumultuous relationship was marred by controversies and public spats. Reports emerged of Aishwarya accusing Salman of physical abuse, allegations vehemently denied by the actor. The fallout from this bitter episode in their personal lives spilled over into their professional careers.
Since then, Salman and Aishwarya have carefully avoided crossing paths in the industry, even though both have had long and successful careers in Bollywood. Their separation has remained one of the most talked-about aspects of their lives, with fans and the media speculating about the possibility of reconciliation or collaboration.
The tale of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Bajirao Mastani is a complex one, involving personal choices, professional ambitions, and the unpredictability of show business. While Aishwarya missed the opportunity to be a part of this epic film due to her condition regarding co-starring with Salman Khan, the cinematic world witnessed the mesmerizing chemistry between Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in Bajirao Mastani. As for Salman and Aishwarya, their personal history continues to be a subject of intrigue, but in the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood, their paths may or may not cross again.
-by Kashvi Gala