History of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Timeline
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a highly acclaimed Indian actress known for her work in Hindi and Tamil cinema. Her career skyrocketed after winning the Miss World 1994 pageant, propelling her to become one of India's most influential celebrities. Rai's exceptional acting has earned her numerous awards, including two Filmfare Awards. Her global recognition is evident through accolades like being named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2004, receiving the Padma Shri from the Indian government in 2009, and the Order of Arts and Letters from France in 2012. She was frequently lauded as "the most beautiful woman in the world" by media during the 2000s and 2010s.
1905: Publication of Umrao Jaan Ada
Mirza Hadi Ruswa's Urdu novel "Umrao Jaan Ada", about a courtesan in 19th-century Lucknow, was published. This novel would later be adapted into films, including a 2006 version starring Aishwarya Rai.
November 1973: Birth of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was born in November 1973 in Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
1981: Release of the First Film Adaptation of Umrao Jaan Ada
The first film adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa's "Umrao Jaan Ada" was released in 1981. This adaptation starred Rekha in the titular role and set a precedent for later adaptations, including the 2006 version starring Aishwarya Rai.
1991: Aishwarya Rai's early modeling success
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's journey in the world of modeling and entertainment began in 1991 when she won an international supermodel contest, leading to her appearance in Vogue magazine.
1993: Aishwarya Rai's breakout Pepsi commercial
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gained significant public recognition in 1993 for her appearance in a popular Pepsi commercial, marking her early entry into the spotlight.
1994: Aishwarya Rai's Miss India pageant success
In 1994, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan participated in the Miss India pageant, securing the title of Miss India World, along with other awards, further solidifying her presence in the world of modeling and pageantry.
1994: Aishwarya Rai wins Miss World
In 1994, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan won the Miss World pageant, marking the beginning of her rise to fame.
1997: Aishwarya Rai's acting debut
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam's Tamil film "Iruvar" in 1997, marking the beginning of her film career. That same year, she also appeared in her debut Bollywood film, "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya".
1997: Aishwarya Rai's Debut Performances in "Iruvar" and "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya"
In 1997, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam's critically acclaimed Tamil film "Iruvar," showcasing her talent to a wider audience. The same year, she transitioned to Bollywood with her debut in "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya," a romantic comedy.
1998: Aishwarya Rai stars in "Jeans," India's official entry to the Academy Awards
In 1998, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in "Jeans," a big-budget Tamil romantic drama directed by S. Shankar, which became a commercial success. "Jeans" was also submitted as India's official entry for the Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone in her career.
1998: Aishwarya Rai stars in commercially successful Tamil film 'Jeans'
In 1998, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in the Tamil romantic drama "Jeans," which became a commercial success and brought her critical acclaim for her acting and dancing skills.
1999: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Praise for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Expressive Eyes
In 1999, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his collaborations with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in films like "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam," praised her captivating eyes and ability to convey emotions through them. He highlighted their captivating quality, saying, "There's something in her eyes. That's the most important aspect of her beauty. They are not 'normal'. They are so powerful that even if you don't give her dialogue, they emote."
1999: Aishwarya Rai's breakthrough role in "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam"
The year 1999 saw Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starring in "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam," a romantic musical that would become a turning point in her career, earning her critical acclaim and her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
1999: Longines Ambassador of Elegance
In 1999, she was designated as Longines' Ambassador of Elegance.
1999: Aishwarya Rai in "Aa Ab Laut Chalen" and "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam"
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in "Aa Ab Laut Chalen" and "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" in 1999. "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam," directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was a turning point in her career, earning her wide acclaim and a Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
1999: Relationship with Salman Khan
In 1999, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan commenced a relationship with Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Their highly publicized romance continued until their separation in 2002.
1999: Magnificent Five World Tour
In 1999, Aishwarya embarked on a global tour called the Magnificent Five alongside prominent Bollywood actors Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Akshaye Khanna, and Twinkle Khanna.
1999: Filmfare Award for Best Actress for 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan received critical acclaim for her performance in the 1999 film 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,' winning the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
2000: Included in Rediff.com's 'Top 10 Actresses of 2000–2010' List
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan earned recognition for her work throughout the decade, securing a spot on Rediff.com's 'Top 10 Actresses of 2000–2010' list.
2000: Topped Box Office India's 'Top Bollywood Actresses' List
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's dominance at the box office was evident in 2000 as she claimed the top spot on Box Office India's "Top Bollywood Actresses" list.
2000: Aishwarya Rai in "Kandukondain Kandukondain"
In 2000, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in "Kandukondain Kandukondain," a well-received Tamil adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," for which she received positive critical recognition.
September 2001: Craze 2001 Tour
In September 2001, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan embarked on her first North American concert tour, Craze 2001, sharing the stage with Anil Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Preity Zinta, and Gracy Singh. Unfortunately, the tour faced early cancellation threats due to the September 11 attacks in the U.S., leading to a hasty return plan for the team. Nevertheless, the tour continued in Canada.
2001: Recognized as a Top Indian Movie Star
In 2001, Forbes recognized Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as one of the top five Indian movie stars.
2002: Filmfare Award for Best Actress for 'Devdas'
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's exceptional talent earned her another Filmfare Award for Best Actress in 2002 for her performance in the critically acclaimed film 'Devdas.'
2002: Aishwarya Rai in Devdas
In 2002, Aishwarya Rai starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Devdas" alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. Her role as Paro in this adaptation of Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel earned her critical acclaim, including praise from Empire magazine. The film was a major international success and received recognition at Cannes, was listed as one of Time's "10 Best Films of the Millennium", and was India's official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. "Devdas" also won 10 Filmfare Awards, including Best Actress for Rai.
2002: Separation from Salman Khan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan separated from Salman Khan in 2002, citing "abuse (verbal, physical and emotional), infidelity and indignity" as reasons for the break-up.
2002: Aishwarya Rai wins second Filmfare Award for "Devdas"
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan won her second Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama "Devdas" in 2002.
2002: Continued Collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continued her successful collaboration with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali in 2002 with the film "Devdas," further showcasing their creative synergy.
2003: Appointed to the Jury of the Cannes Film Festival
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan achieved a significant milestone in 2003 when she was appointed to the jury of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. She became the first Indian actress to hold this honor, further cementing her international recognition and influence in the film industry.
2003: Featured in Top Actress Lists and Time Magazine
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was featured in Rediff.com's annual "Best Bollywood Actresses" list for the first time in 2003 and consecutively for six years. The same year, Time magazine featured her on the cover of its Asia edition.
2003: Voted 'Most Attractive Woman of 2003' by Hello! Magazine
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's captivating beauty earned her the title of "Most Attractive Woman of 2003" in a reader poll conducted by UK's Hello! magazine, reflecting her global appeal and stunning looks.
2003: L'Oréal Global Brand Ambassador
By 2003, she ascended to the role of a global brand ambassador for L'Oréal, joining the ranks of Andie MacDowell, Eva Longoria, and Penélope Cruz.
2003: Aishwarya Rai's family collaborates on "Dil Ka Rishta"
In 2003, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in "Dil Ka Rishta," a film co-produced by her brother and co-written by her mother.
2003: Aishwarya Rai in Chokher Bali
In 2003, Aishwarya Rai starred in two romantic dramas, "Dil Ka Rishta" and "Kuch Naa Kaho", which were not successful. However, she gained critical acclaim for her role as Binodini, a widowed woman navigating societal expectations and desires, in Rituparno Ghosh's Bengali film "Chokher Bali". This adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's novel was a critical and commercial success, with praise for Rai's performance.
October 2004: Wax Figure Unveiled at Madame Tussauds London
In October 2004, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's global recognition was cemented when a wax figure of her was unveiled at Madame Tussauds wax museum in London. She became the sixth Indian and second Bollywood personality, following her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan, to receive this honor.
November 2004: Established Aishwarya Rai Foundation
In November 2004, she took a significant step by establishing the Aishwarya Rai Foundation, dedicated to aiding the underprivileged in India.
2004: Named One of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People
In 2004, Time magazine recognized Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's global impact, naming her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2004: Aishwarya Rai Stars in Khakee and Kyun! Ho Gaya Na...
In 2004, Aishwarya Rai starred in Rajkumar Santoshi's action thriller "Khakee" alongside Amitabh Bachchan. She suffered a foot injury during filming but the movie was a moderate success. She also appeared in the romantic comedy "Kyun! Ho Gaya Na..." which received mixed reviews and did not perform well commercially.
2004: Aishwarya Rai in "Bride and Prejudice" and "Raincoat"
In 2004, Aishwarya Rai gained international recognition for her role in Gurinder Chadha's "Bride and Prejudice", a Bollywood adaptation of Jane Austen's novel. She also starred in Rituparno Ghosh's "Raincoat", based on O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi". "Raincoat" earned a National Film Award and a Best Actress nomination for Rai at the Filmfare Awards. Critics praised her performance, noting the departure from her usual glamorous roles.
2004: Aishwarya Rai featured in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People
In 2004, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was recognized for her global influence by being featured in Time Magazine's list of the 100 most influential people.
January 2005: 60 Minutes Profile on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Global Recognition for Beauty
On January 2, 2005, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's global recognition for her beauty was highlighted in a 60 Minutes profile. The segment explored her widespread acclaim as one of the world's most beautiful women, citing numerous websites, internet polls, and even actress Julia Roberts as acknowledging her striking appearance.
February 2005: HELP! Telethon Concert
In February 2005, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan joined other Bollywood stars for the HELP! Telethon Concert, a fundraising event aimed at supporting the victims of the devastating 2004 tsunami.
2005: Tulip Variety Named 'Aishwarya Rai' and Limited Edition Barbie Doll Released
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's influence extended beyond the entertainment world in 2005. A cultivar of tulip in the Netherlands was named "Aishwarya Rai" in her honor. Additionally, toy manufacturer Mattel released a limited edition of Barbie dolls inspired by her in the United Kingdom, showcasing her impact on popular culture.
2005: Listed Among India Today's 50 Most Powerful People
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's influence extended beyond the realm of entertainment, as she was recognized as one of India Today's 50 most powerful people for the second consecutive year in 2005.
2005: End of Relationship with Vivek Oberoi
Following her separation with Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was romantically involved with actor Vivek Oberoi. Their relationship ended in 2005.
2005: Pulse Polio Brand Ambassador
In 2005, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan became the face of Pulse Polio, a government initiative launched in 1994 to eradicate poliomyelitis in India.
2005: Aishwarya Rai in Shabd, The Mistress of Spices, and Bunty Aur Babli
In 2005, Aishwarya Rai starred in three films: the drama "Shabd", the romantic fantasy "The Mistress of Spices", and made a special appearance in the crime comedy "Bunty Aur Babli". Both "Shabd" and "The Mistress of Spices" received negative reviews and were commercial failures. However, her appearance in the popular item number "Kajra Re" in "Bunty Aur Babli" was a success.
2005: Release of Sarkar
In 2005, the first film in the Sarkar franchise, "Sarkar" was released, which would later lead to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's involvement in its sequel.
May 2006: Featured as One of the World's Most Beautiful People
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's beauty continued to captivate audiences worldwide, leading to her inclusion in People magazine's prestigious list of the "World's Most Beautiful People" in May 2006.
2006: Aishwarya Rai in "Umrao Jaan" and "Dhoom 2"
Aishwarya Rai starred in two films in 2006: J.P. Dutta's period drama "Umrao Jaan" and Yash Raj Films' action film "Dhoom 2". "Umrao Jaan" drew comparisons to the 1981 adaptation, with critics giving mixed reviews to Rai's portrayal of the courtesan Umrao. "Dhoom 2", on the other hand, was a major commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of the year, though Rai received mixed reviews for her performance.
2006: Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony Performance
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with other Bollywood actors, graced the closing ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, with a performance. The act served as a vibrant showcase of Indian culture in anticipation of India hosting the Games in 2010.
January 2007: Engagement to Abhishek Bachchan
Abhishek Bachchan's love for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan blossomed during the filming of Dhoom 2, culminating in their engagement announcement on January 14, 2007, later confirmed by his father, Amitabh Bachchan.
April 2007: Marriage to Abhishek Bachchan
On April 20, 2007, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan exchanged vows in a private ceremony at the Bachchan residence in Juhu, Mumbai. The wedding, conducted according to traditional Hindu rites, also incorporated North Indian and Bengali ceremonies. The Indian media hailed them as a supercouple.
2007: Ranked Among 'Asia's Sexiest Women'
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's allure and beauty were celebrated in 2007 when she was included in the top ten of Eastern Eye magazine's list of "Asia's Sexiest Women," solidifying her status as a global icon.
2007: Ranked Eighth on Filmfare's Power List
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's influence in the film industry was evident in 2007 when she secured the eighth position on Filmfare's Power List.
2007: Wax Figure Displayed at Madame Tussauds New York
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's wax figure was displayed at Madame Tussauds in Times Square, New York, in 2007, further solidifying her international recognition and popularity.
2007: Release and Critical Reception of Guru and Provoked
In 2007, Aishwarya Rai starred in two critically acclaimed films: Mani Ratnam's "Guru" and Jag Mundhra's "Provoked." In "Guru," she played the wife of Abhishek Bachchan's character, receiving praise for her performance, particularly during the film's climax. In "Provoked," she portrayed the real-life character Kiranjit Ahluwalia, a woman who murders her husband after enduring years of domestic abuse. Her performance was lauded for its authenticity and emotional depth.
2007: Release of Korean Film Seven Days
The Korean thriller "Seven Days," which would later be remade in India as "Jazbaa" starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was released in 2007.
August 2008: Unforgettable World Tour
Between July and August 2008, Aishwarya, her husband Abhishek Bachchan, father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan, and actors Preity Zinta, Ritesh Deshmukh, and Madhuri Dixit, headlined the "Unforgettable World Tour." The tour spanned several countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago.
2008: Foundation Stone for School in Daulatpur
In 2008, Aishwarya, along with the Bachchan family, participated in a foundation stone laying ceremony for a school in Daulatpur, Uttar Pradesh. The school, named after Aishwarya, aimed to provide education to underprivileged girls. The Bachchan family pledged to finance the construction. However, the project became embroiled in a land dispute with fellow actor and politician Jaya Prada. Though reportedly resolved by 2012, construction had yet to commence as of 2018.
2008: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Eyes Listed Among Sexiest Body Parts
In 2008, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's captivating eyes were singled out for their allure, earning a spot on E!: Entertainment's list of "Sexiest Body Parts."
2008: Critical and Commercial Success with Jodhaa Akbar
In 2008, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in Ashutosh Gowariker's period romantic drama "Jodhaa Akbar" alongside Hrithik Roshan. Her portrayal of Jodha Bai was praised for its restraint and expressiveness, earning her critical acclaim and a Best Actress nomination at the Filmfare Awards. The film was both a critical and commercial success.
2008: Recognized as One of India's Most Powerful Women
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was acknowledged for her influence and impact when Verve magazine included her in its list of the country's most powerful women in 2008.
2008: Consistently Ranked Among Top Bollywood Actresses
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appeared in Rediff.com's "Best Bollywood Actresses" list for the sixth consecutive year in 2008, solidifying her position as a leading lady in the industry.
September 2009: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show
In September 2009, shortly after her marriage, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show with her husband. This marked her second appearance on the show, making her the first Indian celebrity to achieve this.
2009: Appearance in The Pink Panther 2
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appeared in "The Pink Panther 2" in 2009, starring alongside Steve Martin and Jean Reno. Despite the film's commercial success, her role as Sonia Solandres received mixed reviews, with some critics finding her performance to be underdeveloped.
2009: Continued Recognition as One of 'Asia's Sexiest Women'
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continued to captivate audiences with her beauty and charm, earning her another spot in the top ten of Eastern Eye magazine's list of "Asia's Sexiest Women" in 2009.
2009: Aishwarya Rai receives Padma Shri Award
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 2009 for her contributions to the arts.
2009: Smile Train Goodwill Ambassador
In 2009, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was chosen as the first Goodwill Ambassador for Smile Train, a global charity providing free cleft lip and palate surgery to children in need. Her work with Smile Train extended to India and 76 other developing nations.
2009: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan awarded Padma Shri
In 2009, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in recognition of her significant contributions to Indian cinema.
2009: Ranked Among Forbes' Most Bankable Hollywood Stars
In 2009, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's global recognition was highlighted when Forbes included her in its list of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, making her the highest-ranked Indian actor on the list.
2010: Final Year on Rediff.com's 'Best Bollywood Actresses' List
In 2010, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan concluded her six-year streak on Rediff.com's annual "Best Bollywood Actresses" list, having consistently impressed audiences and critics.
2010: Ranked Second on The Times of India's 50 Most Desirable Women List
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's enduring attractiveness and popularity were evident in 2010 when she secured the second position on The Times of India's coveted list of the 50 most desirable women.
2010: Dual Role in Raavan and Raavanan
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan took on the dual role of Ragini in Mani Ratnam's 2010 adaptations of the Indian epic Ramayana, "Raavan" (Hindi) and "Raavanan" (Tamil). While both films received mixed reviews, her performance garnered a range of responses, with some praising her heartfelt portrayal and others criticizing the character's limited agency.
2010: Guzaarish Release and Critical Acclaim
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's drama "Guzaarish" in 2010, marking her third collaboration with the director and with co-star Hrithik Roshan. Her portrayal of Sophia D'Souza, a nurse dealing with a challenging personal life, was praised as one of her best performances, despite the film's underwhelming box office performance.
2010: Roles in Enthiran and Action Replayy
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appeared in two more films in 2010: the Tamil science-fiction film "Enthiran," opposite Rajinikanth, and the Hindi science-fiction comedy "Action Replayy," alongside Akshay Kumar. "Enthiran" became one of the highest-grossing Indian films, showcasing her versatility across different film industries.
2010: Third Collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali teamed up for the third time in 2010 for the film "Guzaarish," solidifying their successful partnership in creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinema.
November 2011: Birth of Daughter
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gave birth to her daughter in November 2011.
2011: Featured on Multiple 'Most Desirable' and 'Beautiful Faces' Lists
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continued to be recognized for her beauty and desirability in 2011, appearing on The Times of India's lists of the 50 most desirable women, "50 Beautiful Faces," and "Forever Desirable Women." The same year, India Today noted the existence of over 17,000 websites dedicated to her, showcasing her immense popularity.
2011: Withdrawal from Heroine
In 2011, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was initially cast in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Heroine" but withdrew due to her pregnancy. The role subsequently went to Kareena Kapoor.
2011: Featured Again as One of India's Most Powerful Women
Verve magazine reaffirmed Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's position as a powerful figure in India by featuring her once again in its list of the country's most powerful women in 2011.
September 2012: Appointed UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador
In September 2012, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan joined UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and actor Michael Douglas in New York City for the International Day of Peace commemoration. Subsequently, she was appointed UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on raising awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment access, particularly for children.
2012: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan accepts Order of Arts and Letters
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan accepted the prestigious Order of Arts and Letters from the French government in 2012. She had previously declined the award in an earlier year due to her father's serious illness, as she desired the presence of her entire family at the ceremony.
2012: Featured on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 List
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's continued relevance and earnings power were acknowledged in 2012 when she was included on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list, a testament to her enduring popularity.
2012: World's Second Most Popular Watch Brand Ambassador
In 2012, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan earned the distinction of being the world's second most popular watch brand ambassador, according to a World Watch Report survey.
2012: Appearance at Cannes Film Festival Amidst Post-Pregnancy Weight Criticism
In 2012, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan faced criticism for her post-pregnancy weight but confidently attended the Cannes Film Festival for the 11th time, making a statement on the red carpet at the "AmfAR Cinema Against Aids" gala. Later that year, she was featured in New York magazine's list of "Forty Women That Women Find Beautiful," where her beauty and on-screen presence were praised.
2012: Aishwarya Rai receives the Order of Arts and Letters
In 2012, The French government awarded Aishwarya Rai Bachchan the Order of Arts and Letters, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts and culture.
2015: Reached Peak Position on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 List
In 2015, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan achieved her highest ranking on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list, peaking at number 34 with a substantial annual income, further solidifying her status as one of India's most successful celebrities.
2016: Premiere of Sarbjit at Cannes and Critical Response
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan returned to film in 2016 with Omung Kumar's biographical drama "Sarbjit," premiering at the Cannes Film Festival. She portrayed Dalbir Kaur, a woman fighting for her brother's release from Pakistani prison. Her performance, particularly her accent and emotional delivery, drew mixed reviews, though she was acknowledged for her strength in quieter scenes.
2016: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Release
In 2016, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starred in Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil as poet Saba alongside Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor. Although her screen time was limited, she garnered positive reviews for her performance. The film emerged as one of her most successful ventures commercially, grossing over ₹2 billion (US$24 million).
2016: Named in Panama Papers
In 2016, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's name surfaced in the Panama Papers, a leaked dataset from a Panamanian law firm. The papers revealed her, her parents, and her brother as directors of an offshore entity, Amic Partners Limited, in the British Virgin Islands between 2005 and 2008.
March 2017: Passing of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's father
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's father, Krishnaraj Rai, passed away in March 2017.
2018: Continued Presence on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 List
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan maintained her position on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list in 2018, demonstrating her enduring appeal and financial success in the entertainment industry.
2018: Fanney Khan Release
Two years later in 2018, Aishwarya starred in the comedy-drama Fanney Khan, adapted from the Belgian film Everybody's Famous! (2000). She played a singer who gets kidnapped, sharing the screen with Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao.
2019: Honored as One of the Sexiest Asian Women of the Decade
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's enduring beauty and sex appeal were recognized in 2019 when she was named one of the sexiest Asian women of the decade by Eastern Eye magazine, solidifying her status as a timeless beauty icon.
2019: Investment in Ambee
In 2019, Aishwarya and her mother made a ₹10 million (US$120,000) investment in Ambee, an environmental startup focused on air quality measurement.
December 2021: Enforcement Directorate Questioning
In December 2021, the Enforcement Directorate questioned Aishwarya Rai Bachchan regarding the Panama Papers, where she, her parents, and brother were listed as directors of an offshore entity. She denied knowledge of the company, stating her father managed her finances.
2022: Ponniyin Selvan: I Release
In 2022, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan reunited with Mani Ratnam for the first installment of the two-part Tamil period drama Ponniyin Selvan: I, based on Kalki Krishnamurthy's novel. The films, shot simultaneously, featured her as Nandini, a Chola queen known for her political acumen.
2023: Continued Relevance and Accolades
In 2023, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's enduring appeal, particularly among younger generations, was highlighted. Her impact extended beyond her on-screen roles and fashion choices, with her "divaness" contributing to her popularity. Hrithik Roshan praised her work ethic, while filmmaker Omung Kumar regarded her as a "director's actor." Known for her sensitive and caring nature, Rai Bachchan maintained a private personal life and limited social media presence. She described her adaptability, stating, "I'm like water, I just naturally, easily fit and adjust to any situation."
2023: Ponniyin Selvan: II Release
In 2023, the second installment of Ponniyin Selvan, Ponniyin Selvan: II, was released. The film further cemented her position in Tamil Cinema.