The love story between Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai began on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 1999 film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. At the time, Salman was dating actress Somy Ali, who has recently opened up about how the two actors grew close during the film’s shoot.
In a candid conversation with Times Now, Somy Ali recalled how she noticed a shift in Salman’s behaviour during the production of the film. “The shoot was going on when I called Salman, but he didn’t pick up. Then I called Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and he said, ‘He can’t speak to you right now because he’s in a shot.’ I was confused and asked, ‘If he’s in a shot, why are you answering the phone? Why aren’t you directing?’ The whole situation seemed off, and I felt something was wrong,” Somy shared.
Ali further disclosed that Aishwarya started visiting the gym that Salman had set up in the Galaxy Apartments where they lived. “Aishwarya began coming to Salman’s gym, and it became clear that they were developing feelings for each other during the shoot. I was getting information from the house staff, who were loyal to me, and I could sense their relationship growing. I knew it was time for me to move on,” she admitted.
Salman and Aishwarya’s relationship continued to make headlines in the years following the release of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, but the couple broke up in 2002. Despite their high-profile romance, they have never shared the screen again since their breakup.
In a rare interview with Simi Garewal, Aishwarya addressed the end of her relationship with Salman, though she remained reserved about the details. “I think I’ve shut it out. I wouldn’t want to revisit it or discuss it on a public platform. It’s something I’ve put behind me,” she said.
When asked if she holds any negative feelings about the past, Aishwarya replied, “I’ve exorcised my demons. It’s in the past, and that’s where it should remain. I have my family and loved ones to think about, and that’s what matters to me now.”