When Sonam Kapoor called Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as 'aunty from another generation'

Sonam Kapoor’s remark about Aishwarya Rai continues to echo through the corridors of Bollywood gossip, even years after it was first made.

In the world of Bollywood, actors and co-stars often find themselves in the spotlight not just for their work but also for the comments they make about each other—sometimes playful, sometimes stirring controversy.

One such moment that caught the media's attention was when Sonam Kapoor made headlines for referring to Aishwarya Rai as an "aunty," a remark that quickly sparked conversations across the industry and among fans.

Sonam Kapoor’s remark about Aishwarya Rai continues to echo through the corridors of Bollywood gossip, even years after it was first made. The controversy first gained traction when Sonam became the new face of a prominent international beauty brand, effectively replacing Aishwarya Rai.

At the time, it was widely speculated that Aishwarya had voluntarily stepped back from endorsing beauty products, creating space for the younger actress to step in.

However, it wasn’t just the transition that made headlines—it was Sonam’s response to being asked about the shift. Her comment, referring to Aishwarya as an “auntie from another generation,” sparked a wave of backlash from fans and industry insiders alike. With Aishwarya being only 36 at the time, many felt the remark came off as dismissive and bordered on age-shaming, especially considering her longstanding legacy in the industry.

In a later interview with Hindustan Times, Sonam attempted to clarify her comment, saying that because Aishwarya had worked with her father, Anil Kapoor, she naturally perceived her as belonging to a different generation. “Aish has worked with my dad, so I have to call her aunty, na!” she had said, in a tone that many interpreted as light-hearted but still problematic.

While the dust has somewhat settled, the moment remains a memorable instance of how seemingly casual comments can leave a lasting impression in the public consciousness.

Sonam Kapoor stepped into Bollywood with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya in 2007. However, it was her 2010 romantic comedy I Hate Luv Storys that truly catapulted her into mainstream success and made her a household name. She has recently taken a break from films, focusing on motherhood.