When Aishwarya Rai SUPPORTED ex-Salman Khan during a CONTROVERSY due to THIS reason!

Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan’s relationship reportedly started on the sets of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. They dated for a while before parting ways around 2001-2002. Somy Ali, in an interview, shared that she knew their relationship would blossom, which made her decide to leave. In 2016, Salman faced backlash for being named the goodwill ambassador for India’s Rio Olympics team. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan supported Salman during this controversy, speaking out in his favor.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Once Supported Salman Khan During A Controversy, Despite Parting Ways Years Back

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan then found love in Abhishek Bachchan.

( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are two of the biggest actors in the Indian film industry. They reportedly dated each other several years back. Although they do not work together or talk to each other, Aishwarya once supported Salman during a controversy. Scroll below for the deets.

For the unversed, their relationship reportedly blossomed on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. As per reports, they dated for some time before parting ways around 2001 and 2002. Somy Ali, in an interview with Times Now, said, “Later, Aish started coming to Salman’s gym where we were living. Salman and I used to live on the ground floor of Galaxy where we had a gym also. I knew in my heart that their relationship was something that’s gonna blossom. I knew it’s time for me to leave.”

In 2016, Salman Khan was appointed as the goodwill ambassador of India’s contingent to the Rio Olympics. According to a Hindustan Times report, Khan faced backlash for being appointed, and some film personalities came forward in support of Salman. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was one of them. The report quoted Aishwarya’s remark on the controversy surrounding Salman’s appointment by the Indian Olympic Association.

Sharing her views on the controversy, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said, “I have to say that anyone who is doing good to represent the country or working or speaking or standing for the betterment of art, music or sports, is wonderful and the person needs to be recognized.”

It also mentioned that Katrina Kaif also supported Salman Khan back then. Unlike Salman and Aishwarya’s relationship, Katrina and her Tiger Zinda Hai co-star are on good terms.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan then found love in Abhishek Bachchan. The two got married in 2007 and have a daughter, Aaradhya. However, there have been rumors that Aishwarya and Abhishek are getting a divorce.

When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan voiced support for Salman Khan’s Rio Olympics goodwill ambassador role: “Anyone who is doing good…”

Few remember that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had tacitly backed Salman Khan as the goodwill ambassador of India’s contingent to the Rio Olympics.

Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai were widely acknowledged for their believable on-screen chemistry, which Sanjay Leela Bhansali brought to life amazingly in his 1999 blockbuster, ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.’ Indeed, their real-life romance added a layer of authenticity and attraction to their interactions off-camera. Unfortunately, the two parted ways in 2002 and are seldom seen under the same roof anymore.

However, back in 2016, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan tacitly supported the ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ star during a controversy.

Salman Khan was appointed the goodwill ambassador to Rio Olympics

In 2016, Salman Khan delivered a massive global blockbuster, ‘Sultan,’ in which he was seen as a down-and-out wrestler who fights all odds to make an inspiring comeback. The story resonated with young and mature audiences and brought wrestling back to the movies after a significant gap.

The superstar was appointed the goodwill ambassador of India’s contingent to the Rio Olympics in the same year, sparking a controversy with many criticising the Indian Olympic Association’s decision. As per a report in Hindustan Times, several screen performers backed Salman’s appointment. One of them was an unlikely candidate – his ex-flame, Aishwarya Rai.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s perspective on the appointment

The report quoted the ‘Guru’ star’s remark on the controversy, who said, “I have to say that anyone who is doing good to represent the country or working or speaking or standing for the betterment of art, music or sports, is wonderful and the person needs to be recognised.”

The same report states that Katrina Kaif, another ex-girlfriend of Salman Khan, also came out in support. It must be noted that Kaif continues to be on good terms with Khan, unlike Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The ‘Merry Christmas’ actor was seen sharing the screen with Salman in 2023’s ‘Tiger 3,’ which emerged as a box office hit.

On the other hand, Salman and Aishwarya never shared the screen following the release of ‘Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam’ in 2002 and have maintained their distance since. However, on his debut on Karan Johar’s Koffee With Karan, he confessed that Rai is the most stunning actress.