"There Was Love In The Air": Sanjay Leela Bhansali On Salman Khan - Aishwarya Rai Chemistry in 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'
"There Was Love In The Air": Sanjay Leela Bhansali Reflects on Salman-Aishwarya Chemistry in 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'
June 18, 2025 – As Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, celebrates 26 years since its release, the acclaimed director has opened up about the palpable chemistry between his lead actors, Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai, hinting at the real-life romance that was blossoming on set.
The 1999 romantic drama, also starring Ajay Devgn, has achieved cult status over the years, not just for its grand visuals and soulful music, but for the intense and undeniable connection shared by Salman and Aishwarya's characters, Sameer and Nandini. This on-screen magic, it turns out, was deeply rooted in their off-screen relationship at the time.
In a recent interview with ETimes, Bhansali was asked about the famous chemistry between Khan and Rai. While gracefully sidestepping direct comments on their personal equation, he acknowledged, "Yes, there was love in the air. But not just between them; there was a lot of affection among all of us. Zohra Sehgalji, Helen Aunty, Salman, Aishwarya, Vikram Gokhale, Smita Jayekar, we were like one big family."
June 18, 2025 – As Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, celebrates 26 years since its release, the acclaimed director has opened up about the palpable chemistry between his lead actors, Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai, hinting at the real-life romance that was blossoming on set.
The 1999 romantic drama, also starring Ajay Devgn, has achieved cult status over the years, not just for its grand visuals and soulful music, but for the intense and undeniable connection shared by Salman and Aishwarya's characters, Sameer and Nandini. This on-screen magic, it turns out, was deeply rooted in their off-screen relationship at the time.
Picture: Salman Khan - Aishwarya Rai on the Sets of 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'
In a recent interview with ETimes, Bhansali was asked about the famous chemistry between Khan and Rai. While gracefully sidestepping direct comments on their personal equation, he acknowledged, "Yes, there was love in the air. But not just between them; there was a lot of affection among all of us. Zohra Sehgalji, Helen Aunty, Salman, Aishwarya, Vikram Gokhale, Smita Jayekar, we were like one big family."
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He further added that shooting for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was "the most fulfilling experience" of his entire career, attributing it to the strong camaraderie that permeated the sets.
The film, which was a significant turning point in Bhansali's career after his debut Khamoshi: The Musical, saw him holding firm on his artistic vision, particularly regarding the film's poignant ending. Bhansali revealed that despite pressure to have Nandini (Aishwarya Rai) choose Sameer (Salman Khan) in the climax, he stuck to his original screenplay, where she ultimately chooses her husband, Vanraj (Ajay Devgn). "Yes, there was pressure," he stated, adding that he prefers to save the full story of that pressure for another day.
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Bhansali also showered praise on Aishwarya Rai's portrayal of Nandini, calling her his "perfect Nandini." "I couldn't have asked for a better embodiment of the character I had in mind. She matched my vision exactly—and that's a rare experience in my filmmaking journey," he remarked.
The director's comments come amidst the 26th anniversary of the film's release, rekindling memories of one of Bollywood's most talked-about on-screen (and off-screen) pairings. While the personal relationship between Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai eventually ended, their captivating performances in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam remain a testament to the powerful connection they shared, a connection that, as Bhansali confirms, truly had "love in the air."
The film, which was a significant turning point in Bhansali's career after his debut Khamoshi: The Musical, saw him holding firm on his artistic vision, particularly regarding the film's poignant ending. Bhansali revealed that despite pressure to have Nandini (Aishwarya Rai) choose Sameer (Salman Khan) in the climax, he stuck to his original screenplay, where she ultimately chooses her husband, Vanraj (Ajay Devgn). "Yes, there was pressure," he stated, adding that he prefers to save the full story of that pressure for another day.
Box Office News:
The director's comments come amidst the 26th anniversary of the film's release, rekindling memories of one of Bollywood's most talked-about on-screen (and off-screen) pairings. While the personal relationship between Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai eventually ended, their captivating performances in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam remain a testament to the powerful connection they shared, a connection that, as Bhansali confirms, truly had "love in the air."
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