Who Is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan? Full Story of Her Life and Success

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, born on November 1, 1973, in the coastal city of Mangaluru, Karnataka, is a name that resonates with beauty, grace, and success. Long before she graced the big screen, she was already capturing hearts around the world as an internationally admired model.

Her breathtaking looks combined with the elegance of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance she mastered over the years, gave her a charm few could match. In 1994, her life changed forever when she was crowned Miss World, opening doors to global fame.

From there, Aishwarya’s journey became a story of unstoppable rise, delivering iconic performances in films like Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Dhoom 2, Bride and Prejudice, and Jodhaa Akbar, firmly establishing her as a timeless star and a true inspiration to millions.

Aishwarya Rai’s Early Life and Studies

Rai’s early life was strongly shaped by her Tulu-speaking background, with her parents, Krishnaraj and Vrinda Rai, always there to support her. At Arya Vidya Mandir High School in Mumbai, she was an outstanding student, excelling in her studies. After finishing high school, she moved on to Jai Hind College and later transferred to D.G. Ruparel College in Matunga, Mumbai.

Aishwarya Rai Personal life

Aishwarya Rai relationship with Bollywood actor Salman Khan began in 1999, quickly drawing the attention of the media. Unfortunately, the couple called it quits in 2002. In the aftermath, Rai opened up about the reasons for their separation, citing a painful combination of verbal, physical, and emotional abuse, along with infidelity and disrespect. After their breakup, she entered another relationship, this time with actor Vivek Oberoi. However, that relationship also came to an end in 2005.

While filming Dhoom 2, Abhishek Bachchan and Rai’s love story blossomed. They announced their engagement on January 14, 2007, which was later confirmed by his father, Amitabh Bachchan. On April 20, 2007, the couple married in a private Hindu ceremony, blending North Indian and Bengali traditions.

Their wedding, held at the Bachchan residence in Juhu, Mumbai, was a quiet affair away from the media spotlight. Known as a “supercouple,” they were admired for their bond. Rai Bachchan, deeply spiritual and close to her family, lived in Bandra before her marriage. In 2011, she welcomed their daughter, marking a new chapter in their journey.

After their wedding, Rai Bachchan and her husband made their debut at the Cannes Film Festival. They later appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show on September 28, 2009, where Rai Bachchan became the first Indian celebrity to be invited twice. The couple also attended the 83rd Academy Awards, further cementing their global presence.

Her Modeling Journey

Aishwarya Rai career took off in 1991 when she entered an international supermodel contest sponsored by Ford Motor Company, leading to her feature in Vogue‘s American edition. By 1993, she appeared in a widely popular Pepsi commercial with Aamir Khan and Mahima Chaudhry, where she played the unforgettable Sanjana. Her memorable line, “Hi, I’m Sanjana. Got another Pepsi?” made such an impression that, the following year, many parents in India chose to name their daughters after her character.

Rai’s journey to success began with a first runner-up finish at Miss India, but in 1994, she made history by winning Miss World. When asked about the qualities of a Miss World, she answered with grace, sharing her personal view on what it truly means to wear the crown.

Rai made a stunning entrance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2002, attending the premiere of Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, where she starred in the lead role. The following year, she made history by becoming the first Indian actress to serve as a jury member at the prestigious festival. In 2003, Rai’s global influence grew as she was appointed as the ambassador for L’Oréal, the renowned French cosmetics giant, further elevating her presence on the Cannes red carpet.

Over time, she became known for wearing exquisite creations by renowned designers such as Roberto Cavalli and Sabyasachi Mukherjee, seamlessly combining the timeless beauty of Indian culture with cutting-edge fashion. Beyond Cannes, Rai has been the face of iconic international brands like Longines, Cadbury, and Revlon, while also proudly representing homegrown brands like Lakmé and Titan accessories.

Starting a Career with Acting: First Role and Breakthrough Moment

Since stepping into the film industry in 1997, Aishwarya Rai has built an extensive career, starring in over 40 films in various languages, including Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil. Known for her adaptability, she has effortlessly embraced a wide range of roles. Her international journey also includes a standout performance in Bride and Prejudice (2004), a unique British take on Pride and Prejudice. This diverse portfolio reflects not only her acting prowess but also her ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Aishwarya Rai journey in acting kicked off in 1997 with her debut in the Tamil film Iruvar (“The Duo”), directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam. That same year, she ventured into Bollywood with …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (“And Love Happened”). It was her role in the 1998 Tamil film Jeans that truly marked a turning point in her career. In 1999, she starred in Taal (“Rhythm”), playing Mansi, an aspiring singer entangled in a love triangle. The unforgettable soundtrack by A.R. Rahman added a magical touch to the film, making it an iconic experience for audiences.

Path to Bollywood Success

Rai’s remarkable acting skills were truly recognized when she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her captivating performance in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), which was later released internationally as Straight from the Heart in 2000. Under the direction of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, her portrayal in the film firmly established her as one of Bollywood’s most prominent actresses.

The following year, in 2000, Rai took on the role of Meenakshi in the Tamil film Kandukondain Kandukondain, inspired by Marianne Dashwood from Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. She shared the screen with esteemed actors like Tabu and Ajith Kumar, further showcasing her versatility.

Rai’s performance as Paro in Bhansali’s 2002 adaptation of Devdas, a retelling of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s beloved classic, was another standout moment in her career. The film’s lavish visuals served as the perfect backdrop for her portrayal of the sorrowful lover.

The grandeur of the set, complete with a magnificent mansion featuring stained glass windows and an artificial lake, in addition, combined with the intricately designed costumes and an unforgettable musical score, significantly all contributed to the film’s emotional depth, thereby leaving an indelible mark on both critics and audiences alike.

Rai’s Dance Talent and Memorable Performances

Rai’s exceptional dancing abilities have been a key element in her acting success, adding an extra layer of energy and depth to her performances. She has seamlessly blended various dance styles into her roles, making each one memorable. One of her most iconic dance moments came in the song “Kajra Re” from the 2005 film Bunty Aur Babli. Not only did the vibrant choreography steal the show, but it also featured Rai alongside Amitabh Bachchan, her future father-in-law, creating an unforgettable moment.

In Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Rai wowed audiences with her Garba performance in the song “Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje,” a traditional Gujarati folk dance. Her versatility also shone through in Devdas (2002), where she performed the classical “Dola Re Dola” under the expert choreography of Saroj Khan, showcasing her classical dance training. Additionally, in Taal (1999), she embraced Shiamak Davar’s contemporary dance style, mixing modern moves with traditional rhythms to create a captivating performance. This blend of styles highlights Rai’s adaptability and mastery in bringing diverse dance forms to life on screen.

Lasting Achievements

Rai’s acting career took a bold turn when she collaborated with director Rituparno Ghosh, beginning with Chokher Bali (2003), based on Rabindranath Tagore’s novel. In this gripping family drama, she portrayed Binodini, a young Bengali widow. To authentically portray the character, Rai immersed herself in the nuances of Bengali culture and language, capturing the emotional intensity required for the role with Ghosh’s expert guidance.

In 2004, Rai teamed up again with Ghosh for Raincoat, a romantic drama with Ajay Devgn. The same year, she ventured into international cinema with Bride and Prejudice, an Indian adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, directed by Gurinder Chadha. As Lalita Bakshi, Rai gave a unique spin to Elizabeth Bennet, marking her first significant role in an English-language film. These projects showcased Rai’s remarkable ability to switch between cultures and genres, reinforcing her versatility as an actress.

Rai’s career took a major leap with her role in Dhoom 2 (2006), where she starred opposite Hrithik Roshan in a high-octane, glamorous performance. The following year, in Guru (2007), directed by Mani Ratnam, she took on the role of Sujata Desai, a devoted wife to the ambitious Gurukant Desai (played by Abhishek Bachchan, who would later become her husband). The film, inspired by the life of Indian business tycoon Dhirubhai Ambani, delved into the complexities of ambition, entrepreneurship, and the sacrifices that come with pursuing success.

Notable Roles

In 2007, Rai starred in The Last Legion, an international film where she played a warrior alongside Colin Firth and Ben Kingsley. Her next big success came with Jodhaa Akbar (2008), directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, where she portrayed the Rajput princess Jodhaa Bai opposite Hrithik Roshan as the Mughal emperor Akbar, capturing their legendary love story.

Rai’s career continued to shine with notable roles in The Pink Panther 2 (2009), where she displayed her comedic skills, and the sci-fi thriller Enthiran (2010), starring alongside Rajnikanth. In Guzaarish (2010), she played a compassionate nurse caring for a quadriplegic magician, earning praise for her emotional portrayal. After giving birth to her daughter in 2011, she took a break from acting to focus on her family.

Go Back to the Display

In 2015, Rai Bachchan made her much-anticipated return to the screen with Jazbaa, where she played a strong lawyer fighting to rescue her kidnapped daughter. Her performance was both emotional and powerful, marking her comeback after a break. The following year, she took on a tough role in Sarbjit, telling the heartbreaking story of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian man who was wrongly jailed in Pakistan for years on charges of terrorism and espionage.

Rai Bachchan’s career reached a remarkable milestone when she rejoined the visionary director Mani Ratnam for Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022) and Ponniyin Selvan: Part II (2023). In these films, she took on the complex challenge of portraying two strikingly different characters, Nandini and Mandakini, with remarkable depth and grace. Her performances were so compelling that they earned her the coveted South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2024.

Adapted from Kalki Krishnamurthy’s celebrated Tamil novel, the films immerse viewers in the majestic world of the Chola dynasty. Ponniyin Selvan: Part I became a huge success globally, grossing an impressive $21.89 million. Through these captivating roles, Rai Bachchan reaffirmed her position as one of the industry’s finest and most respected actresses.

Community service

Rai Bachchan is deeply involved in helping others through Community service. She supports the Eye Bank Association of India by promoting eye donation. In 2004, she started the Aishwarya Rai Foundation to help poor communities in India. The next year, she became a spokesperson for the Pulse Polio campaign, which aims to wipe out polio in India. Rai also worked with the UN in 2005 to raise awareness for the International Year of Microcredit, helping spread the word about efforts to fight poverty.

Rai Bachchan actively engaged in charitable efforts, starting with her performance at the HELP! Telethon Concert in February 2005, where Bollywood celebrities united to raise funds for the victims of the 2004 tsunami.

In 2008, she, along with her family, took a meaningful step by laying the foundation for a school named after her, aimed at providing education to underprivileged girls in Daulatpur, a village in Uttar Pradesh. The Bachchan family committed to funding the construction of the school.

Honors and Achievements

Rai Bachchan has won two Filmfare Awards for Best Actress for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) and Devdas (2002). She made history in 2003 as the first Indian actress to join the Cannes Film Festival jury. In 2009, she received the Padma Shri for her work in Indian cinema; subsequently, she later accepted the Order of Arts and Letters from France in 2012, after initially refusing due to her father’s illness.

Her achievements continue to make her one of the most respected and admired figures in Indian cinema.