There was a time when Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s on-screen chemistry had their fans hooked. The duo has collaborated on some blockbuster movies like Mohabbatein, Devdas and Josh. But there came a time in their professional lives when a snag due to personal issues led to Shah Rukh Khan dropping Aishwarya Rai as his leading lady from not one but five films.

Aishwarya Rai admitted this in an interview with Simi Garewal; The actress claimed that Shah Rukh Khan removed her as the leading lady from nearly five films, including Veer Zaara and Chalte Chalte. When asked the reason, Aishwarya Rai said: “How can I get an answer to this? Yes, at that time there were talks of a few films in which we would work together. And then suddenly they didn’t happen. I never got an answer as to the reason for this, without any explanation.”

When Simi Garewal asked Aishwarya Rai about her feelings about being replaced, she said: “Look, when you have no explanation, you’re obviously completely surprised, confused and hurt. You’re wondering about it.”

However, Aishwarya Rai admitted that she never asked Shah Rukh Khan about the reason behind it. “This is not in my nature. If a person feels the need to explain it, he will do it. If he has never explained it, he never intends to. So it is not in my nature to question what and why. Probably within myself, but I don’t go to anyone and ask why. With God’s permission, I am not defined by anyone else.” ” he said.

Simi Garewal also stated that she expressed her regret to Aishwarya Rai about Shah Rukh Khan interfering in her personal life and said: “I don’t have an answer to that. It wasn’t my decision not to do the films.”

In an interview with India Today in 2003, Shah Rukh Khan said: “It is very difficult to start a project with someone and then change them through no fault of their own. It is very sad that Ash is a good friend. Personally, I think I did it wrong. But the producer “As a matter of fact, it made sense to apologize to Ash.”

Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan were last seen in the 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Directed by Karan Johar, the film featured Shah Rukh Khan in a guest appearance as Aishwarya Rai’s ex-husband.

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