With her mesmerizing beauty, undeniable talent, and global appeal, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has captivated the hearts of millions around the world. Hailing from Karnataka, this renowned actress has left an indelible mark on the Bollywood industry and beyond. Known for her grace, elegance, and versatile performances, Aishwarya has not only graced the silver screen but has also been a prominent figure in philanthropy and social causes. Join us as we have a look at the life and career of this iconic actress, exploring her remarkable achievements, international recognition, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on society. Get ready to be enchanted by the one and only Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Family and Education
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of Bollywood's most renowned actresses, was born on 1 November 1973 in Mangalore, Karnataka. She hails from a Tulu-speaking Bunt family. Her father, Krishnaraj, served as an Army biologist until his passing on 18 March 2017 and her mother, Vrinda, is a housewife. She also has an elder brother named Aditya Rai, who works as an engineer in the merchant navy.
When Aishwarya's family moved to Mumbai, she attended Arya Vidya Mandir High School. After completing her intermediate schooling, she spent a year at Jai Hind College. Later, she joined DG Ruparel College in Matunga, where she achieved an impressive 90% score in the HSC exams.
During her teenage years, Aishwarya received training in classical dance and music for a period of five years. She displayed a keen interest in zoology, which became her favourite subject. Initially, Aishwarya contemplated a career in medicine, but her aspirations shifted towards architecture.
She enrolled at the Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture, intending to pursue this field. However, her passion for modelling led her to make the difficult decision of leaving her education behind and focusing on her modelling career. Aishwarya's family played a significant role in her early career. In fact, her brother co-produced her film "Dil Ka Rishta" in 2003, and her mother co-wrote the film. Their involvement highlights the close bond and support within the family. Aishwarya's family and education provide a glimpse into the formative years of the accomplished actress. Despite her shift in career paths, her family's support and her academic achievements have undoubtedly contributed to her success in the entertainment industry.
Bollywood Career
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's journey in the world of modelling began in 1991 when she won an international supermodel contest organized by Ford. This victory opened doors for her in the fashion industry, and she soon caught the attention of renowned publications. Aishwarya was featured in the American edition of Vogue, further establishing her presence on the international modelling scene. In 1993, she appeared in a Pepsi commercial alongside actors Aamir Khan and Mahima Chaudhry and gained immense recognition. The simplicity of her dialogue in the commercial, "Hi, I'm Sanjana," made her an instant sensation among the public. This endorsement catapulted her into the spotlight and significantly increased her popularity.
The following year, in 1994, Aishwarya participated in the Miss India pageant. She secured the second position, with Sushmita Sen winning the crown. However, Aishwarya was crowned Miss India World and also won several other sub-titles, such as "Miss Catwalk," "Miss Miraculous," "Miss Photogenic," "Miss Perfect Ten," and "Miss Popular." As Sushmita Sen represented India at the Miss Universe pageant, Aishwarya took on the responsibility of representing India at the rival Miss World pageant held in Sun City, South Africa.
She won the coveted title of Miss World, along with the "Miss Photogenic" award and the title of “Miss World Continental Queen of Beauty − Asia and Oceania”. Aishwarya, with her new platform, expressed her dream for global peace and her desire to be an ambassador of peace during her reign in London as Miss World. Despite her achievements in modelling and beauty pageants, Aishwarya's true passion lay in acting. In 1997, she made her acting debut in a semi-biographical political Tamil drama "Iruvar." The film received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Best Film award at the Belgrade International Film Festival. Her dialogues in the film were dubbed by Tamil actress Rohini. In the same year, she appeared in her first Bollywood film, "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya," opposite Bobby Deol.
The Big Breakthrough
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's breakthrough in Bollywood came with a series of significant films that showcased her acting skills and solidified her position as a leading actress in the industry. In 1998, she appeared in the big-budget Tamil romantic drama "Jeans". She portrayed the character of Madhumita, a young woman who travels to the United States with her ailing grandmother. The film was a commercial success and received praise for Aishwarya's acting and dancing abilities. Her dialogue in the film was dubbed by Savitha Reddy. "Jeans" was even chosen as India's official entry for the Academy Awards in 1998, further highlighting Aishwarya's growing popularity.
In 1999, Aishwarya had two notable film releases. She starred in the melodrama "Aa Ab Laut Chalen," directed by Rishi Kapoor. However, the film received negative reviews from critics and performed below expectations at the box office. Aishwarya's portrayal of a traditional Indian woman living in the United States was met with criticism, with reviewers noting her limited depth in the role.
Her role in the romantic musical "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" became a significant turning point in her career. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-starring Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan, the film was an adaptation of Maitreyi Devi's novel. Aishwarya portrayed Nandini, a Gujarati woman who finds herself in an arranged marriage despite being in love with another man. Her performance in the film received widespread acclaim and the movie emerged as a commercial success earning Aishwarya the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
Continuing her streak of successful films, Aishwarya then took on the leading role in Subhash Ghai's musical romantic drama "Taal." Starring alongside Akshay Khanna and Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya impressed both critics and audiences with her acting and dancing skills in the film. "Taal" became the first Indian film to feature in the top 20 listing at the American box office, solidifying Aishwarya's international appeal.
The Ups and Downs
In 2000, Aishwarya starred in "Kandukondain Kandukondain," a Tamil adaptation of Jane Austen's novel "Sense and Sensibility." The film garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Aishwarya portrayed the character of Meenakshi, a role that showcased her innocence and garnered positive comments from critics. Following this, she appeared in the action drama "Josh" alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Chandrachur Singh. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film proved to be a commercial success.
Aishwarya then took on the role of a rape victim in the social drama "Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai," co-starring Anil Kapoor and Sonali Bendre. Her portrayal was widely praised by critics, who commended her ability to convey the turmoil and pain of her character. The film was well-received by audiences and performed well at the box office. In the musical romantic drama "Mohabbatein," Aishwarya played the daughter of Amitabh Bachchan 's character. Her character's tragic storyline garnered high praise from critics. The film became the highest-grossing film of the year and earned Aishwarya a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.
However, not all of Aishwarya's films during this period were successful. She had a leading role in the box-office flop "Dhai Akshar Prem Ke" and received negative reviews for her performance in the romantic comedy "Albela." Despite these setbacks, Aishwarya's talent and dedication continued to shine through.
A Rising Star
In 2002, Aishwarya starred in David Dhawan's comedy film "Hum Kisise Kum Nahin." Although the film didn't receive critical acclaim, it showcased her versatility in handling different genres. Following this, she appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly acclaimed period romantic drama "Devdas." Portraying the role of Paro, the love interest of the protagonist played by Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya delivered a compelling performance. "Devdas" premiered at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival and received international recognition. The film's success further solidified Aishwarya's position as a talented actress, and Time magazine included it in their list of the "10 Best Films of the Millennium." "Devdas" also became a major commercial success and Aishwarya's acting skills were highly praised.
In addition to her film career, Aishwarya participated in the show "From India With Love" in the UK in 2002. Alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Preity Zinta, she performed at Manchester's Old Trafford and London's Hyde Park, captivating an audience of over 100,000 spectators.
During the same year, Aishwarya received critical acclaim for her role in Rituparno Ghosh's independent Bengali film "Chokher Bali." The film, based on Rabindranath Tagore's novel of the same name, the film garnered positive reviews from critics and proved to be a sleeper hit at the box office. Aishwarya's delicate and sensual presence, along with her emotional portrayal of the character, received high praise from reviewers.
International Expansion
In 2004, after the success of "Chokher Bali," Aishwarya returned to mainstream Hindi cinema with the action thriller "Khakee." Starring alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan, and Tusshar Kapoor, Aishwarya portrayed the character of a gun moll. Despite facing an unfortunate accident on set that resulted in a fractured foot, she delivered a commendable performance. She then appeared in "Kyun! Ho Gaya Na..." She gained international recognition in 2004 for her role as the Punjabi version of Elizabeth Bennet in Gurinder Chadha's British film "Bride and Prejudice." This was a Bollywood-style adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". While international critics had mixed opinions about her performance, she was acknowledged for her radiant beauty and talent. "Bride and Prejudice" achieved commercial success worldwide, grossing $24 million against a production budget of $7 million.
Later in 2004, Aishwarya starred in the relationship drama "Raincoat." An adaptation of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," the film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Aishwarya's role in "Raincoat" garnered praise for her departure from glamorous appearances, showcasing her ability to portray a plain and emotionally complex character.
A Few Setbacks and the Rise
In 2005, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in two films that received mixed responses from critics and audiences. First, she appeared in the adult drama "Shabd" alongside Sanjay Dutt and Zayed Khan. The film revolves around an author who convinces his wife to have an illicit relationship for the sake of his next book. Unfortunately, "Shabd" failed to impress both critics and viewers, resulting in commercial disappointment. In the same year, she took on the lead role in the romantic fantasy film "The Mistress of Spices," directed by Paul Mayeda Berges. The movie, based on the novel by Chitra Banerjee, received negative reviews and did not fare well at the box office. The film failed to capture the attention of audiences and was considered a commercial failure. However, amidst these disappointments, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had a successful venture with a special appearance in the crime comedy "Bunty Aur Babli." She featured in the popular item number "Kajra Re," which garnered significant attention and praise from audiences.
In 2006, Aishwarya had two film releases. She played the lead role in "Umrao Jaan," an adaptation of the Urdu novel "Umrao Jaan Ada." While critics compared her performance to Rekha's iconic portrayal in the earlier adaptation, Aishwarya received mixed reviews. While praised for her beauty and artistry, some critics felt that she couldn't fully capture the intensity and melancholy of Umrao's character. The film, overall, received a lukewarm response. Her second film of that year was the action-adventure "Dhoom 2" which emerged as a major commercial success and became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2006. While some critics found Aishwarya lacking depth in her performance, her role contributed to the film's success.
The Great Aishwarya
In 2007, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan played the role of Abhishek Bachchan's wife in the social drama "Guru." The film, based on the life of businessman Dhirubhai Ambani, received international critical acclaim and emerged as a box-office success. While some critics considered her character as an "ornament," others praised it as one of her finest performances, particularly in the film's climax. Following this, she starred in the independent British drama "Provoked" in 2007. The film tells the true story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia, an NRI woman who murders her abusive husband. Aishwarya's performance received positive comments, with critics acknowledging it as one of her best to date. She convincingly depicted the stages of shock, bewilderment, remorse, and vindication. "Provoked" was well-received internationally and achieved moderate commercial success in the United Kingdom.
In the same year, Aishwarya appeared in Doug Lefler's epic film "The Last Legion," alongside Ben Kingsley, Colin Firth, and Thomas Sangster. She played the character of Mira, an Indian warrior. In 2008, she gained both critical and commercial success with Ashutosh Gowariker's period romantic drama "Jodhaa Akbar" opposite Hrithik Roshan .
The film portrays a partly fictionalized account of the marriage between Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar and Rajput princess Jodha Bai. Aishwarya's restrained yet expressive performance, particularly through her eyes, was highly praised. "Jodhaa Akbar" earned significant box office earnings and earned Aishwarya a Best Actress nomination at the Filmfare Awards. Later in 2008, Aishwarya co-starred with Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan in Ram Gopal Verma's political drama "Sarkar Raj," a sequel to the successful film "Sarkar" from 2005. The film received critical acclaim, with particular praise directed at the performances of the three leads.
Fluctuations
Aishwarya's Bollywood journey continued in 2009 with her role in the spy comedy "The Pink Panther 2." Starring alongside Steve Martin, Jean Reno, and Emily Mortimer, Aishwarya portrayed the character of Sonia Solandres, a seductive criminology expert. While the sequel received negative reviews like its predecessor, it performed moderately at the American box office, grossing $34 million. Some critics felt that Aishwarya was underutilized in the film. USA Today mentioned her expressions as wooden, although acknowledging her gorgeous appearance.
In 2010, she was cast in a bilingual modern-day adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana. She played the role of Ragini, modelled after Sita, the heroine of Ramayana. The Tamil version, "Raavanan," and the Hindi version, "Raavan," were shot simultaneously with Aishwarya in the same role. The Tamil version of the film was a huge commercial success, while the Hindi version failed to perform well. Her next film in 2010 was the science fiction Tamil film "Enthiran", where she played the role of a college student and the girlfriend of Rajinikanth's character.
At the time of its release, "Enthiran" was the most expensive Indian film production and became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. She also appeared in the science fiction comedy "Action Replayy," playing the character of an impetuous brat, alongside Akshay Kumar, Aditya Roy Kapoor, and Neha Dhupia.
In 2010, Aishwarya reunited with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actor Hrithik Roshan for the drama film "Guzaarish." Despite not performing well at the box office, "Guzaarish" received positive critical reviews. In 2011, she was finalised as the protagonist in the social drama "Heroine," but due to her pregnancy, she was replaced by Kareena Kapoor Khan . After a five-year sabbatical from film acting, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a comeback in 2015 with the drama-thriller "Jazbaa." She portrayed the character of a criminal lawyer forced to defend a rapist to ensure her daughter's safety. The film received mixed reviews, with criticism directed towards its unnecessary melodrama. Some reviewers felt that Aishwarya looked the part and delivered a decent performance, but her emotional scenes were criticized for going over the top.
In 2016, she starred in the biographical drama "Sarbjit" alongside Randeep Hooda. The film depicts the life of an Indian farmer, Sarabjit Singh, convicted of terrorism by a Pakistani court. Aishwarya played the role of Dalbir Kaur, Sarabjit's sister, and garnered mixed reactions from critics. Despite the mixed reception, Aishwarya's portrayal earned her a tenth Filmfare Award for Best Actress nomination. "Sarbjit" earned over ₹440 million worldwide against a production budget of ₹150 million.
Rise after Fall
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Bollywood journey continued in 2016 with her final release of the year, Karan Johar's musical romantic drama "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil." Starring alongside Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor, she portrayed the role of a poet. Despite having limited screen time, Aishwarya received positive reviews for her performance. Critics praised her and considered her the prime asset of the film. The film became one of her biggest commercial successes, earning over ₹2 billion in revenues.
Two years later, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appeared in the comedy-drama "Fanney Khan" (2018), playing the part of a singer who is kidnapped by a troubled father. The film, an adaptation of the Belgian movie "Everybody's Famous!", co-starred Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. Aishwarya reunited with director Mani Ratnam for the two-part Tamil ensemble period film "Ponniyin Selvan: I" (2022) and "Ponniyin Selvan: II" (2023). Based on Kalki Krishnamurthy's epic novel of the same name, both parts were filmed concurrently. Aishwarya played the role of Nandini, a scheming Chola queen. Her performance in the first part was highly appreciated among the ensemble cast, and in the second part, it was considered the best of her career. Critics praised her for being wonderfully restrained and using her eyes expertly to communicate a range of emotions. "Ponniyin Selvan: I" became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time, earning ₹5 billion worldwide, while "Ponniyin Selvan: II" has already grossed over ₹3 billion worldwide.
Movies List
| # | Movie Name | Releasing Year | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iruvar | 1997 | Tamil |
| 2 | Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya | 1997 | Hindi |
| 3 | Jeans | 1998 | Tamil |
| 4 | Aa Ab Laut Chalen | 1999 | Hindi |
| 5 | Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam | 1999 | Hindi |
| 6 | Taal | 1999 | Hindi |
| 7 | Kandukondain | 2000 | Tamil |
| 8 | Josh | 2000 | Hindi |
| 9 | Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai | 2000 | Hindi |
| 10 | Dhai Akshar Prem Ke | 2000 | Hindi |
| 11 | Mohabbatein | 2000 | Hindi |
| 12 | Albela | 2001 | Hindi |
| 13 | Hum Kisise Kum Nahin | 2002 | Hindi |
| 14 | Devdas | 2002 | Hindi |
| 15 | Chokher Bali | 2003 | Bengali |
| 16 | Dil Ka Rishta | 2003 | Hindi |
| 17 | Kuch Naa Kaho | 2003 | Hindi |
| 18 | Khakee | 2004 | Hindi |
| 19 | Kyun...! Ho Gaya Na | 2004 | Hindi |
| 20 | Bride & Prejudice | 2004 | English |
| 21 | Raincoat | 2004 | Hindi |
| 22 | Shabd | 2005 | Hindi |
| 23 | The Mistress of Spices | 2005 | English |
| 24 | Umrao Jaan | 2006 | Hindi |
| 25 | Dhoom 2 | 2006 | Hindi |
| 26 | Dhoom 2 | 2006 | Hindi |
| 27 | Guru | 2007 | Hindi |
| 28 | Provoked | 2007 | English |
| 29 | The Last Legion | 2007 | English |
| 30 | Jodhaa Akbar | 2008 | Hindi |
| 31 | Sarkar Raj | 2008 | Hindi |
| 32 | The Pink Panther 2 | 2009 | English |
| 33 | Raavan | 2010 | Hindi |
| 34 | Raavanan | 2010 | Tamil |
| 35 | Enthiran | 2010 | Tamil |
| 36 | Action Replayy | 2010 | Hindi |
| 37 | Guzaarish | 2010 | Hindi |
| 38 | Jazbaa | 2015 | Hindi |
| 39 | Sarbjit | 2016 | Hindi |
| 40 | Ae Dil Hai Mushkil | 2016 | Hindi |
| 41 | Fanney Khan | 2018 | Hindi |
| 42 | Ponniyin Selvan: I | 2022 | Tamil |
| 43 | Ponniyin Selvan: II | 2023 | Tamil |
Achievements
| # | Award Name | Receiving Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miss India World 1994 | 1994 |
| 2 | Smita Patil Memorial Award for Best Actress | 2000 |
| 3 | Rajiv Gandhi Award for Excellence in Field of Entertainment | 2002 |
| 4 | V. Shantaram Awards – Best Actress for Devdas | 2003 |
| 5 | Femina "Most Powerful Indian Woman" | 2007 |
| 6 | V. Shantaram Awards – Best Actress for Jodhaa Akbar | 2009 |
| 7 | Padma Shri | 2009 |
| 8 | Filmfare's "Most Beautiful People" | 2009 |
| 9 | The India Today Women Award for Global Achievement | 2010 |
| 10 | FICCI Frames Excellence Awards – Decade of Global Achievement for contribution to Hindi cinema & acting | 2011 |
| 11 | FICCI Frames Award of a Decade of Global Achievement | 2011 |
| 12 | Honoured by Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa at World Kannada Meet (Vishwa Kannada Sammelana) for her contributions to the arts | 2011 |
| 13 | Filmfare Special Centenary Award for Best Actress | 2013 |
| 14 | "Most Popular Actress"(Rank #1) in Filmfare 100 years of cinema issue | 2013 |
| 15 | Asiavision Awards – Icon Of India | 2014 |
| 16 | The Times Of India's Forever Desirable Woman | 2014 |
| 17 | First Ladies Award by President of India (Ram Nath Kovind) | 2018 |
| 18 | Femina "India's Most Beautiful Woman 2018" | 2018 |
Bollywood Recognition
| # | Award Name | Receiving Year | Received For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Screen Award for Best Female Debut | 1998 | Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya |
| 2 | Screen Award for Best Actress | 2000 | Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| 3 | IIFA Award for Best Actress | 2000 | Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| 4 | Filmfare Award for Best Actress | 2000 | Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam |
| 5 | IIFA Award for Best Actress | 2003 | Devdas |
| 6 | Filmfare Award for Best Actress | 2003 | Devdas |
| 7 | Screen Award for Best Actress | 2003 | Devdas |
| 8 | IIFA Award for Global Indian Media Personality | 2005 | — |
| 9 | IIFA Award for Most Glamorous Star of the Year | 2007 | Dhoom 2 |
| 10 | IIFA Award for Star of the Decade – Female | 2009 | Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam Devdas |
| 11 | IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement In International Cinema | 2009 | — |
| 12 | Screen Award for Best Actress (Popular Choice) | 2009 | Jodhaa Akbar |
| 13 | Anandalok Puraskar Award for Best Actress (Hindi) | 2010 | Raavan |
| 14 | BIG Star Entertainment Award for Film Actor of Decade – Female | 2010 | — |
| 15 | Producers Guild Film Award for Cinematic Excellence – Female | 2011 | Guzaarish |
| 16 | Screen Award for Jodi No.1 (shared with Hrithik Roshan) | 2011 | Guzaarish |
| 17 | Stardust Award for Power–Packed Performance of the Year | 2015 | Jazbaa |
| 18 | BIG Star Entertainment Award for Most Entertaining Actor in a Drama Film – Female | 2017 | Sarbjit |
| 19 | Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Westpac IFFM Excellence in Global Cinema | 2017 | — |
| 20 | BIG Star Entertainment Award for Most Entertaining Actor in a Romantic Film – Female | 2017 | Ae Dil Hai Mushkil |
| 21 | International Film Festival and Award of Australia for Best Actress | 2017 | Sarbjit |
| 22 | Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role - Female | 2023 | Ponniyin Selvan: I |
Personal Life
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's personal life has been a subject of public interest over the years. In 1999, she entered a relationship with Bollywood actor Salman Khan, and their romance was widely covered by the media. However, the couple eventually parted ways in 2002. Aishwarya cited reasons such as abuse (verbal, physical, and emotional), infidelity, and indignity as contributing factors to the end of their relationship. Following her split from Salman Khan, she had a romantic involvement with actor Vivek Oberoi, but their relationship ended in 2005.
During the filming of "Dhoom 2" Aishwarya developed a romantic connection with Abhishek Bachchan. Although they had previously worked together in films like "Dhai Akshar Prem Ke" and "Kuch Naa Kaho," it was during "Dhoom 2" that their love blossomed. The couple got engaged on 14 January 2007, and the news was later confirmed by Abhishek's father, Amitabh Bachchan. They tied the knot in a private ceremony at the Bachchan residence, "Prateeksha," in Juhu, Mumbai on 20 April 2007. The wedding incorporated traditional Hindu rituals of the Bunt community, to which Aishwarya belongs, as well as North Indian and Bengali ceremonies. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan are often referred to as a super couple in the Indian media. In November 2011, Aishwarya gave birth to a daughter.
Aishwarya is a devout Hindu and holds deep religious beliefs. Her international presence with Abhishek Bachchan received a significant boost at the Cannes Film Festival shortly after their marriage. Later, on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, they were considered more famous as a couple than a power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
She is known by the nicknames "Ash" and "Aish" among fans and the media, but she has expressed her dislike for these names. Aishwarya has discouraged people from using any name other than "Aishwarya" as she values her own name and prefers to be called by it. On 12 July 2020, it was reported that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her daughter had tested positive for COVID-19. Subsequently, they were hospitalized on 17 July for treatment. Thankfully, both Aishwarya and her daughter recovered from the illness and were discharged from the hospital on 27 July 2020.
Social Work
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been actively involved in various social and humanitarian initiatives. In February 2005, she participated in the HELP! Telethon Concert, a charity event aimed at raising funds for the victims of the 2004 tsunami earthquake. Alongside other Bollywood stars, she used her talent to contribute to the cause. Aishwarya and her family have been committed to improving education for underprivileged girls. In 2008, they laid the foundation of a special school in Daulatpur village, Uttar Pradesh, which is being funded by the Bachchan family. The school will be named after Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and aims to provide opportunities for girls who lack access to quality education.
Apart from her involvement in education, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has taken part in philanthropic projects and charitable organizations. She is a UN Microcredit Spokesperson, supporting the promotion of microcredit programs to alleviate poverty. She is also associated with PETA India, advocating for animal rights and welfare.
Aishwarya has actively promoted eye donation and pledged to donate her eyes to the Eye Bank Association of India. She has appeared in public awareness films to encourage others to contribute to this cause. In November 2004, she established the Aishwarya Rai Foundation to assist those in need across India, reflecting her commitment to giving back to society.
In 2009, Aishwarya became the first Goodwill Ambassador of Smile Train, an international charity that provides free cleft lip and palate surgery to children in need. Her role with Smile Train extends beyond India, as she focuses on raising awareness and supporting children in 76 different developing countries. Recognizing her influence and dedication to humanitarian causes, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was appointed as the international Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS in 2012. In this role, she collaborates with the United Nations Programme on AIDS and HIV to raise global awareness about protecting children from HIV infection and increasing access to antiretroviral treatment. Through her involvement in various social causes and organizations, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need and raising awareness about important issues on a global scale.
Other
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's work extends beyond the realm of acting, as she has actively engaged in various global initiatives and served as a representative for several renowned brands. In 1999, she participated in the Magnificent Five world tour, showcasing her talents alongside other Bollywood stars like Aamir Khan, Twinkle Khanna, Rani Mukerji, and Akshaye Khanna. This tour allowed her to captivate audiences around the world with her performances. Recognized for her elegance and grace, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was appointed as the Longines Ambassador of Elegance in 1999, representing the luxury brand with her timeless style.
In 2001, she embarked on the Craze 2001 world tour, which was intended to be a series of concerts across the United States. However, due to the tragic events of the 11th September 2001 attacks, the tour faced early cancellation. Nevertheless, the team resumed their shows successfully in Canada, showcasing their talents to enthusiastic audiences.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's global presence was further solidified in 2003 when she became the first Indian actress to be a jury member at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
This recognition highlights her stature in the international film industry. Additionally, she became a global brand ambassador for L'Oréal in 2003, joining the ranks of renowned actresses such as Andie MacDowell, Eva Longoria, and Penélope Cruz. Her association with the brand has contributed to promoting beauty and confidence on a global scale.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's commitment to social causes is evident in her role as the brand ambassador for The Eye Bank Association of India. Through this association, she has actively promoted and raised awareness about eye donation, emphasizing the importance of this noble act. She has also been a brand ambassador for Pulse Polio, a campaign initiated by the Government of India in 1994 to eradicate polio from the country. Her involvement in this campaign has helped create awareness and mobilize efforts to eliminate this debilitating disease.
Furthermore, in 2005, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was appointed as the spokesperson for the International Year of Microcredit. Through her role, she has actively raised awareness about the United Nations poverty alleviation efforts and the importance of microcredit in empowering individuals and communities. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's diverse range of roles, both on and off the screen, demonstrates her dedication to using her influence to support social causes, promote important campaigns, and represent renowned brands on a global platform.
Wrapping Up
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Bollywood journey continued with a mix of mainstream Hindi films and international projects, showcasing her versatility, and expanding her recognition on the global stage. Her modelling career laid a strong foundation for her entry into the world of acting. Despite initial challenges, her talent and dedication would ultimately shine through in her future endeavours. From portraying strong characters to delivering emotional performances, she has captivated audiences with her talent and beauty. Her ability to take on diverse roles and her willingness to tackle challenging subjects have solidified her status as one of India's most celebrated actresses.
