When Aishwarya Rai refused to share screen with Shah Rukh Khan in Happy New Year

In the glitzy world of Bollywood, where star power and box-office appeal often dictate the choices actors make, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's decision to turn down a role in the 2014 blockbuster Happy New Year came as a surprise to many. The film, directed by Farah Khan and starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Abhishek Bachchan, was poised to be a grand success. With an ensemble cast and a plot centered around a heist, the film had all the elements to become a commercial hit. Yet, Aishwarya, one of Bollywood's most celebrated actresses, opted out, despite the potential for it to be another feather in her illustrious cap.

In an old interview, Aishwarya revealed the reasoning behind her decision. She admitted that the offer seemed attractive and the project appeared to be a fun experience. "Yeah, I was offered the film, and it did seem like quite a fun trip. I knew we would have a blast doing it, and it was going to be a fun experience," Aishwarya told in an interview. However, the dynamics of the cast, especially the involvement of her husband, Abhishek Bachchan, played a significant role in her refusal.

Aishwarya elaborated that she and Abhishek, who were married at the time, would not be cast opposite each other. Instead, Abhishek's role in the movie did not involve any romantic pairing with her character. She expressed how this situation would have created an awkward scenario on-screen. "It wouldn’t have worked out with both me and Abhishek in the film and not being paired with each other. We wouldn’t be cast opposite each other. It would be really, really weird, right? That’s why I had to decline it," she explained.
The film went on to feature only one female lead, Deepika Padukone, who was paired opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Given the ensemble nature of the cast, there were no other female actors in significant roles. This was another aspect of the film that likely influenced Aishwarya's decision. Known for her discerning choice of roles, Aishwarya has often favored characters that allow her to shine individually, rather than blend into a larger ensemble where her presence might be overshadowed.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's decision to decline Happy New Year is not the only instance where she turned down films that went on to become major hits. In her career, she has refused several other big projects, including Troy, Munnabhai MBBS, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Krrish, all of which became box-office successes. Each of these decisions speaks to her confidence in her own path and her understanding of her brand as an actress. For Aishwarya, it has always been about more than just the potential success of a film; it’s about whether the role aligns with her personal and professional values.
Reflecting on Aishwarya’s decision, it’s important to consider the nuances of Bollywood’s casting dynamics, particularly for female actors. In a male-dominated industry, where scripts often cater more to male stars, the roles offered to female actors can sometimes feel limiting.

As for the film itself, Happy New Year became one of the biggest hits of 2014, with Deepika Padukone stepping into the role initially offered to Aishwarya. The movie's success further cemented the Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika Padukone pairing as a fan-favorite, and it showcased Farah Khan’s flair for directing large-scale, masala entertainers. However, for Aishwarya, the decision to walk away from such a project was just another instance of her prioritizing her own path over following the crowd.