Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at 52: Missed roles, lost films and the blockbusters that followed

At 52, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stands tall as more than just a timeless beauty - she’s a global icon whose journey through cinema has been defined by grace, intuition, and bold career calls.

On her special day, here’s a glimpse into the films Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turned down - from Bollywood blockbusters to South Indian hits, and even one she lost mid-shoot - a journey that reflects how timing, conviction, and circumstance have shaped one of Indian cinema’s most remarkable careers.

Must Read: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turns 52: From beauty queen to Bollywood royalty and global icon

1. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

Karan Johar offered Aishwarya the role of Tina (later immortalized by Rani Mukerji). Aishwarya confirmed she declined, saying, “If I had done Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, I would have been lynched. Students would have thrown chappals at the screen.” She felt the glamorous image would not resonate with audiences at the time. The film became a defining hit of the ’90s.

2. Raja Hindustani (1996)

Director Dharmesh Darshan revealed that Aishwarya was his first choice for the role opposite Aamir Khan. She couldn’t commit as she was preparing for the Miss World pageant. Karisma Kapoor replaced her, and the film became one of the decade’s biggest blockbusters.

3. Chalte Chalte (2003)

Unlike other films she turned down, Aishwarya was already shooting for Chalte Chalte opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Midway through production, her then-boyfriend Salman Khan allegedly created disturbances on set, prompting Shah Rukh’s team to recast the lead. Rani Mukerji replaced her, and the entire film was reshot. 

Aishwarya later told BBC Asian Network that she was “out of Chalte Chalte because of constant disruption.” 

4. Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003)

Though not confirmed by Aishwarya herself, several entertainment outlets have listed her among actresses approached for the female lead in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. Gracy Singh eventually played the part, and the film became a cultural phenomenon.

5. Happy New Year (2014)

Reportedly, Farah Khan offered her the role opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Aishwarya declined, explaining, “It would have been odd - both Abhishek and I were in the film, but not as a pair.”

Ultimately, the role went to Deepika Padukone. 

6. South Indian Films She Turned Down

She reportedly declined four Rajinikanth blockbusters - Padayappa, Baba, Chandramukhi, and Sivaji. Moreover, Rajinikanth himself acknowledged that his team approached her multiple times before she finally worked with him in Enthiran (2010).

Reports claim she was the initial choice opposite Venkatesh for Preminchukundam Raa (1997). But, she opted out before her debut. 

7. Hollywood Opportunity

Aishwarya also confirmed she was offered a role in Troy opposite Brad Pitt but declined due to scheduling and long overseas commitments. Her refusal underlined how she prioritized her commitments in Indian cinema during her global rise.

Also Read: Sushmita Sen vs Aishwarya Rai: The untold story of the 1994 Miss India showdown!

Miles To Go...

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s 52-year journey shows that her legacy isn’t just built on what she did, but also what she didn’t. From Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Chalte Chalte, from Rajinikanth’s Tamil mega-films to Troy, every “no” reflected self-awareness in an industry often driven by momentum. And as history proves, her career stands tall - not for missed opportunities, but for the independence with which she navigated them.