Dhoom 2, which released in 2006, became an iconic film in Bollywood, known not only for its high-octane action sequences but also for the sizzling chemistry between its lead actors, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
While the film was a massive hit and garnered attention for its dance numbers and gripping storyline, it also stirred a fair amount of controversy—most notably because of a passionate kissing scene between Hrithik and Aishwarya.
What made this kiss even more talked about was the fact that Aishwarya was soon-to-be engaged to Abhishek Bachchan, creating a storm within the Bachchan family.
The buzz surrounding the kiss intensified as rumors swirled that the Bachchan family was not pleased with the intimate moment between the two stars, especially given the fact that Aishwarya was set to marry Abhishek. This heightened the drama and intrigue surrounding the movie, with tabloids and fans eagerly speculating about the Bachchans' reactions. In one of the interviews at that time, Hrithik Roshan was asked about the controversy, and he responded with a mix of humor and tact.
Hrithik explained the pressure he felt while filming the kissing scene, particularly from his then wife, Sussanne Khan. In an interview, he revealed, “Well, this is one thing I want to say about kissing. It came with this one big condition that Suzzane had put on me when she said that if you are going to do this then you better make sure that it is the best damn kiss in the whole wide world.” His lighthearted approach to the situation highlighted the playful nature of the demand but also pointed to the immense pressure he felt to make the scene memorable. “So the only thing on my mind was that I have to live up to that expectation,” Hrithik continued. “And that is the only reason I was tensed while watching Dhoom 2 because it got to make the great. You know, with her. So that went off well.”
This candid comment showed that, rather than focusing on the potential backlash from the Bachchan family, Hrithik was focused on delivering a performance that would meet the expectations set by his wife.
His response cleverly shifted the conversation away from the familial tensions and kept the focus on his personal commitment to the scene’s success.
Despite the playful comment, the issue did not entirely fade away. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who had previously avoided kissing scenes in her career, faced a significant amount of backlash after Dhoom 2. She had, in fact, turned down roles in the past for similar reasons, fearing that such scenes would negatively affect her public image. However, Dhoom 2 marked a shift in her approach to roles, and she decided to take the plunge and perform the kiss. This decision, while a bold career move, came with its own set of consequences.
In one of her interviews, Aishwarya revealed that she had received several legal notices from her fans, who were outraged by the steamy kiss. Her fans felt betrayed by her decision to participate in such a scene, and this backlash prompted legal action. Aishwarya's response to the situation was one of resilience. She emphasized that the scene was a part of the script and that she had made the decision with careful consideration. Despite the legal notices and media scrutiny, Aishwarya stood by her decision, acknowledging that this was part of her evolving career in Bollywood.
The incident brought attention to the evolving norms in the industry, especially for female actors. While kisses in Bollywood films were becoming more common, they still had the potential to spark controversy, particularly for actresses who had built a clean and pristine image. Aishwarya's kiss in Dhoom 2 marked a turning point for her as an actress, signaling her willingness to take on bolder roles.
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