In a recent candid interview, producer Shailendra Singh, known for his work on films such as Firaaq, Phir Milenge, and Page 3, shared intriguing insights into the early career and personal life of Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He recounted how the actress began her journey in the entertainment industry with humble beginnings, doing her first-ever advertisements for a mere Rs 5,000.
Aishwarya Rai's Modest Start in Advertising
Shailendra Singh disclosed that he first spotted Aishwarya Rai when she was around 18 or 19 years old at Marine Drive in Mumbai. He recalled her arriving with her parents to meet him and Kunal Kapoor late in the evening. For just Rs 5,000, she agreed to appear in three initial advertisements, marking the start of her illustrious career.
Details of the Early Advertisements
According to the producer, Aishwarya's debut involved a commercial where she was tied to a pole at Mukesh Mills, essentially working as an extra. Following this, she featured in a Ghrit Kumari Hair Oil advertisement alongside Malvika Tiwari and later collaborated with Arjun Rampal in another commercial. These early projects laid the foundation for her rise to stardom.
Shailendra Singh praised Aishwarya, describing her as a lovely human being and supremely dignified. He emphasized that individuals like her should serve as the voice and brand ambassadors of the Bollywood industry, highlighting her respectful and private nature.
The Turbulent Relationship with Salman Khan
In the same conversation, Shailendra Singh delved into Aishwarya Rai's highly publicized and controversial relationship with actor Salman Khan. He referenced a notorious incident where Salman Khan allegedly visited Aishwarya's residence late at night, creating a disturbance. At the time, Aishwarya was residing in the same building as cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar.
The Dark Glasses Incident
The producer mentioned that Aishwarya attended an award show wearing dark glasses, which many speculated was to conceal signs of distress from her tumultuous relationship. Shailendra Singh characterized their romance as a violent love story, drawing a parallel to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. He noted that Salman Khan is a passionate individual, while Aishwarya maintains a dignified and respectful demeanor.
When questioned if Aishwarya ever confided in him about the details of her relationship with Salman Khan or the reason behind wearing dark glasses, Shailendra Singh clarified that they were not that close. He respected her privacy, stating that she has had few relationships in the industry and prefers to keep her personal life confidential.
End of Friendship with Salman Khan
Shailendra Singh also revealed the incident that led to the dissolution of his friendship with Salman Khan. He approached the actor for a film titled Captain, hoping to collaborate on a full-fledged commercial project. However, the meeting did not go as planned.
Salman Khan invited several people to the meeting, which Shailendra Singh found deeply insulting. This encounter marked their last interaction, effectively ending their strong friendship. The producer expressed his disappointment over the way the meeting was conducted, feeling that it undermined their previous bond.
This revelation adds another layer to the complex dynamics within Bollywood, showcasing how professional and personal relationships can intertwine and sometimes fracture under pressure. Aishwarya Rai's journey from Rs 5,000 advertisements to becoming a global star, coupled with her challenging love story, continues to captivate audiences and industry insiders alike.
