Even after taking a break from films to embrace motherhood, Aishwarya continues to command admiration as one of India’s most graceful and enduring icons.
From a Mangalorean Girl to Miss World
Aishwarya was born to Krishnaraj Rai, a marine engineer, and Vrinda Rai, a writer. After her family moved to Mumbai, she studied at Arya Vidya Mandir High School and D.G. Ruparel College, where she briefly pursued architecture before turning to modeling.
Her first appearance was in a Camlin ad in 9th grade, followed by her breakout Pepsi commercial in 1993 with the line, “Hi, I’m Sanaya.” Her natural charm and confidence made her one of India’s most sought-after models.
Choosing Miss India Over Bollywood
Before her pageant journey, Aishwarya was offered roles in several films, including ‘Raja Hindustani’, but she turned them down to focus on Miss India 1994. She ultimately finished as first runner-up, losing to Sushmita Sen, who later went on to win Miss Universe.
Despite the loss, Aishwarya represented India at Miss World 1994 and brought home the crown on November 19, 1994, making the nation proud. Her dazzling blue eyes, eloquence, and compassion set her apart — marking the start of her transformation into a global ambassador of Indian beauty.
Rise to Stardom in Bollywood
Aishwarya made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam’s Tamil film ‘Iruvar’ (1997), followed by ‘Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya’ in Hindi the same year. Her real breakthrough came in 1999 with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’, where her portrayal of Nandini earned her both critical acclaim and superstardom.
Interestingly, Aishwarya wasn’t Bhansali’s first choice — the role was initially offered to Madhuri Dixit and Manisha Koirala. It was Salman Khan who suggested Aishwarya’s name, and Bhansali was reportedly mesmerized by her expressive eyes and screen presence.
The Defining Role — Paro in ‘Devdas’
In 2002, Aishwarya’s performance as Paro in ‘Devdas’, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit, became a landmark moment in Indian cinema. The film’s grandeur and her haunting portrayal elevated her to new heights. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali later said, “Aishwarya’s eyes were the soul of ‘Devdas’ — they could express everything without a word.”
During filming, a tragic accident on set injured Aishwarya, yet she continued shooting — an act that became symbolic of her professionalism and dedication.
Making History at Cannes
The same year, during the premiere of Devdas, Aishwarya became the first Indian actress to represent India at the Cannes Film Festival. Her red-carpet appearance with Shah Rukh Khan made global headlines. The following year, she joined the Cannes jury, another first for an Indian actress.
Expanding Horizons — From Bollywood to Hollywood
Post-‘Devdas’, Aishwarya took Indian cinema to international platforms. She starred in Hollywood productions such as ‘Bride and Prejudice’, ‘The Last Legion’, and ‘The Pink Panther 2’, while continuing to deliver acclaimed performances in Indian films like ‘Taal’, ‘Guru’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Dhoom 2’, ‘Raavan’, and ‘Jazbaa’. Her on-screen chemistry with Abhishek Bachchan in Guru was particularly praised.
A Royal Wedding
On April 20, 2007, Aishwarya married Abhishek Bachchan in a private yet grand ceremony in Mumbai, following Bengali and Tulu traditions. She wore a golden Kanjeevaram silk saree by Neeta Lulla, while Abhishek donned a cream sherwani with gold embroidery. The wedding, attended by close family and friends, was dubbed “Bollywood’s Royal Wedding” for its blend of tradition and elegance.
Motherhood: Her Most Cherished Role
In 2011, Aishwarya embraced motherhood with the birth of her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan. She took a break from films to focus on her family, calling motherhood “the most beautiful and fulfilling role of my life.”
She often says that Aaradhya brought new meaning and joy to her world — a sentiment she’s expressed in numerous interviews with pride and gratitude.
The Legacy of Grace and Strength
Known for her humility and poise, Aishwarya has steered clear of controversies, letting her work and dignity define her. Whether walking global red carpets or portraying strong women on screen, she has consistently redefined what it means to be an Indian woman in the global spotlight.
From a small-town girl to Miss World, from Bollywood royalty to an international icon and devoted mother, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s journey remains a timeless story of beauty, perseverance, and inner strength.
