Bollywood has always been known for its glamour, glitz, and larger-than-life films, with actors and actresses being treated like demi-gods. However, beneath the surface, there is a darker side to the industry, where actors and actresses often have to fight tooth and nail to get roles, and politics and nepotism play a significant role in the decision-making process. In 2006, Aishwarya Rai exposed Bollywood Before Priyanka Chopra.
In 2006, one of Bollywood’s biggest actresses, Aishwarya Rai, made a shocking revelation that sent shockwaves through the industry. Aishwarya, who had been one of the industry’s top actresses for several years, revealed that she had lost five big-banner movies, including Chalte Chalte, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Veer Zaara, without any explanation or reason. Aishwarya’s revelation was a big blow to the industry’s reputation, and it exposed the darker side of the industry, where powerful people can manipulate and control the fate of actors and actresses.
During the interview with Simi Garewal, Aishwarya stated that she was shocked and hurt when her film commitments were abruptly cancelled. She said that a couple of films were supposed to happen with her, but suddenly, they weren’t happening, without any reason whatsoever. Aishwarya’s revelation sent shockwaves through the industry, and it led to a massive controversy, with several people questioning the decision to remove her from the movies.
Aishwarya’s revelation was particularly significant because it highlighted the role of politics and nepotism in the industry. In Bollywood, actors and actresses often have to compete with each other to get roles, and politics and nepotism play a significant role in the decision-making process. Powerful people in the industry often manipulate the fate of actors and actresses, and they have the power to make or break someone’s career.
In Aishwarya’s case, it was rumoured that her removal from the movies was due to her strained relationship with the film’s producer, Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh was one of the biggest stars in Bollywood at that time, and he was producing several big-banner movies. Aishwarya was supposed to star with him in five films, but suddenly, she was removed from all of them without any explanation. It was rumoured that Shah Rukh had played a significant role in Aishwarya’s removal from the movies, and this led to a massive controversy in the industry.
In 2003, Shah Rukh had spoken to India Today and stated that to start a project with someone and then change her for no fault of hers is very difficult. He had admitted that he had done wrong by removing Aishwarya from the movies, and he had apologised to her. However, the damage had already been done, and Aishwarya’s revelation had exposed the darker side of the industry, where powerful people can manipulate and control the fate of actors and actresses.
Aishwarya’s revelation was also significant because it highlighted the issue of gender discrimination in the industry. In Bollywood, male actors often get paid more than female actors, and they also get better roles and more opportunities. Female actors, on the other hand, often have to fight tooth and nail to get roles, and they are often subjected to harassment and discrimination. Aishwarya’s revelation exposed the gender discrimination in the industry, and it led to a massive debate on the issue.