Portraits: pink

Saturday, 31 January 2026

Aishwarya Rai in Kuch Naa Kaho (2003): 8 films of Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai, 29, in Kuch Naa Kaho (2003). Lilting music, staggeringly beautiful Ash in one of the eight films she worked with Abhishek Bachchan.

Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke (2000) — Their first Hindi film together, a romantic drama where they were the lead pair. Fantastic songs and dances... just a dreadful movie tho'.

Kuch Naa Kaho (2003) — Romantic comedy-drama with them in lead roles.

Bunty Aur Babli (2005) — Aishwarya had a special appearance in the iconic song "Kajra Re" alongside Abhishek (and Amitabh Bachchan), counting as a shared film appearance in many tallies.

Umrao Jaan (2006) — Period drama with Aishwarya in the lead and Abhishek Bachchan. Aishwarya's never looked better in a costume drama... yet unfailingly dull. The film was an absolute turkey at the box-office and not a patch on the original Rekha-led Umrao Jaan.

Dhoom 2 (2006) — Action thriller where Aishwarya played a key role (Sunehri), and Abhishek was one of the leads (ACP Jai Dixit), the film was an escapist summer blockbuster from the get-go.

Guru (2007) — Biographical drama directed by Mani Ratnam, with them as the central couple, easily their best film together. The most restrained performance by Rai, and a career-defining one for Abhishek Bachchan.

Sarkar Raj (2008) — Political thriller where Aishwarya appeared alongside Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan again. Lots of twists and turns in his dark look at the Mumbai mafia.

Raavan (2010) — Mani Ratnam's epic where they played lead roles (Abhishek as the antagonist, Aishwarya as the female lead), an underrated gem of a film. Exquisitely shot, the stunning visuals and AR Rehman's gorgeous music (Rai and Rehman have quite an interlocked career together), this re-telling of classic Hindu mythology was not well received by the audience. But deserved a second look.

Monday, 8 June 2015

Devdas

Not everyone can stand up to Madhuri Dixit in a film - many actresses have been completely overshadowed. Aishwarya Rai sure as hell held her own in this dramatic scene in Devdas. Both were faultless. To Rai's regal demeanor, Dixit provided the perfect foil of humility and pride.

Devdas - though walloped by critics at the time - is a glorious OTT ode to ol' school glamor of vintage Bollywood - set with modern stars. Its gorgeous viewing - loud - but beautiful...