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.

Despite the missed opportunity, Aishwarya's career has been nothing short of remarkable. She made her Bollywood debut in 1994 with 'Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya' and has since starred in a long list of iconic films, from 'Taal' to 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' to 'Raincoat'. While fans may wonder what could have been, Aishwarya's decision to prioritize her pageantry journey has undoubtedly shaped her into the celebrated actress she is today.