The timeless romance of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai in *Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam* was fueled by a real-life connection, according to co-star Smita Jaykar.
Love Story Bloomed On Set
Nearly 25 years after its release, *Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam* remains iconic, not just for its story but for the genuine romance that developed between its leads. Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai, playing the central couple, fell in love during the filming of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 1999 hit.
Smita Jaykar, who played Aishwarya’s mother in the film, recently shared insights with Filmymantra. She observed that their off-screen affection significantly enhanced the movie’s emotional depth. “Their affair flourished there,” Smita recalled, noting that their “moony-moony eyes” and visible romance greatly benefited the film.
This real-life dynamic, she added, translated into remarkably authentic on-screen performances, elevating the entire storytelling experience for audiences.
Recalling Salman’s Persona
Smita Jaykar also offered her perspective on Salman Khan during that period. She described him as “quite a brat” but quickly added that he was also “a very nice, large-hearted person.”
Despite his well-known temper, Smita stated she never witnessed him getting angry on set. She emphasized that public perception of film personalities can often be exaggerated, suggesting that there’s usually more to the story than what meets the eye.
Aishwarya’s Enduring Grace
Aishwarya Rai also received high praise from her on-screen mother. Smita Jaykar described her as naturally beautiful, even without makeup. “Very humble, very grounded—at least at that time when I knew her,” Smita remarked, highlighting Aishwarya’s down-to-earth nature.
A Lasting Bollywood Impression
*Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam* stands as the only film where Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai starred as romantic leads. While they made brief cameo appearances together in *Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke* and *Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam*, their bond in Bhansali’s classic remains unforgettable.
Though their real-life romance was short-lived, its impact on fans and its place in Bollywood history continue to be fondly remembered.
- The on-set romance between Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai during *Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam* significantly enhanced the film’s authenticity.
- Co-star Smita Jaykar witnessed their “moony-moony eyes” and noted how their real emotions translated to the screen.
- Smita described Salman Khan as “large-hearted” and Aishwarya Rai as naturally beautiful and “very grounded” at the time.
- *Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam* is their only film as lead romantic pair, leaving a lasting mark on Bollywood.
Their story remains a fascinating chapter in the annals of Indian cinema, showcasing how off-screen chemistry can truly elevate a cinematic masterpiece.
