The making of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is not only remembered for its mesmerizing songs and captivating storyline but also for the relationships and dynamics that played out behind the camera. One incident that stands out involves Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, offering an intriguing glimpse into the lives of these Bollywood stalwarts during the film’s production.
Salman and Aishwarya’s Blossoming Relationship
Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s on-screen chemistry in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanambecame a hallmark of the film’s success. However, their real-life relationship also began to blossom during the shoot, making headlines across the industry. Salman reportedly became deeply enamored with Aishwarya, and his feelings turned into possessiveness as their bond grew stronger.
Smita Jayakar, who played Aishwarya’s mother in the movie, recalled that the two shared an intense bond that often reflected in their interactions on set. This closeness would lead to a defining moment during the filming of one of the movie’s most iconic sequences.
The Tense Moment on Set
The incident occurred during the shooting of the song Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, a moment celebrated for its romantic undertones. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was explaining a scene to Aishwarya when he touched her arm to demonstrate a movement. While the gesture seemed innocent and professional, it reportedly irked Salman Khan.
Smita Jayakar, who witnessed the episode, later shared, “I remembered one scene from the song Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, where Salman had to go around as Ash stood next to me. So Sanjay goes and touches her (Ash) like this, and he (Salman) goes and says, ‘Sanjay, sir, why did you touch her? You are not supposed to do that.’”
The Impact of Salman’s Possessiveness
While the incident was resolved quickly, it was a reflection of the possessive nature of Salman and Aishwarya’s relationship during that period. Their bond, though intense, often led to clashes that affected their personal and professional lives. Salman’s protectiveness over Aishwarya sometimes resulted in uncomfortable moments for the cast and crew.
Fallout After the Breakup
The relationship between Salman and Aishwarya eventually ended, leaving a significant impact on their careers and Bhansali’s projects. Aishwarya decided she would no longer work with Salman, leading to complications in Bhansali’s ambitious project Bajirao Mastani. Initially, Bhansali had envisioned Salman and Aishwarya in the lead roles, but the fallout meant the project had to be reimagined.
Salman, however, made suggestions to Bhansali to replace Aishwarya, proposing Katrina Kaif and Bhumika Chawla as potential choices for the role of Mastani. Bhansali rejected both suggestions, shelving the project until he revived it years later with Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.
A Fractured Collaboration
The professional relationship between Salman and Bhansali never truly recovered after these events. While Salman appeared in a cameo in Bhansali’s Saawariya, the two did not collaborate on a full-fledged project again. Their attempt to work together on Inshallah years later was also shelved due to creative differences.
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