Why did Aishwarya Rai turn down 'Raja Hindustani'?

Aishwarya Rai was offered the lead role in the 1996 Bollywood film 'Raja Hindustani', but she declined the opportunity to focus on her pageantry journey instead.

What was the impact of Aishwarya Rai's decision to not star in 'Raja Hindustani'?

Aishwarya Rai's decision to turn down 'Raja Hindustani' proved to be a pivotal moment in her early career, as the film went on to become one of the biggest Bollywood hits of the 1990s.

What other films has Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has appeared in a long list of iconic Bollywood films, including 'Taal', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', and 'Raincoat', cementing her status as one of the most talented and celebrated actresses in the industry.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Aishwarya Rai Turned Down Blockbuster 'Raja Hindustani' in the 90s

Aishwarya Rai Turned Down Blockbuster 'Raja Hindustani' in the 90s

4 Nov

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Summary

Aishwarya Rai was first choice for 'Raja Hindustani'
She declined the role to focus on pageantry
Decision changed the course of her early career

Aishwarya Rai Turned Down Blockbuster 'Raja Hindustani' in the 90s

In 2025, Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is preparing to celebrate her birthday, but it's a decision she made nearly 30 years ago that continues to intrigue her fans. Back in the mid-1990s, Aishwarya was already a hot favorite among filmmakers, receiving multiple offers even before she participated in any pageant. One such project she was approached for was the 1996 blockbuster 'Raja Hindustani', directed by Dharmesh Darshan and starring Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor.

Aishwarya, however, declined the offer, choosing instead to focus on her journey in the world of pageantry. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in her career, as 'Raja Hindustani' went on to become one of the biggest hits of the decade. Years later, in 2025, Darshan confirmed that Aishwarya was his original choice for the lead role, but she had to leave for the Miss World competition.