When Aishwarya Rai spoke to Oprah Winfrey about sex before marriage two years before getting married to Abhishek Bachchan, said, "It isn’t the good thing to do"

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai with Oprah WInfrey

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of India’s most beloved stars, captured global attention long before many of her contemporaries. Her appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the early 2000s are iconic, as they allowed her to bring Indian culture into Western conversation, offering insight into traditions that were often misunderstood. In 2005, Aishwarya was invited to Oprah’s show, where she took the opportunity to address some of the prevalent stereotypes about India while also offering her perspective on topics that resonated deeply with Western audiences.

One of the most talked-about moments during the interview occurred when Oprah asked Aishwarya about public displays of affection, a topic that often puzzles many in the West. In her typical graceful manner, Aishwarya clarified the cultural differences, stating, “It’s not really a familiar sight. People kiss, but it doesn’t happen around the street corner. It’s a more private expression of emotion, so I guess art imitates life, and that comes across in our cinema.”

The conversation then shifted to a topic that Oprah, as well as many of the audience members, likely found particularly intriguing: premarital sex. Oprah asked whether it was common in India or considered taboo. Aishwarya responded with a simple, yet profound statement: “Broadly speaking, it isn’t the good thing to do.”

In addition to discussing intimate topics, Aishwarya also addressed some of the misconceptions that people had about India, particularly regarding language and family life. She shared that it was often assumed that Indians were not fluent in English, a stereotype that seemed to surprise her. She recounted how people would ask if she had studied abroad to learn the language, responding, “Why would people think that we don’t study English? That really shocked me.”

Another cultural aspect that Aishwarya discussed was the practice of living with one’s parents after marriage. When Oprah remarked on the American tradition of children leaving the home by the age of 30, Aishwarya explained, “In India, it’s more about the family, about living together and remaining connected, and that’s probably the most special thing.”

One of the most fascinating parts of Aishwarya’s interview was when she discussed arranged marriages. Many in the West are unfamiliar with the concept, often assuming that such unions are purely transactional and devoid of personal choice. Aishwarya dispelled these myths by comparing arranged marriages to a “global matchmaking service.” She explained, “They get engaged, they date, and if it works, they proceed with the alliance. If not, they part ways.”

Aishwarya Rai’s ability to address these topics with elegance and clarity made her an excellent cultural ambassador for India. Her first appearance on Oprah was so impactful that she returned in 2009 for a second interview, continuing to share her thoughts on everything from Bollywood to her personal life. During her first appearance, Aishwarya even managed to persuade Oprah to try on a sari, further deepening the connection between Indian culture and the global audience.