Who is Aishwarya Rai?
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is an esteemed Indian model and actress who gained international recognition after being crowned Miss World in 1994. After several years in the fashion industry, she transitioned into film, where her beauty and acting skills allowed her to make a significant mark in Indian cinema. Rai has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Filmfare Award and the Padma Shri.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 1, 1973, in Mangalore, India, Aishwarya Rai hails from a Tulu-speaking family. Her parents, Krishna Raj Rai, a marine biologist and her mother Vrinda Rai, played a pivotal role in her upbringing. Tragically, her father passed away on March 18, 2017. Aishwarya’s elder brother, Aditya Rai, pursued a career as a merchant navy engineer. The family later relocated to Mumbai, where Rai attended Arya Vidya Mandir High School in Santa Cruz and then briefly studied at Jai Hind College. She eventually enrolled at Ruia College, achieving an impressive 90% in her intermediate examinations, but chose to abandon her academic pursuits to focus on modeling. In 1991, she won the Ford Supermodel Contest, which paved the way for her appearance in the American edition of Vogue.
Career Beginnings
Aishwarya made her film debut in 1997 with the successful movie “Iruvar.” Despite her limited experience in acting prior to this, she worked diligently under the guidance of seasoned directors, swiftly rising to become one of Bollywood’s top actresses. Rai also made history as the first Indian actress to serve on the jury at the Cannes Film Festival.
Film Career and Notable Works
Rai’s illustrious career includes over 40 films in Hindi, English, Tamil, and Bengali. Her breakthrough came with the film “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” in 1999, which received positive acclaim and ranked third at the Indian box office that year.
In 2000, she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the successful film “Josh.” Her momentum continued with the 2002 blockbuster “Devdas,” again featuring Shah Rukh Khan. This film not only dominated the box office but also received a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival, making it the top-grossing film of the year both in India and internationally. Rai’s performance earned her the Best Actress award.
In 2004, she appeared in the English-language film “Pride and Prejudice,” reminiscent of Bollywood productions, followed by the commercial hit “Dhoom 2” in 2006, marking a successful return to the industry after a streak of less successful films. Her performance in “Jodhaa Akbar” in 2008 garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying her status in the film industry. Aishwarya Rai’s career remains vibrant, with multiple successful films to her credit, amassing significant box office earnings and numerous awards.
Personal Life
Aishwarya Rai was in a relationship with Bollywood star Salman Khan from 1999 to 2002, which ended amid various rumors of mistreatment and infidelity. In 2007, she married Abhishek Bachchan in a traditional Hindu ceremony in Mumbai. The couple welcomed their daughter, Aaradhya, in 2011. Throughout her career, Rai has collaborated with top brands, including Coca Cola, Longines Watches, Lakme Cosmetics, and Lux. Additionally, she has served as the brand ambassador for De Beers Diamonds across India.