Aishwarya Rai is more than just a Bollywood star; she is a global icon. Known for her breathtaking beauty, sharp wit and strong acting skills, she has built a career that spans across Indian and international cinema. Her Hollywood debut came in 2004 with Bride & Prejudice, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The film made her one of the few Bollywood actresses to step into Hollywood at that time and it instantly became a hot topic of discussion.
That same year, she appeared on Karan Johar’s talk show Koffee With Karan where the host surprised her with a video montage of Bollywood celebrities reacting to her Hollywood entry. Even today, that clip is often shared online, reflecting the curiosity and divided opinions around her global ambitions.
Amitabh Bachchan gave one of the most memorable remarks, saying she would surely go far but would eventually encounter a “glass ceiling” in Hollywood. His son Abhishek Bachchan, who was not married to Aishwarya then, was supportive, calling her talented, professional and wonderful to work with.
Actor Zayed Khan believed she had “universal appeal” while producer Ektaa Kapoor admitted she wasn’t sure if Aishwarya would succeed but said she hoped she would because her very first industry assignment had been with her.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi praised Aishwarya’s talent and said she had everything required to succeed, though it would ultimately depend on whether she wanted to continue pursuing Hollywood or felt more comfortable in India. Sushmita Sen, who herself had represented India on a global stage, pointed out that Aishwarya was being seen as someone who could take Bollywood to Hollywood, and she wished for her success for the sake of the industry’s global recognition. Bipasha Basu, another contemporary, felt that Aishwarya had already taken the first important step that no other Bollywood actor had managed before.
Not everyone shared this optimism. Sanjay Dutt voiced doubt, saying he did not believe she would make it, while Sunny Deol simply admitted he had no idea how it would turn out. Their views reflected the skepticism that still lingered in Bollywood circles about whether Indian stars could truly break into Western cinema.
Despite the mixed reactions, Aishwarya went on to appear in a few more international projects after Bride & Prejudice. These included The Mistress of Spices, Provoked and The Pink Panther 2 opposite Hollywood star Steve Martin. While none of these films turned her into a household name in Hollywood, they cemented her as one of the first Bollywood actresses to make consistent inroads there.
Over time, it was not just movies but also her appearances at the Cannes Film Festival that solidified her global reputation. Every year, her red carpet looks generate massive buzz, with fans and media eagerly awaiting her next stunning appearance.
Though her Hollywood journey was brief, Aishwarya Rai proved that an Indian actress could step confidently onto the world stage. The conversations she sparked in Bollywood back in 2004 still feel relevant today, reminding us how her influence has always reached far beyond the screen.
