|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| {{pp-protect|small=yes}}
| |
| {{short description|Indian actress}}
| |
| {{EngvarB|date=January 2015}}
| |
| {{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
| |
| {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
| |
| {{Infobox person | | {{Infobox person |
| | name = Aishwarya Rai Bachchan | | | name = Aishwarya Rai Bachchan |
| Line 21: |
Line 16: |
| | years active = 1994–present | | | years active = 1994–present |
| }} | | }} |
| | | '''Aishwarya Rai Bachchan''' (born 1 November 1973) is an Indian [[actor|actress]]. She won the [[Miss World 1994]] pageant.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1652689_1652372_1652359,00.html |title=India's Most Influential |author=Simon Robinson |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102002712/http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1652689_1652372_1652359,00.html |archivedate=2 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="Forbes">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dongroves/2016/11/06/karan-johar-ajay-devgn-ranbir-kapoor-anushka-sharma-and-aishwarya-reach-new-peaks/|title=Karan Johar, Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma And Aishwarya Reach New Peaks|author=Scott Mendelson|work=[[Forbes]]|date=6 November 2016|accessdate=7 November 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107093750/http://www.forbes.com/sites/dongroves/2016/11/06/karan-johar-ajay-devgn-ranbir-kapoor-anushka-sharma-and-aishwarya-reach-new-peaks/|archivedate=7 November 2016}}</ref> Her acting has made her one of the most popular [[celebrity|celebrities]] in India. She has won many awards, including two [[Filmfare Awards]].<ref name="filmfareawards">{{cite news|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/368707.cms |archive-url=https://archive.is/20120709051430/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/368707.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 July 2012 |title=The Nominations – 2000– The 51st Filmfare Awards |work=The Times of India |accessdate=22 April 2011 }}</ref> Bachchan also was given the [[Padma Shri]] by the [[Government of India]] in 2009 and the [[Ordre des Arts et des Lettres]] by the [[Government of France]] in 2012.<ref name="IANS">{{cite news|work=Hindustan Times |location=India |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/Why-Aaradhya-cried-on-Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan-s-39th-birthday/Article1-953808.aspx |title=Why Aaradhya cried on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's 39th birthday |accessdate=2 November 2012 |date=2 November 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102141750/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/Why-Aaradhya-cried-on-Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan-s-39th-birthday/Article1-953808.aspx |archivedate=2 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200901260321.htm |title=Aishwarya, Akshay, Helen in Padma Shri list |accessdate=26 January 2009 |work=The Hindu |date=26 January 2009 |location=Chennai, India |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203082620/http://hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200901260321.htm |archivedate=3 February 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IANS">{{cite news|work=Hindustan Times |location=India |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/Why-Aaradhya-cried-on-Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan-s-39th-birthday/Article1-953808.aspx |title=Why Aaradhya cried on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's 39th birthday |accessdate=2 November 2012 |date=2 November 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102141750/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/Why-Aaradhya-cried-on-Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan-s-39th-birthday/Article1-953808.aspx |archivedate=2 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Some parts of the [[mass media|media]] have called her "the most [[beauty|beautiful]] woman in the world".<ref name=mostbeauti>{{cite web|first=McDermott|last=Tricia|date=29 December 2004|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/12/29/60minutes/main663862.shtml |title="The World's Most Beautiful Woman?"|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029230442/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/12/29/60minutes/main663862.shtml |archive-date=29 October 2013|work=[[CBS News]]}}</ref><ref> |
| '''Aishwarya Rai Bachchan''' (born 1 November 1973)<!--Per WP:BLPPRIVACY birthdate must be reliably sourced and widely published--> is an Indian actress and the winner of the [[Miss World 1994]] pageant. Through her successful acting career, she has established herself as one of the most popular and influential celebrities in India.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1652689_1652372_1652359,00.html |title=India's Most Influential |author=Simon Robinson |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102002712/http://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1652689_1652372_1652359,00.html |archivedate=2 November 2016}}</ref><ref name=forbes /> Rai has received [[List of awards and nominations received by Aishwarya Rai|numerous accolades]], including two [[Filmfare Awards]], and was honoured with the [[Padma Shri]] by the [[Government of India]] in 2009 and the [[Ordre des Arts et des Lettres]] by the [[Government of France]] in 2012. She has often been cited in the media as "the most beautiful woman in the world".<ref name=mostbeauti>{{cite web|first=McDermott|last=Tricia|date=29 December 2004|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/12/29/60minutes/main663862.shtml |title="The World's Most Beautiful Woman?"|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029230442/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/12/29/60minutes/main663862.shtml |archive-date=29 October 2013|work=[[CBS News]]}}</ref><ref> | |
| *Simon, Bob. "The most beautiful woman in the world [Aishwarya Rai]". ''[[60 Minutes]]''. [[CBS]]. 29 December 2004. | | *Simon, Bob. "The most beautiful woman in the world [Aishwarya Rai]". ''[[60 Minutes]]''. [[CBS]]. 29 December 2004. |
| *{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/bollywood/8893317/Worlds-most-beautiful-woman-Aishwarya-Rai-gives-birth.html |title='World's most beautiful woman' Aishwarya Rai gives birth |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |date=16 November 2011 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423112224/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/bollywood/8893317/Worlds-most-beautiful-woman-Aishwarya-Rai-gives-birth.html |archivedate=23 April 2018}} | | *{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/bollywood/8893317/Worlds-most-beautiful-woman-Aishwarya-Rai-gives-birth.html |title='World's most beautiful woman' Aishwarya Rai gives birth |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |date=16 November 2011 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423112224/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/bollywood/8893317/Worlds-most-beautiful-woman-Aishwarya-Rai-gives-birth.html |archivedate=23 April 2018}} |
| Line 29: |
Line 23: |
| *{{cite news |title=Ash does fine on Letterman |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/feb/09ash.htm |work=[[Rediff]] |author=Chhabra, Aseem |date=9 February 2005 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528225803/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/feb/09ash.htm |archivedate=28 May 2009}} | | *{{cite news |title=Ash does fine on Letterman |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/feb/09ash.htm |work=[[Rediff]] |author=Chhabra, Aseem |date=9 February 2005 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528225803/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/feb/09ash.htm |archivedate=28 May 2009}} |
| </ref> | | </ref> |
|
| |
| While in college, Rai did a few modelling jobs. Following appearances in several television commercials, she entered the [[Femina Miss India|Miss India]] pageant, in which she placed second. She was then crowned [[Miss World 1994]], after which she began receiving offers to act in film. She made her acting debut in [[Mani Ratnam]]'s 1997 [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] film ''[[Iruvar]]'' and had her first Hindi film release in ''[[Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya]]'' that same year. Her first commercial success was the Tamil romantic drama ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'' (1998), which was the [[List of most expensive Indian films|most expensive film to be made in Indian cinema]] at the time. She achieved wider success and won two [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] awards at [[Filmfare Award|Filmfare]] for her performances in ''[[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]]'' (1999) and ''[[Devdas (2002 Hindi film)|Devdas]]'' (2002).
| |
|
| |
| Rai garnered critical appreciation for portraying a passionate artist in the Tamil romance ''[[Kandukondain Kandukondain]]'' (2000), [[Rabindranath Tagore|Tagore]]'s heroine, Binodini, in the Bengali film ''[[Chokher Bali (film)|Chokher Bali]]'' (2003), a depressed woman in the drama ''[[Raincoat (film)|Raincoat]]'' (2004), [[Kiranjit Ahluwalia]] in the British drama film ''[[Provoked (film)|Provoked]]'' (2006), and a nurse in the drama ''[[Guzaarish (2010 film)|Guzaarish]]'' (2010). Rai's greatest commercial successes have been the romance ''[[Mohabbatein]]'' (2000), the adventure film ''[[Dhoom 2]]'' (2006), the historical romance ''[[Guru_(2007_film)|Guru]]'' (2007) and ''[[Jodhaa Akbar]]'' (2008), the science fiction film ''[[Enthiran]]'' (2010), and the romantic drama ''[[Ae Dil Hai Mushkil]]'' (2016).
| |
|
| |
| Rai married actor [[Abhishek Bachchan]] in 2007; the couple have one daughter. Her off-screen roles include duties as a brand ambassador for several charity organisations and campaigns. She is a [[Goodwill Ambassador]] for the [[Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS|Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS]] (UNAIDS). In 2003, she was the first Indian actress to be a jury member at the [[2003 Cannes Film Festival|Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://travel.cnn.com/mumbai/none/gallery-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-ash-avatar-cannes-395217/ |title=Aishwarya at Cannes 2010 {{!}} CNN Travel |access-date=10 January 2018 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527133339/http://travel.cnn.com/mumbai/none/gallery-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-ash-avatar-cannes-395217/ |archivedate=27 May 2017}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| ==Early life and modelling career==
| |
| Rai was born on 1 November 1973<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/aishwarya-rai-bachchcan-42nd-birthday-husband-abhishek-daughter-aaradhya/ |title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchcan to celebrate 42nd birthday with husband Abhishek and daughter Aaradhya |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=1 November 2015 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104011114/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/aishwarya-rai-bachchcan-42nd-birthday-husband-abhishek-daughter-aaradhya/ |archivedate=4 November 2015}}</ref> into a [[Tulu language|Tulu]] speaking [[Bunt (community)|Bunt]] family<ref>{{cite news |last=ANI |title=Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan participate in event organised by Bunt community |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_aishwarya-rai-abhishek-bachchan-participate-in-event-organised-by-bunt-community_1486838 |accessdate=21 February 2012 |newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |date=27 December 2010 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807150345/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_aishwarya-rai-abhishek-bachchan-participate-in-event-organised-by-bunt-community_1486838 |archivedate=7 August 2012}}</ref> in [[Mangaluru]], [[Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Devdas: Raise your glass |url=http://m.timesofindia.com/PDATOI/articleshow/13612687.cms |accessdate=20 June 2011 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=30 May 2002}}</ref> Her father, Krishnaraj, who died on 18 March 2017,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/aishwarya-rai-bachchans-father-passes-away-was-suffering-from-cancer/593402/|title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's father passes away; was suffering from cancer|last=|first=|date=|work=|access-date=|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320051928/http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/aishwarya-rai-bachchans-father-passes-away-was-suffering-from-cancer/593402/|archivedate=20 March 2017}}</ref> was an Army [[biologist]], while her mother, Vrinda, is a [[Housewife|homemaker]].<ref name="Early life">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/oct/31slid6.htm |title=This Week in Entertainment |publisher=Rediff |date=1 November 1973 |accessdate=1 June 2011 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122010815/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/oct/31slid6.htm |archivedate=22 November 2011 }}</ref> She has one elder brother, Aditya Rai, who is an engineer in the merchant navy. Rai's movie ''[[Dil Ka Rishta]]'' (2003) was co-produced by her brother and co-written by her mother.<ref>{{cite web|last=Samant|first=Prajakta|title=She is a big star; I'm just starting|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/15aditya.htm|date=15 January 2003|publisher=Rediff|accessdate=1 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019200659/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/15aditya.htm|archivedate=19 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Dil-Ka-Rishta-is-special-for-me-Aishwarya/articleshow/34151716.cms |title=Dil Ka Rishta is special for me: Aishwarya |publisher=The Times of India |date=13 January 2003 |accessdate=23 February 2016 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327230851/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Dil-Ka-Rishta-is-special-for-me-Aishwarya/articleshow/34151716.cms |archivedate=27 March 2017 }}</ref> The family moved to [[Mumbai]], where Rai attended the Arya Vidya Mandir High School.<ref name="Early life"/> Rai did her intermediate schooling at [[Jai Hind College]] for a year,<ref name=jaihind/> and then joined [[Ruparel College|DG Ruparel College]]<ref name=bwood/> in [[Matunga]], securing 90 percent in the [[Higher Secondary (School) Certificate|HSC]] exams.<ref name="Early life"/><ref name=btb>{{cite news|title=Behind the beauty|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/behind-the-beauty/story-mwkioGMOgLqQiuuszZjqzH.html|accessdate=23 February 2016|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=31 October 2008|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204017/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/behind-the-beauty/story-mwkioGMOgLqQiuuszZjqzH.html|archivedate=4 March 2016}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| She trained in classical dance and music for five years during her teens.<ref name="btb" /> Her favourite subject was zoology, so she initially considered a career in medicine.<ref name="btb" /> Then with plans to become an architect, she enrolled at Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture,<ref name="btb" /> but later gave up her education to pursue a career in modelling.<ref name="jaihind">{{cite news|last=Assomull |first=Sujata |title=My first break – Aishwarya Rai |url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19990205/ile05066.html |date=5 February 1999 |work=The Indian Express |accessdate=15 June 2009 |archivedate=22 August 2010 |archiveurl=http://archive.indianexpress.com/Storyold/77205/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In 1991, Rai won an international supermodel contest (organised by [[Ford]]) and was eventually featured in the American edition of ''[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]''.<ref name="bwood">{{cite book|last=Dawar|first=Ramesh|title=Bollywood: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow |year=2006|publisher=Star Publications|page=144}}</ref><ref name="who">{{cite web|last=Roy|first=Gitanjoli|title=Who is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/people/who-is-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-217018|date=1 November 2012|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=17 November 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116145019/http://www.ndtv.com/article/people/who-is-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-217018|archivedate=16 November 2012}}</ref> In 1993, Rai gained huge public recognition for her appearance in a [[Pepsi]] commercial with actors [[Aamir Khan]] and [[Mahima Chaudhry]]. The single line – "Hi, I'm Sanjana," of her dialogue in the commercial made her instantly famous.<ref name="who" /><ref name="endorsement">{{cite news|last=Ghose|first=Anindita|title=Exclusive interview: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan|url=http://www.vogue.in/content/exclusive-interview-aishwarya-rai-bachchan|date=5 November 2012|work=Vogue|accessdate=16 February 2013|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222081724/http://www.vogue.in/content/exclusive-interview-aishwarya-rai-bachchan|archivedate=22 February 2013}}</ref> In the 1994 ''[[Femina Miss India|Miss India]]'' pageant, she won second place, behind [[Sushmita Sen]], and was crowned ''Miss India World'', also winning five other sub-titles, "Miss Catwalk", "Miss Miraculous", "Miss Photogenic", "Miss Perfect Ten" and "Miss Popular".<ref name="missindia">{{cite news|title=Beauties and the B |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/fashion/beauties-and-the-b/article2006233.ece |accessdate=1 June 2011 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 May 2011 |archivedate=10 November 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110084835/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2011051453880300.htm&date=2011%2F05%2F14%2F&prd=mp& |url-status=live |first=Nikhil |last=Varma }}</ref> With Sen representing India at the [[Miss Universe]] pageant, Rai's duties as the first runner-up included representing India in the rival [[Miss World]] Pageant, held that year in Sun City, South Africa. She went on to win the crown<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2011/05/09/stories/2011050950990100.htm |title=Metro Plus Bangalore: Beauties and the B |work=The Hindu |date=9 May 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110084858/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2011/05/09/stories/2011050950990100.htm |archivedate=10 November 2012 |accessdate=1 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> where she also won the "Miss Photogenic" award and [[List of Miss World Continental Queen of Beauty winners|Miss World Continental Queen of Beauty − Asia and Oceania]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pageantopolis.com/international/world_1994.htm |title=1994 |publisher=Pageontopolis |accessdate=21 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903002531/http://www.pageantopolis.com/international/world_1994.htm |archivedate=3 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After winning the pageant, Rai spoke of her dream for peace for this world, and her desire to be an ambassador of peace during her one-year reign in London.<ref name="missindia" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/Archives/International-Winners/articleshow/msid-5931192,curpg-3.cms|title=INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT WINNERS|work=The Times of India|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409194441/http://feminamissindia.indiatimes.com/Archives/International-Winners/articleshow/msid-5931192,curpg-3.cms|archivedate=9 April 2012}}</ref> Rai continued to pursue a career as a model until she became an actress.<ref name="missindia"/>
| |
|
| |
| ==Acting career==
| |
| {{see also|Aishwarya Rai filmography}}
| |
|
| |
| ===Early work and rise to prominence (1997–2001)===
| |
| Rai made her acting debut in 1997 with [[Mani Ratnam]]'s [[Tamil language|Tamil]] film ''[[Iruvar]]'', a semi-biographical [[political drama]], featuring [[Mohanlal]], [[Prakash Raj]], [[Tabu (actress)|Tabu]] and [[Revathi]]. The film was a critical success and among other awards, won the Best Film award at the [[FEST (Belgrade)|Belgrade International Film Festival]].<ref name="Iruvar">{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/09/slide-show-1-looking-at-mani-ratnams-landmark-movies.htm|title=Looking at Mani Ratnam's landmark movies – Rediff.com Movies|publisher=Rediff|date=9 June 2010|accessdate=30 May 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006132648/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/09/slide-show-1-looking-at-mani-ratnams-landmark-movies.htm|archivedate=6 October 2014}}</ref> Rai featured as Pushpavalli and Kalpana – dual roles; the latter was a fictionalised portrayal of politician and former actress [[Jayalalithaa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/sep/03mohan1.htm|title=25 years, 25 landmarks|publisher=Rediff|author=Warrior, Shobha|date=3 September 2003|accessdate=2 April 2009|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121020441/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/sep/03mohan1.htm|archivedate=21 January 2016}}</ref> Her dialogue in the film was dubbed by Tamil actress [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]].<ref name=moneybudget>{{cite web|author=Srinivasan, V|publisher=Rediff|title=Of Jeans and bottom lines|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/mar/21jean.htm|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201659/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/1998/mar/21jean.htm|archivedate=3 March 2016}}</ref> That same year, she was cast as Ashi, a naive teenager in her first Bollywood film – ''[[Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya]]'', a romantic comedy opposite [[Bobby Deol]]. Both ''Iruvar'' and ''Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya'' were commercial failures and reviewers were critical of Rai's acting ability in both the films. However, for the latter, she won a [[Screen Award for Best Female Debut]].<ref name="who"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1997.htm |title=Box Office India report of 1997 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217155601/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1997.htm |archivedate=17 December 2007 |accessdate=20 November 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In the 1998 big-budget Tamil [[romantic drama]] ''[[Jeans (film)|Jeans]]'' directed by [[S. Shankar]], Rai appeared alongside [[Prashanth (actor)|Prashanth]] and [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]. She played Madhumita, a young woman who accompanies her ailing grandmother to the United States to seek medical attention. A commercial success, the film earned Rai praise for her acting and dancing skills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ia.rediff.com/movies/1998/may/15jean.htm|title=An easy fit|publisher=Rediff|date=15 May 1998|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101124321/http://ia.rediff.com/movies/1998/may/15jean.htm|archivedate=1 November 2006}}</ref> Unlike in ''Iruvar'', Rai practised and dubbed for her own lines in the film.<ref>{{cite web|author=Rajitha|title=Wonder of wonders|url=http://www.indiaabroad.rediff.com/entertai/1998/apr/20sh.htm|publisher=Rediff|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303173034/http://www.indiaabroad.rediff.com/entertai/1998/apr/20sh.htm|archivedate=3 March 2016}}</ref> ''Jeans'' was later submitted as [[List of Indian submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|India's official entry to the Academy Awards]] for 1998.<ref>{{cite web|magazine=[[India Today]]|title=Waiting for the Oscar|author=Chopra, Anupama|date=26 March 2001|accessdate=9 April 2011|url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20010326/cinema.shtml|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818010521/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/20010326/cinema.shtml|archivedate=18 August 2014}}</ref> Her first role in 1999 was in the melodrama ''[[Aa Ab Laut Chalen]]'', directed by [[Rishi Kapoor]]. The film was a critical failure and had a below average performance at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|title=Box Office 1999 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ== |publisher=Box Office India |accessdate=14 August 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918075057/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=205&catName=MTk5OQ%3D%3D |archivedate=18 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rai's portrayal of Pooja Walia, a traditional Indian woman living in the United States, met with negative reviews; [[Rediff.com]] published, "Aishwarya Rai sports a plastic smile and never gets a scene where she can portray any depth. All she does is cry and smile and look pretty".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/22aa.htm|title=The review of Rishi Kapoor's Aa Ab Laut Chalein|publisher=Rediff|date=22 January 1999|accessdate=12 July 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104135023/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/22aa.htm|archivedate=4 November 2011}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In 1999, Rai starred in the romantic drama ''[[Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam]]'' which became a significant turning point in her career.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/03/08/stories/2002030802690200.htm|title=Family values|work=The Hindu|date=8 March 2002|accessdate=1 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019141043/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/03/08/stories/2002030802690200.htm|archivedate=19 October 2011}}</ref> The film, an adaptation of [[Maitreyi Devi]]'s Bengali novel ''[[Na Hanyate]]'', was directed by [[Sanjay Leela Bhansali]] and co-starred [[Salman Khan]] and [[Ajay Devgan]]. She played the main protagonist Nandini, a [[Gujarati people|Gujarati]] woman who is forced into wedlock (with Devgan's character) despite being in love with another man (played by Khan). Bhansali cast Rai after he met her at the screening of a film and was impressed with her eyes.<ref name="love hate">{{cite news|last1=Farook|first1=Farhana|title="I love her...I hate her"|url=http://www.filmfare.com/features/i-love-heri-hate-her-7582-1.html|accessdate=26 March 2017|work=Filmfare|date=31 October 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327080128/http://www.filmfare.com/features/i-love-heri-hate-her-7582-1.html|archivedate=27 March 2017}}</ref> TheMovieReport.com praised Rai's performance over her co-actors and noted, "Rai, in a luminous, award-winning performance (largely considered her big dramatic breakthrough—and justifiably so), fills in the conflicted emotional shades that Khan fails to bring with his one-dimensional presence".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mrbrownmovies.com/movierpt03-07.html#hddcs|title=The movie report archive: July 2003|publisher=The Movie Report|accessdate=27 September 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115123848/http://mrbrownmovies.com/movierpt03-07.html#hddcs|archivedate=15 November 2011}}</ref> ''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'' emerged as a major commercial success and won Rai a [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/368698.cms|archive-url=https://archive.is/20120708193756/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/368698.cms|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 July 2012|title=The Winners – 1999– The 51st Filmfare Awards|work=The Times of India|accessdate=22 April 2011}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| Rai next took the leading role of Mansi, an aspiring singer, in [[Subhash Ghai]]'s musical ''[[Taal (film)|Taal]]''; alongside [[Akshay Khanna]], [[Anil Kapoor]], [[Amrish Puri]] and [[Alok Nath]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2003/12/03/stories/2003120300500200.htm|title=Kabir's ambition|work=The Hindu|date=3 December 2003|accessdate=1 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110085217/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2003/12/03/stories/2003120300500200.htm|archivedate=10 November 2012}}</ref> A reviewer for [[Rediff]] praised her acting and dancing prowess in it and wrote that "Taal will again enhance her reputation as an actress while in no way detracting from her image as a traffic-stopper".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/aug/13taal.htm|title=Soft 'n' sensational|publisher=Rediff|author=Taliculam, Sharmila|date=13 August 1999|accessdate=1 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109185647/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/aug/13taal.htm|archivedate=9 November 2013}}</ref> A moderate domestic success, ''Taal'' was notable for being the first Indian film to feature in the top twenty listing at the American box office.<ref>{{cite web|title=Box Office India report of 1999 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1999.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221231737/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1999.htm |archivedate=21 December 2007 |publisher=Box Office India |accessdate=20 November 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/DJ12Df01.html|title=Bollywood takes on the world|accessdate=5 December 2008|last=Bist|first=Raju|date=12 November 2002|work=Asia Times}}</ref> Rai received a second Best Actress nomination that year at the Filmfare Awards ceremony.
| |
|
| |
| In 2000, Rai starred in ''[[Kandukondain Kandukondain]]'', a Tamil language adaptation of [[Jane Austen]]'s novel ''[[Sense and Sensibility]]''. Directed by [[Rajiv Menon]], the film also starred [[Mammooty]], Tabu and [[Ajith Kumar]] in prominent roles. Rai was cast as Meenakshi (based on the character of [[Marianne Dashwood]]), the younger sister of Tabu's character.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2000/05/28/stories/09280223.htm|title=From the known to the unknown|work=The Hindu|date=28 May 2000|accessdate=22 April 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019141252/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2000/05/28/stories/09280223.htm|archivedate=19 October 2011}}</ref> The film was a critical and commercial success and earned Rai positive comments from critics; a review carried by ''[[The Indian Express]]'' summarised, "Attacking her role with just the perfect dollop of innocence, Aishwarya does full justice to her part, and matches up perfectly to Tabu."<ref name="Aish Life">{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/album/listing/entertainment/ash-lashes-out-at-the-media-835#/slide/21|title=Aishwarya's life in pics|publisher=NDTV|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224033441/http://www.ndtv.com/album/listing/entertainment/ash-lashes-out-at-the-media-835#/slide/21|archivedate=24 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000710/ien08001.html |title=Movie reviews |work=The Indian Express |date=10 July 2000 |accessdate=19 November 2012 |archivedate=14 October 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014072652/http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000710/ien08001.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/at-their-regional-best/article2343088.ece|title=At their regional best!|author=Reshma S Kulkarni|work=The Hindu|accessdate=23 July 2017|date=10 August 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518193206/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/at-their-regional-best/article2343088.ece|archivedate=18 May 2018}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| Rai next starred alongside [[Shah Rukh Khan]] and [[Chandrachur Singh]] in the action drama ''[[Josh (2000 film)|Josh]]''. She portrayed Shirley Dias, the twin sister of Khan's character who falls in love with his arch enemy's brother (played by Singh).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/01/stories/2004120101721300.htm|title=National : Fun, feni and sands exotic locale at home|work=The Hindu|date=1 December 2004|accessdate=22 April 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019140129/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/01/stories/2004120101721300.htm|archivedate=19 October 2011}}</ref> The casting of Rai as Khan's sister was considered an unusual pairing at the time; director [[Mansoor Khan]], however, described it as "perfect".<ref>{{cite web|last=Suggu|first=Kanchana|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2000/jan/24josh.htm|title=Josh is a youth oriented film|publisher=Rediff|date=24 January 2000|accessdate=22 April 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126082015/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2000/jan/24josh.htm|archivedate=26 January 2013}}</ref> Despite earning mixed reviews from film critics, ''Josh'' emerged as a commercial success.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2000/06/23/stories/09230224.htm|title=Competent portrayals continue unsung|work=The Hindu|date=23 June 2000|accessdate=22 April 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110085234/http://www.hindu.com/2000/06/23/stories/09230224.htm|archivedate=10 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="BO2000">{{cite web|title=Box Office 2000 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA= |publisher=Box Office India |accessdate=20 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102034949/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=206&catName=MjAwMA%3D |archivedate=2 November 2011 }}</ref> [[Satish Kaushik]]'s social drama ''[[Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai]]'' was Rai's next release; she played a rape victim in the film. Co-starring Anil Kapoor and [[Sonali Bendre]], the film was well received by critics and did well at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|title=Box Office 2000 |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/years.php?year=2000&pageId=4 |publisher=Box Office India |accessdate=2 February 2020}}</ref> Film critic Sukanya Verma praised Rai's decision to star in the film and added that she "conveys the turmoil and pain of a rape victim well. But it is her transition from an emotional wreck trying to gather the broken pieces of her life back together that is amazing."<ref>{{cite web|last=Verma|first=Sukanya|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2000/aug/25hamara.htm|title=Sir Anil to the rescue!|publisher=Rediff|accessdate=19 November 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126082101/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2000/aug/25hamara.htm|archivedate=26 January 2013}}</ref> Rai eventually earned a third Best Actress nomination at Filmfare.<ref name="filmfareawards">{{cite news|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/368707.cms |archive-url=https://archive.is/20120709051430/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/368707.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 July 2012 |title=The Nominations – 2000– The 51st Filmfare Awards |work=The Times of India |accessdate=22 April 2011 }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| Following a leading role in the box-office flop ''[[Dhai Akshar Prem Ke]]'', Rai took on a supporting role in [[Aditya Chopra]]'s ensemble romance ''[[Mohabbatein]]''. Rai's role was that of Megha Shankar, the daughter of [[Amitabh Bachchan]]'s character who commits suicide after realising that her father will not accept her romance with one of his students (played by Shah Rukh Khan). Despite earning mixed reviews from film critics, ''Mohabbatein'' emerged as the [[Bollywood films of 2000|second highest-grossing film of the year]] and earned Rai a [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress]] nomination.<ref name="BO2000"/><ref name=filmfareawards/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/mag/2008/01/06/stories/2008010650140500.htm |title=Magazine / Cinema : Crossover influences |work=The Hindu |date=6 January 2008 |accessdate=22 April 2011 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019135757/http://www.hindu.com/mag/2008/01/06/stories/2008010650140500.htm |archivedate=19 October 2011 }}</ref> The following year, she starred alongside [[Govinda (actor)|Govinda]] and [[Jackie Shroff]] in the romantic comedy ''[[Albela (2001 film)|Albela]]''. Upon release, both the film and her performance received mostly negative reviews; [[Taran Adarsh]] of [[Bollywood Hungama]] criticised the film and mentioned Rai as "plastic in some scenes".<ref>{{cite web|last=Adarsh|first=Taran|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/538760|title=Albela (2011) review|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|accessdate=19 November 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028134918/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/538760|archivedate=28 October 2012}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| ===''Devdas'' and international recognition (2002–2007)===
| |
| [[File:Aish N Madhuri.jpg|thumb|Rai with her co-star [[Madhuri Dixit]] at the premiere of their film ''[[Devdas (2002 Hindi film)|Devdas]]'' in 2002|alt=Dixit and Rai posing for the camera.]]
| |
| After featuring in [[David Dhawan]]'s slapstick comedy film ''[[Hum Kisise Kum Nahin (2002 film)|Hum Kisise Kum Nahin]]'', Rai appeared alongside Shah Rukh Khan and [[Madhuri Dixit]] in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's love-saga ''[[Devdas (2002 Hindi film)|Devdas]]'', an adaptation of [[Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay]]'s [[Devdas|novel of the same name]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/09/23/stories/2002092300860100.htm |title=Celebrating Devdas |work=The Hindu |date=23 September 2002 |accessdate=1 June 2011 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129140212/http://hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/09/23/stories/2002092300860100.htm |archivedate=29 November 2010}}</ref> She played the role of Paro (Parvati), the love interest of the protagonist (played by Khan). The film was screened at the [[2002 Cannes Film Festival]] and was featured by ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' in their listing of the "10 best films of the millennium".<ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Corliss |title=Cannes Kiss Off |work=Time |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,501020610-257165,00.html |date=21 May 2012 |accessdate=20 November 2008 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114083801/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,501020610-257165,00.html |archivedate=14 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1439620/Devdas-in-TIME-magazines-Top-10-films-list |title=Devdas in TIME magazine's Top 10 films list |publisher=Bollywood Hungama |accessdate=21 May 2012 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903150511/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1439620/Devdas-in-TIME-magazines-Top-10-films-list |archivedate=3 September 2014}}</ref> The film emerged as a major international success with revenues of over {{INRConvert|840|m}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU= |title=Top Lifetime Grossers Worldwide (IND Rs) |publisher=[[Box Office India]] |accessdate=22 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006053645/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU%3D |archive-date=6 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overseas.htm |title=Box Office India report of Overseas Gross |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227020122/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/overseas.htm |archivedate=27 December 2007 |accessdate=20 November 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Alan Morrison, writing for ''[[Empire magazine|Empire]]'', praised the performances of the three leads and wrote, "Aishwarya Rai proves she has the acting talent to back up her flawless looks".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=8133|title=Devdas Review|author=Alan Morrison|work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514221549/http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=8133|archivedate=14 May 2013}}</ref> ''Devdas'' was chosen as India's official entry for the [[List of Indian submissions for Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film]] and received a nomination at the [[BAFTA Awards]] in the [[BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Film|Best Foreign Language Film]] category.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-01-27/news-interviews/27288232_1_bafta-british-film-awards-competition-from-awards-veterans|title=''Devdas'' nominated for best foreign film at Bafta|work=The Times of India|date=27 January 2003|accessdate=18 June 2011}}</ref> In India, the film won 10 Filmfare Awards, including a second Best Actress award for Rai.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/368745.cms|archive-url=https://archive.is/20120709102644/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/368745.cms|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 July 2012|title=The Winners – 2002– The 51st Filmfare Awards|work=The Times of India|accessdate=22 April 2011}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In 2003, Rai featured in two romantic dramas of Bollywood, her brother's production début ''[[Dil Ka Rishta]]'', alongside [[Arjun Rampal]], and [[Rohan Sippy]]'s ''[[Kuch Na Kaho]]'', alongside [[Abhishek Bachchan]].<ref name=bofail>{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123102440300.htm|title=Entertainment / Cinema : Mixed bag of hits and duds|work=The Hindu|date=31 December 2004|accessdate=1 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107224709/http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123102440300.htm|archivedate=7 November 2010}}</ref> Neither of these films fared well critically or commercially.<ref name=bofail/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/03/10/stories/2003031000530100.htm|title='Jism' continues to attract, appeal, allure|work=The Hindu|date=10 March 2003|accessdate=1 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124213327/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/03/10/stories/2003031000530100.htm|archivedate=24 November 2011}}</ref> She was later noted for her starring role in [[Rituparno Ghosh]]'s [[independent film|independent]] [[Cinema of West Bengal|Bengali film]] ''[[Chokher Bali (film)|Chokher Bali]]'', an adaptation of [[Rabindranath Tagore]]'s [[Chokher Bali (novel)|novel of the same name]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/2006/07/21/stories/2006072100700200.htm|title=Kerala News : Film finds its audience|work=The Hindu|date=21 July 2006|accessdate=1 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806195614/http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/21/stories/2006072100700200.htm|archivedate=6 August 2012}}</ref> She portrayed the character of Binodini, an emotionally manipulative widow, struggling with her sexual desires in early-20th century Bengal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mag/2003/11/16/stories/2003111600410500.htm|title=A director's film|work=The Hindu|date=16 November 2003|accessdate=1 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110085405/http://www.hindu.com/mag/2003/11/16/stories/2003111600410500.htm|archivedate=10 November 2012}}</ref> The film was a major critical success and Rai earned positive notice for her performance; Derek Elley of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' noted, "Rai dominates the film with her delicately sensual presence and physical grace".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117921521/|work=Variety|first=Derek|last=Elley|title=Chokher Bali: A Passion Play|date=12 August 2003}}</ref> Commercially, the film was a [[sleeper hit]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/11/13/stories/2003111300830200.htm|title=Alluring Ash|author=SPillai, Shreedhar|work=The Hindu|accessdate=13 November 2003|date=13 November 2003|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031128224733/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/11/13/stories/2003111300830200.htm|archivedate=28 November 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/jan/10spec1.htm|title=Bengali films zoom in on profits|publisher=Rediff|accessdate=10 January 2004|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040114064301/http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/jan/10spec1.htm|archivedate=14 January 2004}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| After the success of ''Chokher Bali'', Rai returned to mainstream Hindi film with [[Rajkumar Santoshi]]'s ''[[Khakee]]'' (2004), an action thriller featuring Amitabh Bachchan, [[Akshay Kumar]], Ajay Devgan and [[Tusshar Kapoor]]. The film tells the story of five constables embroiled in a mystery surrounding a terrorist attack; Rai's role was that of Mahalakshmi, a [[gun moll]]. While filming for ''Khakee'', Rai was accidentally hit by a running car, which resulted in the fracture of her left foot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/apr/02ash.htm|title=Aishwarya injured in accident|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=2 November 2012|date=2 April 2003|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126082115/http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/apr/02ash.htm|archivedate=26 January 2013}}</ref> Upon release, the film received moderate critical and commercial success.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/02/27/stories/2004022701310100.htm |title=Bollywood's favourite filmmaker |work=The Hindu |accessdate=27 February 2004 |date=27 February 2004 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040628195128/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/02/27/stories/2004022701310100.htm |archivedate=28 June 2004}}</ref> In her next release, the romantic comedy ''[[Kyun! Ho Gaya Na...]]'', Rai played Diya Malhotra, a university student who develops a one-sided attraction toward her friend Arjun Khanna (played by [[Vivek Oberoi]]). The film received positive to mixed comments from critics, but failed commercially.<ref>{{cite web |last=Menon |first=Sita |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/aug/13khgn.htm |title=KHGN: Part-time fun |publisher=Rediff.com |accessdate=2 November 2012 |date=13 August 2004 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126082105/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/aug/13khgn.htm |archivedate=26 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210& |title=Box Office 2004 |publisher=Box Office India |accessdate=19 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107074905/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=210 |archivedate=7 January 2013}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In late 2004, Rai garnered international recognition for her starring role opposite [[Martin Henderson]] in [[Gurinder Chadha]]'s [[British film]] ''[[Bride and Prejudice]]'', a Bollywood-style adaptation of Jane Austen's novel ''[[Pride and Prejudice]]''. International film critics expressed mixed views on Rai's performance as the Punjabi version of Elizabeth Bennet; a review carried by ''[[The New York Times]]'' mentioned her as "radiantly beautiful but inert",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/2005/02/11/movies/11boll.html|title=Mr. Darcy and Lalita, singing and dancing|work=[[The New York Times]]|accessdate=21 October 2012|date=11 February 2005|first=Manohla|last=Dargis|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512204129/http://movies.nytimes.com/2005/02/11/movies/11boll.html|archivedate=12 May 2013}}</ref> while ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' noted that "she is a world-class hottie with talent to match, as she proves in her first English-speaking role".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/bride-and-prejudice-20050127|title=Bride and Prejudice|publisher=Rolling Stone|author=Peter Travers|accessdate=27 January 2005|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328101949/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/bride-and-prejudice-20050127|archivedate=28 March 2013}}</ref> With a worldwide gross of $24 million against a production budget of $7 million, ''Bride and Prejudice'' proved a commercial success.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=brideandprejudice.htm|title=Bride and Prejudice (2005)|publisher=Box Office Mojo|accessdate=19 November 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515181428/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=brideandprejudice.htm|archivedate=15 May 2013}}</ref> Rai next collaborated with director Rituparno Ghosh, for the second time, in the relationship drama ''[[Raincoat (film)|Raincoat]]'', an adaptation of [[O. Henry]]'s ''[[The Gift of the Magi]]''. Also featuring Ajay Devgan, ''Raincoat'' met with wide critical acclaim and among other wins, won the [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm|title=Rain coat is simply beautiful|accessdate=9 March 2009|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406050743/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/24rain.htm|archivedate=6 April 2009}}</ref> ''[[The Hindu]]'' noted, "[A]s Neerja, [Rai] appears to have shed her inhibitions about looking unglamorous. What is more, she seems to have made an earnest effort to emote, using less of her body and limbs and more of her face, and eyes in particular".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123101640201.htm|title=Raincoat|work=The Hindu|author=Bhaskaran, Gautaman|accessdate=31 December 2004|date=31 December 2004|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050125084850/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123101640201.htm|archivedate=25 January 2005}}</ref> She eventually received another Best Actress nomination at Filmfare.
| |
| [[File:Aishwarya Rai Cannes.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Rai at the [[2008 Cannes Film Festival]]]]
| |
| Rai next co-starred alongside [[Sanjay Dutt]] and [[Zayed Khan]] in the 2005 adult drama ''[[Shabd (film)|Shabd]]'', which tells the story of an author who convinces his wife to pursue an illicit relationship with a younger man in research for his next book. The film received predominantly negative reviews and proved a commercial failure. ''[[The Times of India]]'' concluded, "For the umpteenth time, Ms Rai looks drop-dead gorgeous. And that's about it. She is like that picture postcard you get when what you were actually waiting for is a letter. It's very beautiful to look at, but is of no use because it says nothing."<ref>{{cite news|last=Bose Malik|first=Jhoomur|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/Shabd-leaves-all-speechless/movie-review/1012683.cms|title='Shabd' leaves all speechless|work=The Times of India|date=5 February 2005|accessdate=22 April 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618170411/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/Shabd-leaves-all-speechless/movie-review/1012683.cms|archivedate=18 June 2013}}</ref>
| |
| That same year, Rai took on the lead role of Tilo in [[Paul Mayeda Berges]]'s romantic [[fantasy film]] ''[[The Mistress of Spices (film)|The Mistress of Spices]]'', an adaptation of [[Mistress of Spices|the novel of the same name]] by [[Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mag/2005/04/24/stories/2005042400420500.htm|title=Magazine / Book Review : Multi-layered tale|work=The Hindu|date=24 April 2005|accessdate=2 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110085558/http://www.hindu.com/mag/2005/04/24/stories/2005042400420500.htm|archivedate=10 November 2012}}</ref> The film received negative reviews from film critics<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/05/26/stories/2006052602380300.htm|title=Friday Review Chennai / Film Review : It is beautiful but bland: Mistress of Spices|work=The Hindu|date=26 May 2006|accessdate=22 April 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110085609/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/05/26/stories/2006052602380300.htm|archivedate=10 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mag/2006/05/28/stories/2006052800250500.htm|title=Magazine / Sightings : Festive flavour at Canne|work=The Hindu|date=28 May 2006|accessdate=2 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110085702/http://www.hindu.com/mag/2006/05/28/stories/2006052800250500.htm|archivedate=10 November 2012}}</ref> and emerged as a commercial failure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/20spices.htm|title=Mistress: Aishwarya's best work? – Rediff.com movies|publisher=Rediff|date=20 April 2006|accessdate=2 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525030110/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/20spices.htm|archivedate=25 May 2011}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2016}} [[Peter Bradshaw]] of ''[[The Guardian]]'' termed Rai's performance as "annoying" and wrote that she "wafts and simpers" through the entire film.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bradshaw|first=Peter|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2006/apr/21/10|title=The Mistress of Spices|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=21 April 2006|accessdate=2 November 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922033227/http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2006/apr/21/10|archivedate=22 September 2014}}</ref> Rai's only successful venture of 2005 was a special appearance in [[Shaad Ali]]'s comedy ''[[Bunty Aur Babli]]'', in which she featured in the popular [[item number]] ''[[Kajra Re]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2005/dec/23yend8.htm|title=Ten best Bollywood actresses of 2005|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=13 November 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922050802/http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2005/dec/23yend8.htm|archivedate=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Taneja |first=Nikhil |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Music/From-Melody-to-Dev-D/Article1-492354.aspx |title=From melody to Dev.D |work=Hindustan Times |date=31 December 2009 |accessdate=28 June 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022034836/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Music/From-Melody-to-Dev-D/Article1-492354.aspx |archivedate=22 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| Rai had two film releases in 2006, [[J P Dutta]]'s ''[[Umrao Jaan (2006 film)|Umrao Jaan]]'' and [[Yash Raj Films]]' ''[[Dhoom 2]]''. The former, an adaptation of [[Mirza Hadi Ruswa]]'s [[Urdu language|Urdu]] novel ''[[Umrao Jaan Ada]]'' (1905), tells the story of a doomed [[courtesan]] from 19th-century [[Lucknow]]. Rai played the titular role, a character famously played by [[Rekha]] in [[Umrao Jaan (1981 film)|the first film adaptation of the novel]]. Reviewers, while comparing the film to its previous adaptation, were critical of the film as well as of Rai's performance. [[BBC]] noted, "While only Aishwarya could emulate the grace and poise of Rekha, she doesn't quite capture the intensity of Umrao's abiding melancholy", adding that "Rai's incandescent beauty and artistry [..] does indeed keep the audience watching, though not necessarily emotionally engaged."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2006/11/06/umrao_jaan_2006_review.shtml|title=Umrao Jaan (2006)|last=Joshi|first=Poonam|date=20 October 2006|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=9 April 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729042822/http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2006/11/06/umrao_jaan_2006_review.shtml|archivedate=29 July 2010}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In the [[Sanjay Gadhvi]]-directed adventure film ''Dhoom 2'', Rai portrayed Sunehri, a petty thief who helps the police catch an illusive criminal; the film had an ensemble cast including [[Hrithik Roshan]], Abhishek Bachchan, [[Bipasha Basu]], and [[Uday Chopra]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi-times/Ash-to-dance-to-Davars-tune/articleshow/1524543.cms|title=Ash to dance to Davar's tune|agency=TNN|date=10 May 2006|accessdate=13 April 2011|newspaper=The Times of India|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020041022/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi-times/Ash-to-dance-to-Davars-tune/articleshow/1524543.cms|archivedate=20 October 2011}}</ref> Though critically unsuccessful, the film was Rai's first major commercial success since ''Devdas''; the film was declared a [[blockbuster (entertainment)|blockbuster]], and became the [[Bollywood films of 2006|highest grossing Indian film of 2006]] with gross revenues of over {{INRConvert|1.11|b}}.<ref name="BoxOffice2006">{{cite news|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=all_time_earners |title=All Time Earners Inflation Adjusted |accessdate=4 March 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303150414/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=all_time_earners |archivedate=3 March 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rediff.com commented, "[She] is all gloss and no depth. You seldom feel any tension in her behaviour and expressions. [..] Sunehri enters the film nearly 50 minutes after its opening in a disguise. In no time, she is wearing the flimsiest of clothes. Once she opens her mouth—and she does it two minutes after appearing in the film—she spoils the image."<ref>{{cite web|title=Dhoom: 2 falls short of expectations|author=J. Pais, Arthur|publisher=Rediff|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/nov/24slide4.htm|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524133838/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/nov/24slide4.htm|archivedate=24 May 2010}}</ref> Nonetheless, her performance earned her a sixth Filmfare Award nomination in the Best Actress category.
| |
|
| |
| In 2007, Rai played the wife of Abhishek Bachchan's character in Mani Ratnam's social drama ''[[Guru (2007 film)|Guru]]''. A fictionalised biography of businessman [[Dhirubhai Ambani]], ''Guru'' tells the [[rag to riches]] story of an uneducated man who builds a multinational corporation. The film met with international critical acclaim and emerged as a box-office success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214&catName=MjAwNw== |title=Box Office 2007 |publisher=Box Office India |accessdate=19 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014132441/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214&catName=MjAwNw%3D%3D |archivedate=14 October 2013}}</ref> [[Richard Corliss]] of ''Time'' labelled her character as an "ornament", but Raja Sen from [[Rediff]] described it as "arguably her finest performance, visible especially when she takes over the film's climax."<ref>{{cite news|author=Corliss, Richard|title=''Guru'' – Review|url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1578636-3,00.html|date=12 January 2007|work=Time|accessdate=9 February 2007|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016210158/http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1578636-3,00.html|archivedate=16 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/12guru.htm|title=Watch ''Guru'' for the actors|date=12 January 2007|first=Raja|last=Sen|publisher=Rediff|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123022904/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/12guru.htm|archivedate=23 January 2011}}</ref> Rai received her seventh Best Actress nomination at Filmfare for her performance in the film. Rai next starred alongside [[Naveen Andrews]] and [[Miranda Richardson]] in [[Jag Mundhra]]'s independent British drama ''[[Provoked (film)|Provoked]]'', as the real-life character of [[Kiranjit Ahluwalia]], a [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|non-resident Indian]] who murders her husband after suffering years of domestic abuse.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/gender/story/0,,2049522,00.html|title=I wanted him to stop hurting me|date=4 April 2007|work=The Guardian|accessdate=23 February 2011|first=Julie|last=Bindel}}</ref> Rai earned mostly positive comments for her performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/photos/first-pics-aishwarya-back-home-835|title=Aishwarya's life in pics|publisher=NDTV|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114162809/http://movies.ndtv.com/photos/first-pics-aishwarya-back-home-835|archivedate=14 January 2016}}</ref> Critic Indu Mirani from [[Daily News and Analysis|DNA]] wrote, "Aishwarya Rai plays the battered wife in what is undoubtedly one of her best performances to date. Rai convincingly goes through the various stages of shock, bewilderment, remorse and finally vindication".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-stirred-and-shaken-1089354|title=Stirred and shaken|author=Mirani, Indu|work=Daily news and Analysis|accessdate=6 April 2007|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105015320/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-stirred-and-shaken-1089354|archivedate=5 November 2013}}</ref> Internationally well-received, the film emerged as a moderate commercial success in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Aishwarya-s-Provoked-well-received-in-UK/Article1-216871.aspx |title=Aishwarya's Provoked well received in UK |work=Hindustan Times |accessdate=18 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513171040/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Aishwarya-s-Provoked-well-received-in-UK/Article1-216871.aspx |archivedate=13 May 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/NM11/Provoked-a-winner-for-Ash/Article1-100945.aspx |title=Provoked, a winner for Ash |author=Saibal Chatterjee |work=Hindustan Times |accessdate=23 May 2006 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513110108/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/NM11/Provoked-a-winner-for-Ash/Article1-100945.aspx |archivedate=13 May 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> That same year, Rai starred alongside [[Ben Kingsley]], [[Colin Firth]] and [[Thomas Sangster]] as the Indian warrior Mira in [[Doug Lefler]]'s [[epic film]] ''[[The Last Legion]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/19/arts/NA-A-E-MOV-US-Box-Office.php |title='Superbad' delivers super debut with ,1.2 million debut |accessdate=5 January 2009 |date=19 September 2007 |work=[[International Herald Tribune]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131144237/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/19/arts/NA-A-E-MOV-US-Box-Office.php |archivedate=31 January 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| ===''Jodhaa Akbar'' and other roles (2008–2010)===
| |
| [[File:Aishwarya raavan.jpg|thumb|upright|Rai at the premiere of ''[[Raavan]]'' in 2010]]
| |
| After a series of films that under-performed either critically or commercially, Rai garnered both critical and box-office success with [[Ashutosh Gowariker]]'s period romance ''[[Jodhaa Akbar]]'' (2008). The film narrates a partly fictionalised account of a [[marriage of convenience]] between the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] emperor [[Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar]] (played by Hrithik Roshan) and the [[Rajput]] princess [[Mariam-uz-Zamani#The misnomer of Jodhabai|Jodha Bai]] (played by Rai). [[Rajeev Masand]] noted, "Aishwarya Rai is wonderfully restrained and uses her eyes expertly to communicate so much, making this one of her finest outings on screen".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict-jodhaa-akbar/59060-8-p1.html|title=Masand's Verdict: Jodha Akbar|accessdate=18 August 2009|publisher=[[CNN-IBN]]|author=Masand, Rajeev|date=15 February 2008|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716220543/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict-jodhaa-akbar/59060-8-p1.html|archivedate=16 July 2010}}</ref> The film had gross earnings of {{INRConvert|1.12|b}} and fetched Rai a Best Actress nomination at the Filmfare Awards ceremony.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Worldwide Grossers ALL TIME: 37 Films Hit 100 Crore |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/arounddetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=3997&nCat= |publisher=Box Office India |accessdate=3 February 2012 |archivedate=5 February 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205213224/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/arounddetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=3997&nCat= |url-status=dead }}</ref> She then co-starred with her husband, Abhishek Bachchan, and her father-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan, in [[Ram Gopal Verma]]'s political drama ''[[Sarkar Raj]]'', a sequel to the 2005 box-office hit ''[[Sarkar (2005 film)|Sarkar]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article&contentid=20080509200805090206278538342fe46§id=30§name=Entertainment%20-%20Bollywood |title=Why Raj wants to see Sarkar... |date=9 May 2008 |author=M. Shah, Kunal |work=The Times of India |accessdate=8 June 2011 |archivedate=22 August 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822175336/http://mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article&contentid=20080509200805090206278538342fe46§id=30§name=Entertainment%20-%20Bollywood |url-status=live }}</ref> Rai was cast as Anita Rajan, the CEO of an international power firm who proposes to set up a plant in rural [[Maharashtra]]. The film was a critical and commercial success, with praise directed to the performances of the three leads.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bachchan mania grips denizens|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article1278398.ece|accessdate=15 June 2011|newspaper=The Hindu|date=16 June 2008|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121020441/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article1278398.ece|archivedate=21 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Beyond prisms of prejudice|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/article1437555.ece|accessdate=15 June 2011|newspaper=The Hindu|date=14 August 2008|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121020441/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/article1437555.ece|archivedate=21 January 2016}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=February 2016}}
| |
|
| |
| Rai's next role was in the 2009 [[Harald Zwart]]-directed spy comedy ''[[The Pink Panther 2]]''. Starring alongside [[Steve Martin]], [[Jean Reno]] and [[Emily Mortimer]], Rai portrayed the role of Sonia Solandres, a seductive criminology expert. Like its [[The Pink Panther (2006 film)|predecessor]], the sequel received negative reviews from critics,<ref>{{cite news|title=Pink Panther 2 trashed by critics|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/pink-panther-2-trashed-by-critics/story-e2LPeCA7oVnqkSaL5MPF9O.html |accessdate=12 July 2020 |newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=5 February 2009}} </ref> but did a moderate business of $34 million at the American box office.<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S. and Canada Box Office|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/indexes/2009/03/13/movies/boxoffice/weekend_us/index.html|accessdate=15 June 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|date=8 March 2009}}</ref> [[Roger Ebert]] wrote, "Rai is breathtaking in Bollywood films, where they devote a great deal of expertise to admiring beauty, but here she's underutilized and too much in the background";<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-pink-panther-2-2009|title=The Pink Panther 2- by Roger Ebert|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=4 February 2009|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107131245/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-pink-panther-2-2009|archivedate=7 January 2016}}</ref> ''[[USA Today]]'' mentioned her expressions as "wooden" and added, "She looks gorgeous, but her expression rarely changes".<ref>{{cite news|last=Puig|first=Claudia|title='Pink Panther 2' stumbles, bumbles and bores|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2009-02-05-pink-panther_N.htm|accessdate=15 June 2011|work=USA Today|date=6 February 2009|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107000323/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2009-02-05-pink-panther_N.htm|archivedate=7 November 2012}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In 2010, Rai was cast by Mani Ratnam in his [[bilingual]] modern-day adaptation of the [[Indian epic]] ''[[Ramayana]]''. Her role was that of Ragini (modeled on [[Sita]], the heroine of ''Ramayana''), a woman married to the [[superintendent (police)|superintendent of police]], who is kidnapped by a bandit. The Hindi version (''[[Raavan]]'') and the Tamil version (''[[Raavanan]]'') of the film were shot simultaneously and Rai played the same role in both the film versions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vikram plays both Ram and Raavan|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Vikram-plays-both-Ram-and-Raavan/article16372383.ece|accessdate=6 May 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=25 April 2010|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208112721/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Vikram-plays-both-Ram-and-Raavan/article16372383.ece|archivedate=8 February 2018}}</ref> The films received polarising reviews from film critics, as did Rai's performance. Kaveree Bamzai of ''[[India Today]]'' wrote, "Aishwarya's Sita is one of the best things in the film ... her performance is heartfelt—this is a performer who is at ease playing women, rather than girls".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/raavan-boy-blunder-lost-in-an-epic-mess/1/102055.html|work=India Today|title=Raavan: Boy blunder lost in an epic mess|author=Bamzai, Kaveree|accessdate=18 June 2010|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102191239/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/raavan-boy-blunder-lost-in-an-epic-mess/1/102055.html|archivedate=2 November 2013}}</ref> However, film critics Aniruddha Guha and Rajeev Masand criticised her character and noted, "She's left to scream and shriek and hiss."<ref>{{cite news|last=Guha|first=Aniruddha|title=Review: Raavan is a big yawn|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review_review-raavan-is-a-big-yawn_1398215|accessdate=15 June 2011|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis|date=18 June 2010|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511120439/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review_review-raavan-is-a-big-yawn_1398215|archivedate=11 May 2011}}</ref> Commercially, ''Raavanan'' emerged as a success while ''Raavan'' flopped.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101010/jsp/7days/story_13040099.jsp|title=Limelight: Going places|work=The Telegraph|accessdate=10 October 2010|date=10 October 2010|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619094839/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101010/jsp/7days/story_13040099.jsp|archivedate=19 June 2012}}</ref>
| |
| Rai's next role was opposite [[Rajinikanth]] in the [[science fiction film|science fiction]] Tamil film ''[[Enthiran]]'' (2010), directed by S. Shankar.<ref name=confirm>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Robot confirmed! |website=Sify.com |accessdate=5 January 2008 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14585005 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108043015/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14585005 |archivedate=8 January 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> She was cast as Sana, a college student and the girlfriend of Rajinikanth's character. At the time of release, ''Enthiran'' was the most expensive Indian film production and eventually emerged as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-01-31/news/28431985_1_indian-film-sun-tv-network-rajinikanth|work=The Economic Times|location=India|title=Highest grossing Indian film|accessdate=5 March 2011|date=31 January 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20170107130025/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-01-31/news/28431985_1_indian-film-sun-tv-network-rajinikanth|archivedate=7 January 2017}}</ref><ref name=162crores>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?from=bottomrelated&ID=538&StoryID=ENTEN20100154445 |title=Rajini's Endhiran: A sell out in Chennai |publisher=NDTV Movies |accessdate=26 September 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004002531/http://movies.ndtv.com/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?from=bottomrelated&ID=538&StoryID=ENTEN20100154445 |archivedate=4 October 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=2171&nCat=box_office_news |title=Endhiran – The Robot Expected Lifetime Business |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101104233643/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=2171&nCat=box_office_news |archivedate=4 November 2010 |publisher=Box Office India |date=1 November 2010 |accessdate=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She then appeared as Mala, an impetuous brat, in [[Vipul Shah]]'s ''[[Action Replayy]]''; a science fiction comedy co-starring Akshay Kumar, [[Aditya Roy Kapoor]] and [[Neha Dhupia]].
| |
|
| |
| Rai's final film of 2010 was the drama ''[[Guzaarish (2010 film)|Guzaarish]]''; her third collaboration with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actor Hrithik Roshan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200812301566.htm |title=Aishwarya is very special to me |accessdate=5 January 2009 |date=30 December 2008 |work=The Hindu |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131135113/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200812301566.htm |archivedate=31 January 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film tells the story of Ethan Mascarenas, a former magician (played by Roshan) suffering from [[quadriplegia]], who after years of struggle, files an appeal for [[euthanasia]]. Rai's role was that of Sophia D'Souza, Mascarenas' nurse, who is abused by her alcoholic husband. Due to her and Bhansali's prior associations, Rai agreed to the project before reading its script.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ash said yes, but Hrithik almost said no!|url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/oct/21/slide-show-1-what-happened-at-guzaarish-music-launch.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=26 March 2017|date=21 October 2010|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120330/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/oct/21/slide-show-1-what-happened-at-guzaarish-music-launch.htm|archivedate=4 March 2016}}</ref> Despite flopping at the box office, ''Guzaarish'' met with positive critical comments. ''[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegragh]]'' described it to be "one of Aishwarya Rai's best performances" and ''The Times of India'' summarised, "Aishwarya is a stunning picture of fire and grace, walking away with certain scenes by her sheer vitality."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101120/jsp/entertainment/story_13197137.jsp|work=The Telegraph|first=Pratim|last=D. Gupta|title=Hrithik in wonderland|date=20 November 2010|accessdate=26 November 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025194728/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101120/jsp/entertainment/story_13197137.jsp|archivedate=25 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Guzaarish/movie-review/6947922.cms|work=The Times of India|first=Nikhat|last=Kazmi|title=Review: Guzaarish|date=18 November 2010|accessdate=20 November 2010|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121020441/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Guzaarish/movie-review/6947922.cms|archivedate=21 January 2016}}</ref> In 2011, Rai was cast as the protagonist of [[Madhur Bhandarkar]]'s social drama ''[[Heroine (2012 film)|Heroine]]''; however, due to her pregnancy, Rai was replaced by actress [[Kareena Kapoor]], the original choice for the role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/heroine-kareena-s-costumes-worth-rs-1-2cr/story-GsgfpKslk6jtjdrbM2WGDK.html|title='Heroine' Kareena's costumes worth Rs 1.2cr|work=Hindustan Times|date=27 September 2011|accessdate=26 November 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418160643/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/heroine-kareena-s-costumes-worth-rs-1-2cr/story-GsgfpKslk6jtjdrbM2WGDK.html|archivedate=18 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ash-ready-to-be-a-heroine/article1-695705.aspx |title=Ash ready to be a Heroine |accessdate=23 April 2011 |work=Hindustan Times |date=10 May 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516084955/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ash-ready-to-be-a-heroine/article1-695705.aspx |archivedate=16 May 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| ===Work after sabbatical (2015–present)===
| |
| [[File:'Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Rai in 2016]]
| |
| After a five-year sabbatical from film acting, Rai made a comeback with [[Sanjay Gupta (director)|Sanjay Gupta]]'s drama-thriller ''[[Jazbaa]]'', co-starring [[Shabana Azmi]] and [[Irrfan Khan]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Jha|first=Subhash K.|title=Mark the date!|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-mark-the-date-2052505|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=15 January 2015|accessdate=15 January 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115061336/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-mark-the-date-2052505|archivedate=15 January 2015}}</ref> A remake of the Korean thriller ''[[Seven Days (2007 film)|Seven Days]]'' (2007), the film saw Rai play the role of Anuradha Verma, a criminal lawyer who is forced to defend a rapist in exchange for her daughter's safety. Shubha Shetty-Saha of ''[[Mid Day]]'' criticised the film's unnecessary and intrusive melodrama and thought that Rai "looks the part and even does a fairly decent job, barring certain emotional scenes where she clearly goes over the top".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/jazbaa---movie-review/16594193|title='Jazbaa' - Movie Review|last=Shetty-Saha|first=Shubha|work=Mid-Day|date=9 August 2015 |accessdate=3 August 2018 }}</ref> The film underperformed at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=3067|title=Jazbaa|publisher=Box Office India|accessdate=3 August 2018}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In 2016, Rai starred in [[Omung Kumar]]'s biographical drama ''[[Sarbjit (film)|Sarbjit]]''. The film is based on the life of Indian farmer [[Sarabjit Singh]], who was convicted of terrorism by a Pakistani court, and how his sister Dalbir Kaur fought relentlessly for his release. Rai played the role of the sister of Sarabjit Singh (played by [[Randeep Hooda]]).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-to-play-sarabjit-singhs-sister-in-biopic/16268167|title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to play Sarabjit Singh's sister in biopic|publisher=Mid-day|accessdate=5 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607012702/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-to-play-sarabjit-singhs-sister-in-biopic/16268167|archivedate=7 June 2015}}</ref> The film premiered at the [[2016 Cannes Film Festival|69th Cannes Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/150516/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-starrer-sarbjit-screened-at-cannes-2016-today.html|title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Sarbjit screened at Cannes 2016 today|publisher=Deccan Chronicle|accessdate=15 May 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516105244/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/150516/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-starrer-sarbjit-screened-at-cannes-2016-today.html|archivedate=16 May 2016}}</ref> and received mixed reactions from critics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sarbjit-review-round-here-what-critics-have-say-about-aishwarya-randeep-starrer-679420|title='Sarbjit' movie review round-up:|publisher=International Business Times|accessdate=20 May 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520135435/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sarbjit-review-round-here-what-critics-have-say-about-aishwarya-randeep-starrer-679420|archivedate=20 May 2016}}</ref> Few reviewers expressed that Rai was "miscast" as she neither looked nor sounded like a Sikh woman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/sarbjit-movie-review-1267|title=Sarbjit Movie Review|publisher=NDTV|author=Saibal Chatterjee|accessdate=19 May 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520121050/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/sarbjit-movie-review-1267|archivedate=20 May 2016}}</ref> Her Punjabi accent and her over-the-top performance in few scenes was largely criticized, though several critics took note of how much she stood out in the film's quieter scenes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/sarbjit-review/article8623088.ece|title=Searching for Sarbjit|author=Namratha Joshi|accessdate=20 May 2016|work=The Hindu|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520043532/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/sarbjit-review/article8623088.ece|archivedate=20 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/sarbjit-immerses-you-emotionally-ians-movie-review-rating-1-2-116052000005_1.html|title='Sarbjit': Immerses You Emotionally|work=Business Standard|accessdate=20 May 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522195822/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/sarbjit-immerses-you-emotionally-ians-movie-review-rating-1-2-116052000005_1.html|archivedate=22 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/sarbjit-movie-review-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-randeep-hooda-2810125/|title=Sarbjit movie review: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is all wrong for her part, Randeep Hooda is the only thing worth watching|work=The Indian Express|accessdate=20 May 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521133712/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/sarbjit-movie-review-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-randeep-hooda-2810125/|archivedate=21 May 2016}}</ref> [[Rajeev Masand]] summarised that "she's required to scream and shout and weep copiously to express her anguish; the shrillness does her no favors. In quieter moments – like one in which Dalbir can't bear to part with her stillborn baby – the actress shines."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news18.com/news/movies/sarbjit-review-not-perfect-but-enough-to-appreciate-1245786.html|title='Sarbjit' Review: Not Perfect, But Enough to Appreciate|publisher=CNN IBN|date=20 May 2016|accessdate=23 May 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523034144/http://www.news18.com/news/movies/sarbjit-review-not-perfect-but-enough-to-appreciate-1245786.html|archivedate=23 May 2016}}</ref> Nonetheless her role earned her tenth Filmfare Best Actress nomination.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2017/nominees|title=NOMINATIONS FOR 62nd JIO FILMFARE AWARDS 2017|publisher=Filmfare.com|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110234544/http://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2017/nominees|archivedate=10 January 2017}}</ref> The film earned over {{INRConvert|440|m}} worldwide against a production budget of {{INRConvert|150|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-understanding-the-economics-of-sarbjit/|title=Box Office: Understanding the economics of Sarbjit|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|accessdate=24 May 2016|url-status=live|archivedate=24 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-aishwarya-rai-bachchans-sarbjit-beats-jazbaa-lifetime-earnings-record-680661|title=Box office collection: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's 'Sarbjit' beats 'Jazbaa' lifetime earnings record|publisher=International Business Times|accessdate=30 May 2016|url-status=live|archivedate=30 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-and-day-wise-breakup-of-sarbjit/|title=Box Office: Worldwide Collections and Day wise breakup of Sarbjit|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|accessdate=21 May 2016|url-status=live|archivedate=21 May 2016}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| Rai's final release of 2016 was [[Karan Johar]]'s romantic drama ''[[Ae Dil Hai Mushkil]]'', alongside [[Ranbir Kapoor]] and [[Anushka Sharma]] in which she played the role of a poet named Saba. Rai received mostly positive notice for her performance despite having limited screen time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news18.com/news/movies/why-aishwarya-rai-deserved-more-screen-time-in-ae-dil-hai-mushkil-1307052.html|title=Why Aishwarya Rai Deserved More Screen Time in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil|author=Shomini Sen|publisher=News18.com|accessdate=1 November 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102162753/http://www.news18.com/news/movies/why-aishwarya-rai-deserved-more-screen-time-in-ae-dil-hai-mushkil-1307052.html|archivedate=2 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/10/28/ae-dil-hai-mushkil-review-a-generic-tearjerker-that-spontaneo/|title='Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' Review: A Generic Tearjerker That Spontaneously Combusts|author=Chatterjee, Suprateek |work=HuffPost|accessdate=28 October 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029105009/http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/10/28/ae-dil-hai-mushkil-review-a-generic-tearjerker-that-spontaneo/|archivedate=29 October 2016}}</ref> Joe Leydon of ''Variety'' considered her to be the film's prime asset and wrote that she "seems to have wandered in from another movie, one where emotions are conveyed in subtler and more affecting fashion. When she takes her leave from ''Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'', you may wish you could go with her."<ref>{{cite news|last=Leydon |first=Joe |title=Film Review: 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/ae-dil-hai-mushkil-review-1201903527/ |work=Variety |date=28 October 2016 |accessdate=14 January 2016 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029110812/http://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/ae-dil-hai-mushkil-review-1201903527/ |archivedate=29 October 2016 |df= }}</ref> The film emerged as one of her most commercially successful with revenues of over {{INRConvert|2|b}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-breakup-ae-dil-hai-mushkil/|title=Box Office: Worldwide Collections and Day wise breakup of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil|author=Bollywood Hungama|date=31 October 2016|accessdate=31 October 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030141430/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-worldwide-collections-day-wise-breakup-ae-dil-hai-mushkil/|archivedate=30 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ae-dil-hai-mushkil-box-office-collection-day-5-this-is-the-hit-ranbir-kapoor-needed-3732593/|title=Ae Dil Hai Mushkil box office collection day 5: This is the hit Ranbir Kapoor needed|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=1 November 2016|accessdate=2 November 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102164242/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ae-dil-hai-mushkil-box-office-collection-day-5-this-is-the-hit-ranbir-kapoor-needed-3732593/|archivedate=2 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="ForbesS">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dongroves/2016/11/06/karan-johar-ajay-devgn-ranbir-kapoor-anushka-sharma-and-aishwarya-reach-new-peaks/|title=Karan Johar, Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma And Aishwarya Reach New Peaks|author=Scott Mendelson|work=[[Forbes]]|date=6 November 2016|accessdate=7 November 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107093750/http://www.forbes.com/sites/dongroves/2016/11/06/karan-johar-ajay-devgn-ranbir-kapoor-anushka-sharma-and-aishwarya-reach-new-peaks/|archivedate=7 November 2016}}</ref> Two years later, Rai played the part of a singer who is kidnapped by a troubled father in the unremarkable comedy-drama ''[[Fanney Khan]]'' (2018). An adaptation of the Belgian film ''[[Everybody's Famous!]]'' (2000), the film co-starred Anil Kapoor and [[Rajkummar Rao]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/hindi-adaptation-of-everybodys-famous/photostory/64763623.cms |title=Hindi adaptation of 'Everybody's Famous!' |work=The Times of India |accessdate=3 August 2018 }}</ref> Uday Bhatia of ''[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]'' disliked the film and found Rai "too unruffled a screen presence to convincingly sell the kind of silliness this film requires".<ref>{{cite news |last=Bhatia |first=Uday |url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/4iTxMeKqCURQE7taACp8oN/Film-Review-Fanney-Khan.html |title=Film Review: Fanney Khan |work=Mint |date=3 August 2018 |accessdate=3 August 2018 }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| As of January 2020, Rai will reteam with Mani Ratnam for the historical drama ''[[Ponniyin Selvan (upcoming film)|Ponniyin Selvan]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/mani-ratnams-ponniyin-selvan-full-cast-and-crew-revealed/articleshow/72598445.cms |title=Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan' full cast and crew revealed |work=The Times of India |date=14 December 2019 |accessdate=9 January 2020 }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| ==Off-screen work==
| |
|
| |
| ===Endorsements===
| |
| [[File:AishwaryaRaiBachchan.jpg|thumb|right|Rai at an event for [[L'Oréal]] in 2015]]
| |
| Rai made her first commercial for Camlin exam pencils when she was in the 9th grade. Rai became popular after appearing in a [[Pepsi]] commercial with actor [[Aamir Khan]].<ref name=btb/> She is the only actress who endorsed both Pepsi and Coca-Cola.<ref name=HT /> She is one of the top brand ambassadors in the country and is one of the top paid Bollywood actresses in this respect.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Brand-Bachchan/Article1-700375.aspx |title=Brand Bachchan |author=Robin Bansal and Aaron Rohan George |work=Hindustan Times |accessdate=21 May 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013004027/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/Brand-Bachchan/Article1-700375.aspx |archivedate=13 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She modelled for [[Titan Industries|Titan Watches]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/topic/person/aishwarya-rai-aishwarya-rai-titan-advertisement-youtube-2-video-ihUchB2aHM8-11890-1.html|title=Aishwarya Rai Titan Advertisement|work=[[The First Post]]|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203011505/http://www.firstpost.com/topic/person/aishwarya-rai-aishwarya-rai-titan-advertisement-youtube-2-video-ihUchB2aHM8-11890-1.html|archivedate=3 February 2013}}</ref> [[Longines|Longines watches]], [[L'Oréal]], [[Coca-Cola]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Bhushan |first=Ratna |title=New Coke tagline to uncork fresh fizz |url=http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2001/04/23/stories/142302v8.htm |accessdate=17 June 2011 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=23 April 2001 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110084816/http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2001/04/23/stories/142302v8.htm |archivedate=10 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Lakmé Cosmetics]], [[Casio|Casio pager]], [[Philips]], [[Palmolive (soap)|Palmolive]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.oneindia.in/entertainment/bollywood/features/2012/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-rare-modelling-days-picture-098960.html|title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's rare modelling days picture|publisher=Oneindia.com|accessdate=1 September 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101163036/http://m.oneindia.in/entertainment/bollywood/features/2012/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-rare-modelling-days-picture-098960.html|archivedate=1 January 2013}}</ref> [[Lux (soap)|Lux]], [[Fuji film]]s,<ref name=products>{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/money/2003/sep/30sld4.htm|title=rediff.com: Celebrity Endorsements|publisher=Rediff|accessdate=17 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121130736/http://in.rediff.com/money/2003/sep/30sld4.htm|archivedate=21 January 2012}}</ref> [[Nakshatra Jewellery|Nakshatra Diamond Jewellery]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/05/13/stories/2003051300270300.htm|title=Signature collection|work=The Hindu|accessdate=13 May 2003|date=13 May 2003|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030702053554/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/05/13/stories/2003051300270300.htm|archivedate=2 July 2003}}</ref> and [[Kalyan Jewellers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/marketing/article3795985.ece?homepage=true |title=Kalyan Jewellers to invest Rs 1,000 crore this year |work=The Hindu |accessdate=19 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823192142/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/marketing/article3795985.ece?homepage=true |archivedate=23 August 2012 }}</ref> She was named the official brand ambassador for [[De Beers|De Beers diamonds]] in India.<ref name=products/> Rai has been ranked the 2nd most popular watch brand ambassador worldwide in a survey, conducted by World Watch Report.<ref name="Yahoo">{{cite web|url=http://my.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-ranked-2nd-most-popular-brand-183000372.html|title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Ranked second Most Popular Brand Ambassador Worldwide|publisher=[[Yahoo! News]]|accessdate=6 March 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310021846/http://my.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-ranked-2nd-most-popular-brand-183000372.html|archivedate=10 March 2012}}</ref> In 2013 Rai and her husband [[Abhishek Bachchan]] have been roped in as the brand ambassadors by the [[TTK Group]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/features/2013/aishwarya-rai-abhishek-bachchan-brand-ambassador-prestige-121253.html |title=Abhishek, Aishwarya – The New Brand Ambassadors Of Prestige Group|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003184555/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/features/2013/aishwarya-rai-abhishek-bachchan-brand-ambassador-prestige-121253.html |archive-date=3 October 2013|work=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=1 October 2013}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| ===Social and humanitarian work===
| |
| In 1999 Rai participated in a world tour called the ''Magnificent Five'', along with [[Aamir Khan]], [[Rani Mukerji]], [[Akshaye Khanna]] and [[Twinkle Khanna]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Magnificent Five |url=http://www.bollywoodconcerts.com/preshowdetails.php?preshow=16 |publisher=Elite Entertainment (bollywoodconcerts.com) |accessdate=14 April 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070407170358/http://www.bollywoodconcerts.com/preshowdetails.php?preshow=16&PHPSESSID=cfece330af4d7fa05e1da089b69738dd |archivedate=7 April 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the same year, she was appointed as [[Longines]] Ambassador of Elegance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.longines.com/personalities/ambassadors/aishwarya-rai-bachchan |title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan |publisher=Longines |date=1 November 1973 |accessdate=9 April 2011 |archivedate=4 April 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404022529/http://www.longines.com/personalities/ambassadors/aishwarya-rai-bachchan |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2003, she became the first Indian actress to be a jury member at the [[Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1013233/Aishwarya-Bachchan |title=Aishwarya Bachchan Rai |accessdate=14 February 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218133507/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1013233/Aishwarya-Bachchan |archivedate=18 February 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the same year she became a global brand ambassador of [[L'Oréal]], alongside [[Andie MacDowell]], [[Eva Longoria]] and [[Penélope Cruz]].<ref name="l'oreal">{{cite news|title=Aishwarya Rai to promote Cinema Verite event |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200905131980.htm |accessdate=18 June 2011 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=13 May 2009 |archivedate=17 May 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090517034804/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200905131980.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Almost White|date=16 February 2004|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?222938|accessdate=18 June 2011|author=Shankar, S.|work=Outlook India|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119212510/http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?222938|archivedate=19 January 2011}}</ref> Rai is the brand ambassador for The Eye Bank Association of India's nationwide campaign to promote [[eye donation]] in India.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-08-24/mumbai/27209558_1_eye-donations-national-eye-donation-fortnight-eye-bank-association|title=Ash appeal fails to boost eye donation drive|accessdate=19 September 2009|work=The Times of India|date=24 August 2003}}</ref> In 2005, she became a brand ambassador for [[Pulse Polio]], a campaign established by the [[Government of India]] in 1994 to eradicate [[Poliomyelitis|polio]] in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4172970.stm|title=Actress Rai backs polio campaign|accessdate=14 February 2009|publisher=BBC News|date=22 August 2005|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090108063406/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4172970.stm|archivedate=8 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, Rai was appointed spokesperson for the [[International Year of Microcredit]], raising awareness of the main goals and priorities of the United Nations' poverty alleviation efforts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yearofmicrocredit.org/pages/whosinvolved/whosinvolved_patronsgroup_aishwarya.asp|title=Whosinvolved|publisher=yearofmicrocredit|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928171542/http://www.yearofmicrocredit.org/pages/whosinvolved/whosinvolved_patronsgroup_aishwarya.asp|archivedate=28 September 2011}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In February 2005 Rai performed with other Bollywood stars at the ''HELP! Telethon Concert'', an event to raise money for the victims of the [[2004 tsunami earthquake]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Bollywood unites to present caring face|date=8 February 2005|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050208/asp/nation/story_4351693.asp|work=The Telegraph|location=Kolkota, India|accessdate=8 February 2006|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118103831/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050208/asp/nation/story_4351693.asp|archivedate=18 January 2012}}</ref> Along with other members of the [[Bachchan family]], she laid the foundation of a special school for underprivileged girls in Daulatpur village in [[Uttar Pradesh]] in 2008. Construction is being funded by the Bachchan family and the school will be named after Rai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21101&z=4 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20120908034350/http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21101&z=4 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 September 2012 |title=Bachchans to build girls school in name of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan |accessdate=20 February 2009 }}</ref> She appeared along with various other Bollywood actors at the closing ceremony of the [[2006 Commonwealth Games]] in Melbourne. The performance showcased Indian culture as a lead-up to India hosting the [[2010 Commonwealth Games]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bollywood's taste of Delhi 2010 |date=26 March 2006 |url=http://www.melbourne2006.com.au/M2006/Homepage+News/20060326+Bollywood+taste+of+Delhi+2010.htm |website=melbourne2006.com |accessdate=22 April 2006 |archivedate=28 April 2006 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060428013808/http://www.melbourne2006.com.au/M2006/Homepage%2BNews/20060326%2BBollywood%2Btaste%2Bof%2BDelhi%2B2010.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| Rai is a UN Microcredit Spokesperson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yearofmicrocredit.org/pages/whyayear/whyayear_learnaboutyear.asp |title=International Year of Microcredit 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126073638/http://www.yearofmicrocredit.org/pages/whyayear/whyayear_learnaboutyear.asp |archive-date=26 November 2012 |work=Yearofmicrocredit.org|date=18 November 2004}}</ref>
| |
| She supports PETA India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/peta |title=PETA: Celebrity Supporters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123031455/http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/peta |date=23 November 2012|work=Look to the Stars|archive-date=18 February 2014}}</ref> She pledged to donate her eyes to the Eye Bank Association of India and appeared in a public awareness film on eye donation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aishwarya-rai-pictures.com/aishwarya-rai-promotes-eye-donation.html |title=Aishwarya Rai Promotes Eye Donation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606215021/http://www.aishwarya-rai-pictures.com/aishwarya-rai-promotes-eye-donation.html |date=6 June 2013 |work=Aishwarya-rai-pictures.com|archive-date=18 February 2014}}</ref> In November 2004, Rai created the Aishwarya Rai Foundation to help needy people in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Rai-Foundation/news/ |title=Rai Foundation: Latest News on Rai Foundation at Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523071009/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Rai-Foundation/news/ |date=23 May 2013|work=The Times of India|archive-date=18 February 2014}}</ref>
| |
| In 2009 Rai was appointed as the first [[Goodwill Ambassador]] of [[Smile Train]], an international charity that provides free [[Cleft lip and palate]] surgery to children in need. Her work with Smile Train will focus not only on India, but on 76 different developing countries around the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/aishwarya-appointed--smile-train--ambassador/535870/|title=Aishwarya appointed 'Smile Train' ambassador|work=The Indian Express|location=India|accessdate=1 November 2009|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121020441/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/aishwarya-appointed--smile-train--ambassador/535870/|archivedate=21 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smiletrainindia.org/about-smile-train/celebrity-support.php |title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appeals for Smile Train |publisher=SmileTrainIndia |archivedate=4 April 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404023423/http://www.smiletrainindia.org/about-smile-train/celebrity-support.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| |
| In September 2012, Rai had joined United Nations Secretary General [[Ban Ki-moon]] and renowned Hollywood actor [[Michael Douglas]] at a ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Peace in New York.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/aishwarya-michael-douglas-at-un-to-mark-international-day-of-peace-270772 |title=Aishwarya, Michael Douglas at UN to mark International Day of Peace |publisher=NDTV |date=22 September 2012 |accessdate=22 September 2012 |archivedate=15 June 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615072822/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/aishwarya-michael-douglas-at-un-to-mark-international-day-of-peace-270772 |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that week, she was appointed as the new international [[Goodwill Ambassador]] for [[UNAIDS]], the joint United Nations programme on AIDS and HIV. She will raise global awareness on protecting children from HIV infection and increasing access to antiretroviral treatment.<ref name=ambassador>{{cite web|title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, being an UN ambassador|url=//www.youtube.com/watch?v=5znGHIQKIXE|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=28 September 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212203036/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5znGHIQKIXE|archivedate=12 February 2013}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| ===Stage performances===
| |
| [[File:Rai performs at the 17th Annual Star Screen Awards 2011.jpg|thumb|right|Rai performing at the 17th Annual [[Star Screen Awards]] (2011)]]
| |
| Rai has taken part in several stage shows and world tours since 2001. Her first world tour, a series of concerts called ''Craze 2001'', was performed across the US alongside [[Anil Kapoor]], [[Aamir Khan]], [[Preity Zinta]] and [[Gracy Singh]]. The show faced early cancellation due to the [[11 September 2001 attacks]], and the team prepared to return to India as soon as possible. However, the shows continued successfully in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/nov2001/whisper.html |title=Tour Stop|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015103635/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/nov2001/whisper.html |archive-date=15 October 2007 |work=Downloads.movies.indiatimes.com|date=15 November 2001}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In 2002, she participated in the show ''From India With Love'' in the UK, along with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta. It took place at two outdoor venues, [[Manchester]]'s [[Old Trafford]] and London's [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]], with over 100,000 spectators.<ref>{{cite news|title=From India with Love|date=30 April 2002|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/breakfast/1959022.stm|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=16 November 2007|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801183641/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/breakfast/1959022.stm|archivedate=1 August 2012}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| Between July to August 2008, Rai, her husband Abhishek Bachchan, her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan, and actors [[Preity Zinta]], [[Ritesh Deshmukh]] and Madhuri Dixit starred in the "Unforgettable World Tour" stage production. The first leg covered the US, Canada, [[Trinidad]], and London, England. Rai is also involved in the functional and administrative operations of her father-in-law's company, originally known as ABCL, and rechristened as AB Corp. Ltd. That company, along with Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., developed the Unforgettable production.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/149172.html|title=Amitabh-Abhishek planning world tour together : India Entertainment|publisher=Earth Times|accessdate=13 November 2008}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=March 2020}}<ref>{{cite news|title=B-Town divas who made it to Cannes|url=http://post.jagran.com/btown-divas-who-made-it-to-cannes-1422442896|accessdate=28 January 2015|website=Post.jagran.com|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131132129/http://post.jagran.com/btown-divas-who-made-it-to-cannes-1422442896|archivedate=31 January 2015}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| ==Personal life==
| |
| In 1999, Rai began dating Bollywood actor [[Salman Khan]]; their relationship was often reported in the media until the couple separated in 2002. Rai cited "abuse (verbal, physical and emotional), infidelity and indignity" on the part of Khan as reasons for ending the relationship.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=20315|title=Salman Khan chapter was a nightmare in my life: Aishwarya Rai|accessdate=19 September 2009|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120221547/http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=20315|archivedate=20 January 2012}}</ref>
| |
| [[File:Abhishek and Aishwarya in Bengal.jpg|thumb|left|Rai with her husband [[Abhishek Bachchan]] in 2010|233x233px]]
| |
| Though they both appeared in ''[[Dhai Akshar Prem Ke]]'' (in which her then longtime boyfriend, Salman Khan, had a brief cameo) and ''[[Kuch Naa Kaho]]'', Abhishek Bachchan fell in love with Rai whilst filming ''[[Dhoom 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Abhishek details his love story with Aishwarya |url=http://www.sawfnews.com/Bollywood/40440.aspx |accessdate=25 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126152659/http://www.sawfnews.com/bollywood/40440.aspx |archivedate=26 January 2012 }}</ref> Their engagement was announced on {{Nowrap|14 January}} 2007 and later confirmed by his father, [[Amitabh Bachchan]].<ref name=engaged>{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Harneet|title=It was sudden...but this is the 21st century, one must be prepared|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/it-was-sudden...but-this-is-the-21st-centur/21032/|accessdate=16 June 2011|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=16 January 2007}}</ref> The couple married on 20 April 2007 according to traditional Hindu rites of the [[Bunt (community)|Bunt community]], to which she belongs.<ref name="marriage" /> Token [[North Indian]] and [[Bengali people|Bengali]] ceremonies were also performed. The wedding took place in a private ceremony at the Bachchan residence, "Prateeksha", in [[Juhu]], Mumbai.<ref name="marriage">{{cite web |title=Abhishek arrives on horseback for wedding |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/apr/20wed.htm |publisher=Rediff |accessdate=16 June 2011 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511013558/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/apr/20wed.htm |archivedate=11 May 2011}}</ref> They have been described in the Indian media as a [[supercouple]].<ref>{{cite news |title=It's London in spring time! |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bombay-times/Its-London-in-spring-time/articleshow/1858526.cms |accessdate=19 September 2009 |date=4 April 2007 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015161913/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bombay-times/its-london-in-spring-time/articleshow/1858526.cms |archivedate=15 October 2013}}</ref><ref name=hi>{{cite news|title=I didn't chicken out of Dostana, says Saif Ali Khan |url=http://www.hindu.com/holnus/009200908011821.htm |accessdate=19 September 2009 |location=Chennai, India |work=The Hindu |date=1 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007033725/http://www.hindu.com/holnus/009200908011821.htm |archivedate=7 October 2013 }}</ref> Rai is very close to her family, and lived with them in [[Bandra]], Mumbai, until her marriage.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/News/Why-did-Aishwarya-dump-Vivek/articleshow/msid-1395761,curpg-6.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826170715/http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/News/Why-did-Aishwarya-dump-Vivek/articleshow/msid-1395761%2Ccurpg-6.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 August 2009 |title=Why did Aishwarya dump Vivek? |accessdate=19 August 2009 |work=The Times of India }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.rediff.com/movies/2007/apr/18ash.htm|title=The buzz outside Ash's house|accessdate=19 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=85796|title=The name's Bachchan, Aishwarya Bachchan!|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=1 May 2007|accessdate=20 November 2008|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114034411/http://www.expressindia.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=85796|archivedate=14 January 2009}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| Rai is [[Hindu]] and deeply religious.<ref name=mostbeauti/> Her international presence shot up when [[Abhishek Bachchan]] accompanied her to the [[Cannes Film festival|Cannes Film Festival]] shortly after their marriage, and later to ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'', appearing on 28 September 2009.<ref name="Rediff">{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/sep/30/ash-abhishek-on-oprah.htm|title=Ash-Abhishek to Oprah: Living with parents natural |work=Rediff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502070414/http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/sep/30/ash-abhishek-on-oprah.htm |archive-date=2 May 2013 |date=30 September 2009}}</ref> They were described as being more famous as a couple than [[Brangelina]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/oprah-calls-abhishek-aishwarya-more-famous-than-brangelina_42269.htm|title=Abhishek kisses Aishwarya on Oprah Winfrey's show|publisher=Zee News|accessdate=11 June 2013|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812004800/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/oprah-calls-abhishek-aishwarya-more-famous-than-brangelina_42269.htm|archivedate=12 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bombay-times/Its-London-in-spring-time/articleshow/1858526.cms|title=It's London in spring time!|work=The Times of India|date=4 April 2007|accessdate=19 January 2013|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015161913/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bombay-times/its-london-in-spring-time/articleshow/1858526.cms|archivedate=15 October 2013}}</ref><ref name=hi />
| |
|
| |
| Rai gave birth to a girl, Aaradhya, on 16 November 2011.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/PIC-Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan-takes-Aaradhya-out-for-a-stroll-in-London/photostory/53280791.cms|title=Aishwarya Rai takes Aradhya Bacchan for a stroll in London|publisher=The Times Of India|date=20 April 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803015917/http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/PIC-Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan-takes-Aaradhya-out-for-a-stroll-in-London/photostory/53280791.cms|archivedate=3 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bachchan baby gets a name!|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/bachchan-baby-gets-a-name/20120314.htm|publisher=Rediff|accessdate=14 March 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317063445/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/bachchan-baby-gets-a-name/20120314.htm|archivedate=17 March 2012}}</ref> Rai is commonly referred to by fans and the media by the nicknames "Ash" and "Aish", but has stated that she dislikes being called as such. She has discouraged people from referring to her by names other than "Aishwarya" as she does not want to "spoil [her] good name".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aishwarya-doesnt-want-to-spoil-her-good-name/1/116077.html | title=Aishwarya doesn't want to spoil her 'good' name | work=India Today | date=12 October 2010 | accessdate=13 July 2016 | url-status=live | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818064855/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aishwarya-doesnt-want-to-spoil-her-good-name/1/116077.html | archivedate=18 August 2016 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| On 12 July 2020, Rai and her daughter were reported to have tested positive for [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite news|date=12 July 2020|title=Aishwarya Ria Bachchan tests positive as Covid-19 hits Bollywood's first family|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/12/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-india-actor-amitabh|work=The Guardian|location=Mumbai|publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]|publication-place=London|access-date=18 July 2020}}</ref> On 17 July, they were reported to have been hospitalized.<ref>{{cite news|date=17 July 2020|title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Indian actress taken to hospital with Covid-19|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53452307|publisher=BBC News|access-date=18 July 2020}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| ==In the media==
| |
| [[File:Aishwarya Rai Cannes 2014.jpg|thumb|Rai in 2014. Her [[Eye color#Blue|blue]]/[[Green-eyed|green]] eyes have been identified as a trademark by the Indian media.|230x230px]]
| |
| Rai Bachchan is one of the most popular Bollywood celebrities.<ref name="Aish Life"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article861368.ece |title=At 37, Aishwarya is a director's delight |work=The Hindu |accessdate=31 October 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101101143604/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article861368.ece |archivedate=1 November 2010 |date=31 October 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ndtv>{{cite web |url=http://goodtimes.ndtv.com/News_Details.aspx?SubcatDetails=Features,764 |title=I choose to give my best |publisher=NDTV Good Times |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020081553/http://goodtimes.ndtv.com/News_Details.aspx?SubcatDetails=Features,764 |archivedate=20 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan-A-charismatic-persona/articleshow/15044299.cms?referral=PM |title=Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan: A charismatic persona |author=Haimanti Mukherjee |work=The Times of India |accessdate=20 July 2012 |date=20 July 2012 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908194629/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan-A-charismatic-persona/articleshow/15044299.cms?referral=PM |archivedate=8 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/top-10-most-searched-bollywood-celebrity-in-the-world/1/8777.html#photo3|title=Top 10 most searched Bollywood celebrities|publisher=India Today|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119233316/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/top-10-most-searched-bollywood-celebrity-in-the-world/1/8777.html#photo3|archivedate=19 November 2016}}</ref> Despite constant media speculation, she keeps her personal life well-guarded.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/features/2012/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-media-shahrukh-khan-230212.html |title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan or Shahrukh Khan – Who handles the media better? |author=Smitha Nambiar |publisher=Oneindia |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513105351/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/features/2012/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-media-shahrukh-khan-230212.html |archivedate=13 May 2013}}</ref> Her physical appearance and performances have made her a style icon for young women.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/10/14/stories/2002101401020300.htm |title=Invoking the goddess of style |author=ARCHANA NANDAL |work=The Hindu |accessdate=14 October 2002 |date=14 October 2002 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030701120616/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/10/14/stories/2002101401020300.htm|archivedate=1 July 2003}}</ref> In 2011, ''India Today'' noted that there were over 17,000 websites dedicated to her.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.in/womansummit/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&issueid=34&id=2679§ionid=1&Itemid=1&secid=0 |title=India Today Woman Summit & Awards 2010: Citations of Award Winners |work=India Today |date=21 July 2011 |archivedate=21 July 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721162707/http://indiatoday.in/womansummit/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&issueid=34&id=2679§ionid=1&Itemid=1&secid=0 |url-status=live}}</ref> She was selected by ''[[Verve (Indian magazine)|Verve]]'' magazine in its list of the country's most powerful women.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.verveonline.com/62/people/powerwomen.shtml |title=Verve’s 50 Power Women 2008 |publisher=Verve |accessdate=6 June 2008 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501150401/http://www.verveonline.com/62/people/powerwomen.shtml |archivedate=1 May 2012}}</ref> In 2001, ''[[Forbes]]'' named Rai among the top five Indian movie stars.<ref name=forbes>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/2001/03/09/0309bollywood.html|title=India's Celebrity Film Stars |work=Forbes |accessdate=3 September 2001 |date=9 March 2001 |first=Todd |last=Jatras |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220031815/http://www.forbes.com/2001/03/09/0309bollywood.html |archivedate=20 February 2017}}</ref> In a reader poll conducted by UK's ''[[Hello magazine|Hello!]]'' magazine, she was voted "the most attractive woman of 2003".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/specials/women03/pagina_1_1.html |title=Aishwarya Rai |work=[[Hello (magazine)|Hello]] |accessdate=9 April 2011 |archivedate=26 June 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110626031912/http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/specials/women03/pagina_1_1.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, Rai appeared in ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine's annual "Hot List".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/10/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main672996.shtml|publisher=[[CBS News]]|title=Introducing Aishwarya Rai|date=10 February 2005|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629033036/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/10/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main672996.shtml|archivedate=29 June 2011}}</ref> In 2004, she was chosen by ''Time'' as one of the world's most influential people, and appeared on the cover of its 2003 Asia edition.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/501031027/int_rai.html|title= The Leading Lady|accessdate= 5 January 2009|last= Perry|first= Alex|date= 20 October 2003|work= [[Time (magazine)|Time Asia]]|url-status=live|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081224060304/http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/501031027/int_rai.html|archivedate= 24 December 2008|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/2004/time100/artists/100rai.html|title=Aishwarya Rai|accessdate=5 January 2009|last=Perry|first=Alex|date=18 April 2004|work=Time|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113161028/http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/2004/time100/artists/100rai.html|archivedate=13 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aishwarya-rai-pictures.com/aishwarya-rai-is-100-most-influential.html |title=Aishwarya Rai is 100 most influential people |website=Aishwarya-rai-pictures.com |accessdate=14 February 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205074508/http://www.aishwarya-rai-pictures.com/aishwarya-rai-is-100-most-influential.html |archivedate=5 February 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| Rai is the first Indian actress to be on the jury of the Cannes International Film Festival.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2003-04-09/news/27557836_1_aishwarya-rai-cannes-film-festival-special-screening|work=The Economic Times|title=IAishwarya on jury of Cannes Film Festival|date=9 April 2003}}</ref> In October 2004 a wax figure of Rai was put on display in London's [[Madame Tussaud's]] [[wax museum]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3706834.stm|title=Bollywood goddess waxes beautiful|publisher=BBC News|first=Neil|last=Arun|date=1 October 2004|accessdate=27 October 2008|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201012608/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3706834.stm|archivedate=1 February 2009}}</ref> She was the sixth Indian and the second Bollywood personality—after her father-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan—to get this honour. In 2007, the same figure was displayed at Madame Tussaud's Museum in [[Times Square]] in New York.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ash stops traffic in Times Square|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/16slide1.htm|publisher=Rediff.com|accessdate=15 June 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022205222/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/16slide1.htm|archivedate=22 October 2011}}</ref> As her most distinctive physical features, Rai's green-blue eyes, luscious lips, curves and feminine mannerisms have been cited by the media as her trademark.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.askmen.com/celebs/women/models_150/169_aishwarya_rai.html|title=Top 99 Women-Aishwarya Rai|publisher=Askmen|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829025627/http://www.askmen.com/celebs/women/models_150/169_aishwarya_rai.html|archivedate=29 August 2012|access-date=12 September 2012}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In 2005, she was the subject of a ''[[60 Minutes]]'' profile on {{Nowrap|2 January}}, which said that "at least according to thousands of Web sites, Internet polls and even Julia Roberts", she was "the world's most beautiful woman".<ref name=mostbeauti/> The same year, a [[tulip]] in the Netherlands was named "''Aishwarya Rai''" after her.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20050610-4.html |title=Holland tulip named after Aishwarya |accessdate=12 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090313045256/http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20050610-4.html |archivedate=13 March 2009 }}</ref> Also in 2005, [[Mattel]] released a limited edition of [[Barbie]] dolls of Rai in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/slideshow_world-s-50-most-desirable-women_1224380-48#top|title=World's 50 Most Desirable Women – DNA|work=Daily News and Analysis|date=23 January 2009|accessdate=22 April 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113141529/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/slideshow_world-s-50-most-desirable-women_1224380-48#top|archivedate=13 January 2012}}</ref> The British magazine ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'' ranked Rai first on their list of "Hottest Women of India".
| |
|
| |
| Rai appeared on such shows as ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'', and was the first Bollywood personality to appear on ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show|Oprah's]]'' "Women Across the Globe" segment. In 2005 [[Harpers and Queen]]'s list of "Most Beautiful Women in The World" ranked her ninth.<ref name="The most beautiful women">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article528553.ece|title=The most beautiful women?|accessdate=12 June 2011|work=The Times|location=UK|first1=Tom|last1=Coghlan|first2=Laura|last2=Pitel|first3=Sadie|last3=Gray|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601082956/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article528553.ece|archivedate=1 June 2010}}</ref> In May 2006, Rai was featured in ''[[People Magazine]]'' as one of the "World's Most Beautiful People".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20059622,00.html|title=Beauties Around the Globe|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=8 May 2006|accessdate=9 April 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110330080806/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20059622,00.html|archivedate=30 March 2011}}</ref> The UK magazine ''[[Eastern Eye (newspaper)|Eastern Eye]]'' ranked her third in the list of "Asia's Sexiest Women" in 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/20sld3.htm|title=rediff.com: Asia's sexiest women|publisher=Rediff|date=20 September 2006|accessdate=9 April 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715165332/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/sep/20sld3.htm|archivedate=15 July 2011}}</ref> and she was ranked eighth in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Katrina-Kaif-is-world-s-sexiest-Asian-woman/Article1-485483.aspx |title=world's sexiest Asian woman |work=Hindustan Times |accessdate=11 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220003214/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Katrina-Kaif-is-world-s-sexiest-Asian-woman/Article1-485483.aspx |archivedate=20 December 2010 }}</ref> In 2008, American television channel [[E!|E!: Entertainment]] listed Rai's eyes as the sexiest on their Sexiest Body Parts list.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Aishwarya-Rai-s-eyes-voted-the-sexiest/Article1-346621.aspx |title=Aishwarya Rai's eyes voted the 'sexiest' |work=Hindustan Times |location=India |accessdate=23 October 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110702082758/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Aishwarya-Rai-s-eyes-voted-the-sexiest/Article1-346621.aspx |archivedate=2 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2009, she made appearances on [[Martha Stewart]]'s show ''[[Martha (TV series)|Martha]]'' and on ''[[The Tyra Banks Show]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.locatetv.com/tv/tyra-show/season-1/6081355|title=Tyra Banks Show|accessdate=19 September 2009|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426002915/http://www.locatetv.com/tv/tyra-show/season-1/6081355|archivedate=26 April 2010}}</ref> In the same year ''[[Forbes]]'' listed Rai at 387th out of 1,411 actors on their list of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. She is the highest-ranked Indian actor on the list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://star-currency.forbes.com/celebrity/aishwarya-rai-bachchan |title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Star Currency — Forbes.com |publisher=[[Star Currency]] |date=1 November 1973 |accessdate=10 August 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711015635/http://star-currency.forbes.com/celebrity/aishwarya-rai-bachchan |archivedate=11 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/gallerydetails.aspx?id=3513&category=Movies&picno=1§ion=Bollywood |title=Ash beats the Khans |publisher=Movies.ndtv.com |accessdate=9 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714162621/http://movies.ndtv.com/gallerydetails.aspx?id=3513&category=Movies&picno=1§ion=Bollywood |archivedate=14 July 2011 }}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| In a poll conducted by the newspaper ''Daily News and Analysis'' in 2009, she was voted as one of India's most popular icons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_sach-a-icon_1311240|title=Sach-a icon|author=Suparna Thombare|publisher=DNA|accessdate=13 November 2009|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091116093720/http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_sach-a-icon_1311240|archivedate=16 November 2009}}</ref> She attended the [[83rd Academy Awards]], along with her husband, Abhishek.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Ashs-dress-over-Mallika-at-Oscars/articleshow/7601413.cms|title=Ash's dress over Mallika at Oscars|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|author=Prabhakar, Jyothi|date=2 February 2011|accessdate=2 February 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820092618/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Ashs-dress-over-Mallika-at-Oscars/articleshow/7601413.cms|archivedate=20 August 2014}}</ref> Rai with her husband [[Abhishek Bachchan]] appeared on ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' on 28 September 2009. She is the first Indian celebrity who appeared in ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' twice.<ref name="Rediff"/> They have been described as a supercouple in the Indian media.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1858526.cms |title=It's London in spring time! – The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106001818/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1858526.cms |archive-date=6 November 2012|work=The Times of India|date=4 April 2007}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| She ranked 2nd in ''[[The Times of India]]''{{'}}s 50 most desirable women of 2010,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-09/news-interviews/28375785_1_nicole-faria-vidya-balan-preity-zinta|title=Times 50 Most Desirable Women|work=The Times of India|accessdate=9 January 2011|date=9 January 2011|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20120701172424/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-09/news-interviews/28375785_1_nicole-faria-vidya-balan-preity-zinta|archivedate=1 July 2012}}</ref> and ranked 9th for 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-04/news-interviews/31024491_1_video-trisha-krishnan-ankita-shorey|title=Times 50 Most Desirable Women of 2011 : The Winners|work=The Times of India|accessdate=4 February 2012|date=4 February 2012}}</ref> In 2011, she has received a lot of negative publicity for failing to lose her post-pregnancy weight as is apparently "required" of a public figure. However, she silenced her critics by walking the red carpet at the "AmfAR Cinema Against Aids" gala in [[2012 Cannes Film Festival]] for the 11th time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Specials/Entertainment/Cannes2012/Chunk-HT-UI-Cannes2012-IndiaConnect/Aishwarya-sizzles-at-Cannes-proves-critics-wrong/SP-Article10-860949.aspx |title=Aishwarya sizzles at Cannes, proves critics wrong |work=Hindustan Times |accessdate=25 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525172903/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Specials/Entertainment/Cannes2012/Chunk-HT-UI-Cannes2012-IndiaConnect/Aishwarya-sizzles-at-Cannes-proves-critics-wrong/SP-Article10-860949.aspx |archivedate=25 May 2012 }}</ref> Later that year, Rai has made it to the issue of ''[[New York (magazine)|New York Magazine]]'''s list of "Forty Women That Women Find Beautiful", where she grabbed the 21st position in the list, with New York Magazine saying "She may be the "world's most beautiful woman," but what we really love is that she never feels fragile onscreen,".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/thecut/2012/08/45-women-who-women-find-beautiful.html#slideshow=/slideshows/2012/08/09/women_women_love.slideshow.json.slideshow.json|title=40 Women That Women Find Beautiful|publisher=The Cut – New York Magazine|accessdate=31 August 2012|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901022340/http://nymag.com/thecut/2012/08/45-women-who-women-find-beautiful.html#slideshow=/slideshows/2012/08/09/women_women_love.slideshow.json.slideshow.json|archivedate=1 September 2012}}</ref> The market research firm [[YouGov]] named Rai the world's eleventh most admired person of 2018.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=22 January 2019|title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone among ‘World’s Most Admired People 2018’|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-priyanka-chopra-deepika-padukone-among-worlds-most-admired-people-2018-list-5134913/|date=12 April 2018}}</ref>
| |
|
| |
| ==Accolades==
| |
| {{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Aishwarya Rai}}
| |
| Rai has received ten [[Filmfare Award]] nominations, and has won two [[Filmfare Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] trophies for ''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'' (1999) and ''Devdas'' (2002).<ref name=filmfareawards/><ref name=HT>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/OVER-THE-YEARS-Ash-good-as-it-can-get/Article1-930831.aspx |title=OVER THE YEARS: Ash good as it can get |author=Neha Sharma |work=Hindustan Times |accessdate=16 September 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918121747/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/OVER-THE-YEARS-Ash-good-as-it-can-get/Article1-930831.aspx |archivedate=18 September 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/ |archive-url=https://archive.is/20120708102013/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 July 2012 |title=The 51st Filmfare Awards |work=The Times of India |accessdate=1 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/women07/2007/mar/06wslid2.htm|title=Bollywood's best actresses. Ever|publisher=Rediff|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021222643/http://specials.rediff.com/women07/2007/mar/06wslid2.htm|archivedate=21 October 2012}}</ref> In 2009, she was awarded the [[Padma Shri]], the fourth-highest Indian civilian award, by the [[Government of India]] for her contributions to the arts.<ref name="IANS">{{cite news|work=Hindustan Times |location=India |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/Why-Aaradhya-cried-on-Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan-s-39th-birthday/Article1-953808.aspx |title=Why Aaradhya cried on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's 39th birthday |accessdate=2 November 2012 |date=2 November 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102141750/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/Why-Aaradhya-cried-on-Aishwarya-Rai-Bachchan-s-39th-birthday/Article1-953808.aspx |archivedate=2 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200901260321.htm |title=Aishwarya, Akshay, Helen in Padma Shri list |accessdate=26 January 2009 |work=The Hindu |date=26 January 2009 |location=Chennai, India |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203082620/http://hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200901260321.htm |archivedate=3 February 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012, she was awarded the [[Ordre des Arts et des Lettres]] (Chevalier), a national [[Orders, decorations, and medals of France|order of France]].<ref name="IANS"/>
| |
|
| |
| ==See also==
| |
| {{Portal|Bollywood}}
| |
| * [[List of Bollywood actresses]]
| |
| * [[List of Indian film actresses]]
| |
|
| |
|
| ==References== | | ==References== |
| {{Reflist|30em}} | | {{reflist}} |
| | |
| ==Further reading==
| |
| {{refbegin}}
| |
| * {{Cite book|author=Ghosh, Biswadeep|title=''Hall of Fame: Aishwarya Rai''|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tChlAAAAMAAJ&q=aishwarya+rai&dq=aishwarya+rai|publisher=Magna Books |location=Mumbai|year=2004|isbn=978-81-7809-244-7}}
| |
| * {{cite news|author=Gitanjali Roy|title=Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: World's envy, India's pride|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/people/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-world-s-envy-india-s-pride-440241|publisher=NDTV.com|date=1 November 2013}}
| |
| * {{cite news|author=David Lagachu|title=Why Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Is The Biggest Female Star Of India?|url=http://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/why-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-is-the-biggest-female-star-of-india|publisher=Koimoi.com|date=2 February 2014}}
| |
| {{refend}}
| |
| | |
| ==External links==
| |
| {{commons category|Aishwarya Rai}}
| |
| * {{IMDb name|706787}}
| |
| * {{Instagram|aishwaryaraibachchan_arb}}
| |
| <!--
| |
| ATTENTION LINKERS: We all know how many great pictures there are of Ash on 97% of all websites on the Internet, and that 3% of the remaining websites have lists to those websites. However, this is not the place for yet another list of fanpic websites. PLEASE DO ''not'' ADD A FAN WEBSITE. IT WILL BE REMOVED. Quickly. Same goes for any website that does not have as good a reason to be here as the sparse two that we already have. Please copy and paste "Wikipedia:External links" into your search box and learn about our policy. We would love for you to come back and make constructive contributions. Thank you. -->
| |
| {{s-start}}
| |
| {{s-ach}}
| |
| {{succession box|before=Karminder Kaur-Virk|title=[[Femina Miss India]]|years=1994|after=Preeti Mankotia}}
| |
| {{succession box|before={{flagicon|PHI}} [[Ruffa Gutierrez]]|title={{nowrap|[[List of Miss World Continental Queen of Beauty winners#1990-2004; 2007-2012|Miss World Asia & Oceania]]}}|years=[[Miss World 1994#Continental Queens|1994]]|after={{flagicon|South Korea|name=Korea}} Choi Yoon-young}}
| |
| {{S-end}}
| |
| {{Navboxes
| |
| | title = Awards and titles for Aishwarya Rai
| |
| | list =
| |
| {{Miss World titleholders}}
| |
| {{Miss World 1994 delegates}}
| |
| {{Miss World Continental Queen of Beauty Titleholders
| |
| | Year = [[Miss World 1994#Continental Queens|1994]]
| |
| | Miss World Americas = {{flagicon|VEN}} [[Irene Ferreira]]
| |
| | Miss World Africa = {{flagicon|RSA}} [[Basetsana Kumalo|Basetsana Makgalemele]]
| |
| | Miss World Asia-Pacific = {{flagicon|IND}} '''Aishwarya Rai'''
| |
| | Miss World Caribbean = {{flagicon|CAY}} Anita Bush
| |
| | Miss World Europe = {{flagicon|CRO}} Branka Bebić
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
| |
| {{Miss India winners in the Grand Slam pageants}}
| |
| {{FilmfareAwardBestActress}}
| |
| {{IIFAAwardBestActress}}
| |
| {{ScreenAwardBestActress}}
| |
| {{ScreenAwardBestFemaleDebut}}
| |
| {{StardustAwardBestActress}}
| |
| {{StardustAwardFemaleActor}}
| |
| {{ZeeCineAwardBestActorFemale}}
| |
| }}
| |
| {{Dhoom series}}
| |
| | |
| {{Authority control}}
| |
|
| |
|
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Rai, Aishwarya}}
| |
| [[Category:1973 births]] | | [[Category:1973 births]] |
| [[Category:Living people]]
| | [[Category:Indian movie actors]] |
| [[Category:Femina Miss India winners]]
| | [[Category:Indian models]] |
| [[Category:Indian beauty pageant winners]] | |
| [[Category:Indian film actresses]] | |
| [[Category:Indian Hindus]]
| |
| [[Category:Miss World 1994 delegates]]
| |
| [[Category:Miss World winners]] | | [[Category:Miss World winners]] |
| [[Category:Officiers of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres]]
| |
| [[Category:Tulu people]]
| |
| [[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
| |
| [[Category:University of Mumbai alumni]]
| |
| [[Category:Actresses in Tamil cinema]]
| |
| [[Category:Actresses from Mumbai]]
| |
| [[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
| |
| [[Category:20th-century Indian actresses]]
| |
| [[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]
| |
| [[Category:Zee Cine Awards winners]]
| |
| [[Category:Actresses from Mangalore]]
| |
| [[Category:Kalarippayattu practitioners]]
| |
| [[Category:Indian female martial artists]]
| |
| [[Category:Female models from Karnataka]]
| |
| [[Category:Bachchan family]]
| |
| [[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
| |
.svg)