1. The Background: Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s Past Relationship

Before discussing Salman Khan’s views on Aishwarya Rai’s marriage to Abhishek Bachchan, it’s important to understand the history between Salman and Aishwarya. Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai were in a much-publicized relationship during the early 2000s. Their chemistry on screen was palpable in films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), and the two became one of the most loved pairs in Bollywood. However, their off-screen relationship, though initially looked upon with admiration, soon turned tumultuous.

While Salman and Aishwarya were dating, rumors of their constant fights and disagreements began circulating. Reports of Salman’s alleged possessiveness, temper, and controlling behavior towards Aishwarya made headlines, and the relationship gradually started to unravel. In 2002, Aishwarya Rai reportedly ended her relationship with Salman Khan, citing his behavior as one of the reasons for their breakup. Aishwarya has since talked about the emotional toll the relationship took on her, calling it a period of emotional abuse.

After their breakup, Aishwarya Rai moved on and later began working with Abhishek Bachchan on the sets of Guru (2007), a film directed by Mani Ratnam. Over time, their professional bond grew into a personal one, and they eventually got married in 2007, much to the surprise of the public, considering Aishwarya’s past with Salman Khan.

2. Salman Khan’s Reaction to Aishwarya’s Marriage to Abhishek Bachchan

Given Salman Khan’s high-profile past relationship with Aishwarya Rai, the media and public were naturally curious about his reaction to her marriage to Abhishek Bachchan. As a prominent actor with a strong fan following, Salman’s opinion was highly anticipated, and the question surrounding how he felt about Aishwarya’s union with Abhishek became one of the most asked questions in interviews and press interactions.

While Salman Khan never directly criticized Aishwarya or Abhishek following their marriage, his public statements and behavior towards the couple have been analyzed by fans and media alike.

Salman’s Initial Silence and Nonchalant Approach
When Aishwarya Rai married Abhishek Bachchan in 2007, Salman Khan largely maintained a composed and nonchalant approach. He did not publicly express any bitterness or anger about Aishwarya’s decision to marry someone else. It was reported that Salman, known for his larger-than-life personality, took the news in stride and avoided discussing his past relationship with Aishwarya in public. This response could have been his way of demonstrating maturity and not letting the past affect his present or his public persona.

In interviews around the time of Aishwarya’s wedding to Abhishek, Salman was often asked about his thoughts on their marriage. However, he consistently chose not to dwell on the past. He did not indulge in discussing Aishwarya’s personal choices. Rather, he would deflect these questions with humor or brevity, implying that he had moved on from the past and was focused on his career and present relationships.

Salman’s Acknowledgment of Abhishek as a Gentleman
In several interviews, Salman Khan did acknowledge Abhishek Bachchan’s character and demeanor, which gave a glimpse into his attitude towards the marriage. Salman described Abhishek as a “gentleman” and appreciated the fact that the Bachchans had always been respectful toward him. This comment indicated that, despite his past with Aishwarya, Salman harbored no ill feelings toward Abhishek. This was a significant statement, as it showcased Salman’s maturity and his recognition of the fact that Aishwarya’s marriage to Abhishek was a personal choice.

Though it was clear that Salman had a complicated history with Aishwarya, he chose to respect her decision to marry Abhishek, indicating that he had come to terms with their past and was not going to make their marriage a topic of public debate. His ability to respect their union reflected his emotional growth and his desire not to be caught in the web of past grievances.

Indirect Comments about Aishwarya’s Marriage
There were instances, however, when Salman Khan made indirect comments about Aishwarya Rai’s marriage to Abhishek Bachchan, which were picked up by the media and scrutinized by fans. In some interviews, when questioned about Aishwarya’s marriage, Salman would respond in a sarcastic or playful manner. For instance, he was once quoted as saying, “I am happy for her,” with a tone that some interpreted as slightly sarcastic. Though it could have been a playful comment, it was often perceived by the media as an indication that Salman might still hold some feelings of resentment about Aishwarya’s decision to marry Abhishek.

However, these comments did not go beyond the realm of typical celebrity banter, and Salman Khan never openly expressed negative feelings toward Aishwarya or her marriage. This ambiguity led to varying interpretations by the media, but Salman’s decision to not openly engage with the subject reflected his desire to maintain his personal dignity and avoid fueling any unnecessary drama.

3. The Impact of Their Relationship on Salman Khan’s Public Image

Salman Khan’s relationship with Aishwarya Rai and the subsequent media coverage certainly had an impact on his public image, both during and after their breakup. The highly publicized nature of their relationship and its turbulent end made Salman a frequent subject of discussion in tabloids. The emotional strain that their breakup caused, particularly in terms of the negative press, affected Salman’s image for a time.

When Aishwarya married Abhishek Bachchan, the media tried to fuel the fire by speculating on Salman’s feelings and reactions. However, Salman, known for his wit and resilience, refused to let the narrative of his past relationship define his career or public image. Despite being repeatedly asked about Aishwarya’s marriage, Salman chose not to engage in negative publicity.

In fact, Salman Khan’s decision to rise above the controversy surrounding his past with Aishwarya helped reinforce his image as someone who was focused on moving forward and not caught up in past relationships. His ability to maintain his professional trajectory and concentrate on his films and philanthropic work demonstrated a level of emotional maturity that helped him regain public respect.

4. Salman’s Future Relationship with Aishwarya and Abhishek

Over the years, Salman Khan has shared a cordial relationship with both Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, particularly in professional settings. Although Salman and Aishwarya had a difficult past, they were able to interact professionally at various events, including award shows and film functions. Their interactions, while often brief, were polite, and there seemed to be no lingering animosity between the two. Salman Khan’s ability to remain professional despite the personal history he shared with Aishwarya showed a sense of maturity and emotional growth.

As for Abhishek Bachchan, Salman and he have shared friendly interactions over the years, often collaborating in film projects or appearing together in public events. Their relationship has remained amicable, with no known reports of friction. Salman’s recognition of Abhishek’s character as a “gentleman” further strengthened the sense that their personal histories did not overshadow their professional interactions.

5. Conclusion: Salman Khan’s Balanced Response

Salman Khan’s response to Aishwarya Rai’s marriage to Abhishek Bachchan was a study in maturity, professionalism, and emotional resilience. While the public’s curiosity about Salman’s thoughts on their union was undeniable, Salman chose to rise above the drama, maintaining a neutral and respectful stance. His approach to handling questions about his past relationship with Aishwarya demonstrated his ability to keep personal matters private, deflect media attention, and focus on his work.

Despite some indirect remarks that hinted at the complexity of his feelings, Salman Khan’s overarching response was one of grace. By not engaging in public displays of anger, resentment, or bitterness, Salman was able to navigate a difficult personal chapter with dignity. This allowed him to preserve his image as a public figure who was more focused on his career and personal growth rather than on past relationships.

In the end, Salman Khan’s reaction to Aishwarya Rai’s marriage to Abhishek Bachchan highlighted his emotional maturity and his decision to prioritize his career and personal peace over public drama. His balanced response served as an example of how to handle personal issues with grace in an industry often driven by media attention and public scrutiny.