Aishwarya Rai’s Alleged Past Relationships: From Bollywood Icons to Global Entrepreneurs

Before marrying Abhishek Bachchan, the former Miss World was romantically linked to several prominent men—some of whom may surprise you

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, one of India’s most celebrated actresses and the Miss World 1994 titleholder, is now a part of Bollywood’s most prestigious family through her marriage to actor Abhishek Bachchan. The couple tied the knot in April 2007 after a two-year courtship and have a daughter, Aaradhya. While Aishwarya is admired today for her grace, talent, and dignified presence, her personal life has often made headlines especially her rumored relationships before marriage.

Here’s a closer look at the men Aishwarya was reportedly linked with over the years:

1. Salman Khan

Aishwarya’s most widely reported and controversial relationship was with superstar Salman Khan. The two fell in love during the making of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999). While their on-screen chemistry was adored by fans, their off-screen relationship ended on a turbulent note. In a rare public statement post-breakup, Aishwarya accused Salman of emotional abuse and intrusion into her professional life, including disrupting film shoots.

2. Vivek Oberoi

Post her breakup with Salman, Aishwarya was linked with actor Vivek Oberoi. Their relationship came into the spotlight after Vivek held a sensational press conference in 2003, alleging that Salman Khan had threatened him for dating Aishwarya. Though Vivek stood by Aishwarya during that period, their relationship eventually ended quietly, with Aishwarya choosing not to speak publicly about the matter.

3. Rajeev Mulchandani

Before entering films, Aishwarya reportedly dated model Rajeev Mulchandani during her early modeling days. Their friendship turned into a relationship, according to industry insiders, though it didn’t last. Rajeev later went on to date actress Manisha Koirala, sparking a minor media buzz in the 90s.

4. Martin Henderson
A surprising name on the list is New Zealand actor Martin Henderson, known internationally for films like The Ring and Bride and Prejudice. Aishwarya and Martin starred together in Gurinder Chadha’s Bride and Prejudice (2004), and rumors of a romance began circulating, especially given their off-screen camaraderie. However, neither party ever confirmed the speculation.

5. Sabir Bhatia

Another lesser-known but striking name is Sabir Bhatia, the Indian-American tech entrepreneur who co-founded Hotmail and later sold it to Microsoft. Media reports in the early 2000s claimed that Sabir was deeply interested in marrying Aishwarya. While there was no official confirmation, the buzz around this cross-industry pairing captured public attention for a brief time.

6. Hemant Trivedi (Industry Rumor)
Fashion designer Hemant Trivedi, who styled Aishwarya during her Miss World campaign, was also rumored to have been close to the actress. The speculation around their connection was brief and never substantiated with public appearances or comments, but it has often been mentioned in gossip columns from the era.

7. Hrithik Roshan (Speculative Buzz)

Though never romantically linked officially, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya’s chemistry in Dhoom 2 (2006), particularly a bold kissing scene, led to immense media speculation. However, both actors dismissed rumors and maintained that they were co-stars and friends.

Present Day: A Life of Grace and Privacy

Since marrying Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya has chosen to keep her personal life low-key, focusing on family, selected film projects, and philanthropic work. Her journey from Miss World to becoming one of Bollywood’s most admired figures is marked not just by professional milestones but also by the grace with which she has handled personal controversies.

While many of the relationships listed above remain part of unconfirmed speculation and tabloid reporting, they reflect the intense scrutiny Aishwarya has endured as a public figure and how she has risen above it with dignity.