Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in Kuch na Kaho (2003)

 

The directorial debut of Rohan Sippy [son gof Ramesh 'Sholay' Sippy], with Aishwarya Rai, 29, (as Namrata) alongside Abhishek Bachchan, 27, (as Raj Malhotra) and Arbaaz Khan, 36, (as Sanjeev). 

The story follows Raj, a young man reluctant to marry, whose uncle assigns his secretary Namrata (who has a complicated past) to find him a match—leading to Raj falling for her instead. 

Obviously predictable, but Ash looks and dances like a dream in the film. The songs are absolutely wonderful and timeless, pity we can't say the same for the film, which did average business at the box-office. 

The most memorable directorial touch was the title-sequence of the film. Cute. 

As so much is known about the lead cast, the most inereresting aspect of the film is the debut of the director Rohan Sippy, who was just 31 when he directed this major Bollywood film. 

Rohan Sippy, Mumbai-based Indian film director and producer, best known for his work in Bollywood and Indian OTT space, was born into the legendary Sippy family, he is the son of iconic director Ramesh Sippy and grandson of film producer G.P. Sippy. Rohan studied at Aiglon College in Switzerland and later pursued film studies before entering the industry.

Directorial cebut, Kuch Naa Kaho (2003) marked the beginning of his career, though it was a modest performer at the box office. His breakout film was the wildly fun Bluffmaster! (2005) — a stylish con-heist comedy with Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra. It remains one of his most popular and entertaining ventures, appreciated for its slick narration and twists. The soundtrack, including a surprise hit sung by Abhishek, topped the chart for weeks. 

Dum Maaro Dum (2011) followed, a gritty crime drama with an ensemble cast including Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, and Rana Daggubati. A hattrick of movies with Abhishek [FYI, seniors Ramesh Sippy worked with Amitabh Bachchan in four films; Sholay, Shaan, Shakti and Akayla!]. 

Nautanki Saala! (2013) was a light-hearted romantic comedy with Ayushmann Khurrana... which, despite decent reviews, fared average at the almight box-office. 

He has also produced films like Taxi No. 9211 (2006) and contributed as writer/producer on projects such as Chandni Chowk to China (2009) [a huge misstep as the film was just awful], and Junglee (2019). 

In recent years, Rohan has successfully transitioned to digital content. He directed seasons of the critically acclaimed web series Criminal Justice (including Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors and Criminal Justice: A Family Matter), as well as Shekhar Home (2024), Search: The Naina Murder Case (2025) and an action-comedy Iss Diwali (2025). 

Rohan is also a trustee/member of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival and has been involved in stage musicals. He brings a mix of commercial entertainment and nuanced storytelling, often blending pace, twists, and strong character arcs. 

Active in both films and high-quality OTT series, he continues to balance mainstream Bollywood with streaming projects, maintaining a low-profile yet respected presence in the industry. Rohan Sippy represents the third generation of the Sippy filmmaking legacy. While his theatrical films had mixed commercial and critical success, his shift to digital platforms has earned him stronger appreciation for tight direction and engaging narratives. He remains a notable name in Indian entertainment, known for his polished craft and family-rooted passion for cinema.

TBT to 2003; Aishwarya Rai on the cover of Cine Blitz

 

Aishwarya Rai in Dil ka Rishta

Dil Ka Rishta, a Hindi film, musical-romantic-drama [ah Bollywood, why be one genre when you can be three?!], led by Aishwarya Rai, Arjun Rampal, and Priyanshu Chatterjee was released on January 17, 2003. With hit music by Nadeem Shravan and Rai looking ever-so-dreamy, there was tremendous buzz around the film. 

Aishwarya Rai was 29 years old during the film's release, principal involvement and production. The movie was co-produced by the Rai family and famously written by Rai's mother Vrinda. The film had a budget of around ₹8.25 crore, was shot extensively in South Africa and Mumbai, and collected approximately ₹14.6 crore worldwide. Initially written off as a flop, the film more than recovered on investment. 

In 2003, Aishwarya Rai had three film releases; Dil Ka Rishta (January 2003, Hindi) Chokher Bali (a Bengali film, a modest budget sleeper hit + critical success) and Kuch Naa Kaho (another Hindi musical-romantic-drama, also broke even). 

The year she turned 30, Aishwarya Rai was already a Bonafide superstar who could lead a film, and more importantly, open a film and justify the title of being the highest paid Indian actress of the year. 

Aishwarya Rai in Kuch Naa Kaho (2003)

Aishwarya Rai in Kuch Naa Kaho (2003). The songs and dances in the film are so lovely. 

Stunning Aishwarya Rai in Kuch Naa Kaho (2003)

Stunning Aishwarya Rai in Kuch Naa Kaho (2003)

Aishwarya Rai and Arjun Rampal in Dil Ka Rishta (2003): Aishwarya Rai's home production

Aishwarya Rai's home production per se (written by her mother, co-produced by her brother), the film was meant to showcase Ash's range as an actor but mostly displayed her epic beauty in dreamy locales. A rather shrill soundtrack (have to turn the volume down as Alka Yagnik screams her way through Daiya daiya re and the intro of Saajan saajan), the song and dance routines had their moment as Rai looked so devastatingly beautiful. As per usual. The softer songs, Haye Dil and the lullaby, work wonders. The aesthetics in the film are high... but its glow over show, all superficial style, no substance.  

Arjun Rampal's one note performance is a complete embarrassment. When the Mumbai media was carping on about how models can't act, they always plaster the feature with female models when its guys like Rampal who have the range of A to... B. His National Award was a fluke (and... mostly undeserved) and other than flexing at the gym, the arrogant model-turned-non-actor has been a struggling actor for nearly two decades now. Apart from nepo babies, he gets more chances than others to... fail epically on the big-screen. He bankrupted Rajiv Rai, hasn't given a solo hit... ever... and yet there are those willing to give him another chance. When they should have given more chances to Chatterjee.

The best performance in the entire film is Priyanshu Chatterjee. His natural charm, guy next door looks, ease with the dialogue and fluency with language showed as he was the biggest surprise of the film -- completely out of the blue, he came to endear himself to the audience when there were other, bigger stars in the film shining. Sadly, he didn't get opportunities to further showcase his natural skills as a fine actor who balanced comedy and drama with ease. Its been more than 20 years so no spoiler here but his short but impactful role endures in memory. 

Aishwarya Rai and Arjun Rampal in Dil Ka Rishta (2003)

 

Aishwarya Rai and Arjun Rampal in Dil Ka Rishta (2003)

Aishwarya Rai in Chokher Bali (2003)

Chokher Bali (2003)

”In my opinion, Ash has not only given one of her finest performances but also one of the best in cinema. She will be remembered in Chokher Bali not only because she is Aishwarya Rai but also because she has become Tagore's Binodini.” 

-- Director Rituparno Ghosh

Sunil Shetty and Aishwarya Rai in the 90s

Athiya Shetty mentioned that she went to her dad's film sets and just sat and stared at Aishwarya Rai all day. Sonakshi Sinha in an interview with Karan Johar said, had she been on the sets of Taal - she'd end up just looking at her all day. 

People forget, 90s Aishwarya was the definitive 8th wonder of the world! I mean, Just. Look. At. Her.

Stunning Aishwarya Rai in Kuch Naa Kaho (2003)

Stunning Aishwarya Rai in Kuch Naa Kaho (2003)

Aishwarya Rai in Dil Ka Rishta (2003)

 Aishwarya Rai in Dil Ka Rishta. Shot extensively in South Africa.  

Aishwarya Rai in Shakti (2002) and Aishwarya Rai in Hum Panchi ek Daal ke (2003)

Aishwarya Rai in Shakti (2002) and Aishwarya Rai in Hum Panchi ek Daal ke (2003) - unreleased. 

Such similar styling, makeup, accessories... 

Aishwarya Rai in Dil Ka Rishta (2003)

Aishwarya Rai, 28, in Dil Ka Rishta (2003)

Celebrity designer Neeta Lulla created several of the most memorable looks and outfits in the film. Her modern take on the traditional salwaar, the colour combinations, the fabric mixes, the tie dye... was a huge trend in the early oughts. 

Chokher Bali (2003)

Chokher Bali (2003). Gorgeous Aishwarya in one of her better films and fine performances.

Dil Ka Rishta (2003)

Aishwarya Rai's look in Dil Ka Rishta (2003).

Kuch Na Kaho (2003)

Aishwarya Rai in Kuch Na Kaho (2003).

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai in KUCH NA KAHO (2003).