Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, “Bajirao Mastani,” remains a landmark film in Bollywood’s cinematic history. While Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone immortalized their roles in the movie, few are aware of the casting upheaval that preceded its production. Initially, Bhansali envisioned Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai as the lead pair, sparking rumors of their reunion onscreen. However, recent revelations by Aishwarya Rai herself shed light on the true circumstances surrounding her involvement in the project.

The Resurfacing of Aishwarya Rai’s Revelation:
An old video clip of Aishwarya Rai’s interview on Karan Johar’s talk show, “Koffee With Karan,” has resurfaced on Reddit, reigniting discussions about her decision not to sign “Bajirao Mastani.” Addressing the speculation that she had walked out of the film due to discomfort with co-starring alongside Salman Khan, Aishwarya set the record straight. She revealed that while Sanjay Leela Bhansali envisioned her and Salman as the ideal cast for the film, unforeseen circumstances prevented their collaboration.

Aishwarya’s Explanation:
During her conversation with Karan Johar, Aishwarya Rai clarified that she and Salman Khan had previously collaborated successfully in Bhansali’s “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.” Bhansali, impressed by their onscreen chemistry, intended to reunite them for “Bajirao Mastani.” However, Aishwarya emphasized that it was circumstantial factors rather than personal dynamics that led to her decision not to join the project. She cited incompatibility with the team Bhansali had assembled as the primary reason for her withdrawal.

The Truth Revealed:
Aishwarya Rai’s candid revelation dispels the longstanding rumors surrounding her alleged rejection of “Bajirao Mastani.” Contrary to speculation, her decision was not influenced by any animosity towards Salman Khan but rather by practical considerations and professional judgments. By sharing her side of the story, Aishwarya offers valuable insight into the complexities of casting decisions in Bollywood and underscores the importance of understanding the nuances behind seemingly straightforward narratives.

Conclusion:
Aishwarya Rai’s recent revelation on “Koffee With Karan” provides a refreshing perspective on the casting controversy surrounding “Bajirao Mastani.” Her openness and honesty serve as a reminder that there is often more to the story than meets the eye in the world of cinema. As fans revisit this intriguing chapter in Bollywood’s history, Aishwarya’s clarification brings clarity and closure to a long-standing debate, reaffirming her status as a respected and discerning artist in the industry.