Global icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recently offered a rare, intimate look into her personal philosophy and celebrated career during a candid conversation at the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The event, held on December 5, 2025, featured the actor in the festival's 'In Conversation' segment, moderated by Lebanese TV presenter Raya Abirached.
Grounded Stardom and Teamwork Ethos
Despite being perpetually hailed as one of the world's most beautiful women, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan impressed attendees with her remarkably grounded demeanor. Dressed resplendently in black, she immediately set a warm and relatable tone for the hour-long dialogue. She began by redirecting the spotlight, emphasizing that stardom is a collective achievement.
"A huge amount of talent and hard work, so many technicians and artistes come together to create those minutes of ours," she stated, acknowledging the 'village' of people behind every successful film. This humility, breaking through her carefully curated public persona, formed the core of the engaging session.
From Aspiring Doctor to Global Icon
The conversation traced her unexpected journey into cinema. Contrary to popular belief, Aishwarya never dreamt of becoming a film star. "I thought I'd become a doctor. I was a student of science, and I went into studying architecture in my formative years," she revealed.
Her entry into showbiz was circumstantial, originating from a place of empathy. "I did a couple of shoots for my professor, who was suffering from cancer, and I did it with a sense of respect and empathy. It was from there that the world of showbiz opened up," she shared. This foundational experience shaped her enduring outlook: "Even today, my approach to life is very student-like."
She also reflected on the seismic impact of winning the Miss World title in 1994, the same year Sushmita Sen won Miss Universe. For Aishwarya, it was less about a beauty pageant and more about representing Indian women on the world stage. Their victories collectively transformed the beauty industry in India into an aspirational space for the middle class.
Motherhood, Cannes, and Shutting Out the Noise
Aishwarya spoke fondly about her unshakeable bond with her daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan. She highlighted how naturally Aaradhya has been part of her global journey, comparing it to any mother taking her child to the office. She recounted the heartwarming instance of their joint appearance on the Cannes red carpet, a celebrated mother-daughter moment.
However, she firmly delineates their private life from the public glare. She disclosed that Aaradhya is not on social media, and her own engagement with digital platforms is minimal. "It is important to shut out the noise," Aishwarya asserted, underscoring her conscious effort to maintain normalcy and privacy for her family amidst global fame.
The discussion also spanned her revered collaboration with director Mani Ratnam, calling him 'my guru', and her luminous debut in 'Iruvar'. Throughout, she expressed profound gratitude towards her directors, co-artistes, and legions of fans, cementing the image of a global star who remains, at heart, a perpetual learner.
