Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan recently revealed his regret over Aishwarya Rai being replaced in the 2003 hit film Chalte Chalte.
Originally cast as the lead, Aishwarya had even started filming before being replaced by Rani Mukerji. Reports suggest her removal was linked to on-set issues caused by her then-boyfriend Salman Khan, which delayed shooting and created tension.
Although Aishwarya and Salman later apologized, the producers, working under a tight schedule, decided to recast her role to avoid future disruptions.
Shah Rukh Khan described Aishwarya as a close friend and one of his favorite co-stars, praising their memorable collaborations in Josh, Mohabbatein, and Devdas. He stressed that her removal was a professional decision made collectively by the team, not a personal choice.
Back in the early 2000s, Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan’s romance captured Bollywood headlines, blossoming from their on-screen chemistry in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
