Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai: A Cinematic Duo Defined by Unlucky Love Stories in Bollywood

Over the decades, Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) and Aishwarya Rai have left an undeniable mark on Bollywood. Both are celebrated as top-tier stars, admired not only for their beauty but also for their exceptional acting skills. Whenever they appear on screen together, they capture the hearts of audiences, leaving fans yearning for more. However, their on-screen pairing has always been somewhat unlucky, at least in the eyes of Shah Rukh Khan.

At an award show, with his characteristic humor, Shah Rukh Khan confessed that he has always felt “unlucky” when paired with Aishwarya Rai. Despite appearing in several successful films together, their characters often find themselves separated or involved in love stories that never reach a happy ending. This reflection from SRK offers a fun yet bittersweet look at his on-screen journey with Aishwarya.

Josh: A Memorable Sibling Bond

The first film that brought Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai together was Josh (2000). However, instead of playing romantic partners, SRK found himself cast as Aishwarya’s twin brother. This was a surprising twist for many, as fans expected a classic Bollywood love story, but instead, they were treated to a tale of sibling love.

Shah Rukh Khan often humorously recalls that while he was hoping for a romantic role opposite Aishwarya, he ended up being her brother. To add to the surprise, many fans commented that SRK and Aishwarya looked remarkably alike in the film. SRK laughed it off, saying he took it as a compliment that he resembled the most beautiful woman in the world.

Despite not having a romantic arc in Josh, the film became a fan favorite. However, Shah Rukh has always joked that he missed the chance to have a love story with Aishwarya in this movie.

Devdas: Love and Separation

After Josh, Shah Rukh Khan finally got the opportunity to play Aishwarya Rai’s love interest in Devdas (2002), a film that has since become a Bollywood classic. However, even in this film, their characters’ love story was far from a happy one. Devdas is a tragic tale of unfulfilled love, where Devdas (Shah Rukh Khan) and Paro (Aishwarya Rai) are torn apart by societal barriers and fate.

SRK humorously remarked that it seemed he was “cursed” to never have a successful love story with Aishwarya on-screen. Despite this, Devdas was a monumental success and earned both actors critical acclaim. Their portrayal of doomed lovers became iconic, solidifying their place as one of Bollywood’s most memorable pairs.

Mohabbatein: Love in Imagination

A year before Devdas, Shah Rukh and Aishwarya had appeared together in Mohabbatein (2000), another hit Bollywood romance. But again, the love story between their characters was cut short. In the film, Shah Rukh plays Raj Aryan, who is in love with Aishwarya’s character, but she has already passed away before the film’s events. As a result, Aishwarya only appears in flashbacks and Raj’s imagination.

Mohabbatein offered a deeply emotional love story, but once again, the two characters never fully shared a romantic journey. SRK often jokes that even in a film where he is in love with Aishwarya, their relationship remained confined to memories and imagination.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Still Unlucky in Love

The most recent collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai was in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), where SRK made a cameo appearance. In this film, he played the ex-husband of Aishwarya’s character. Although his appearance was brief, SRK’s role left a lasting impression on viewers. Yet again, their characters’ love story was not a happy one, as the two had already divorced by the time the film’s plot unfolds.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Humor

Throughout his career, SRK has never missed a chance to bring humor into his reflections on his “unlucky” fate with Aishwarya Rai in films. He has repeatedly shared that while he always hopes to play her romantic lead, fate has consistently intervened to prevent their love stories from ending happily. From playing her brother, to star-crossed lovers, to her ex-husband, SRK jokes that he has never truly had the chance to romance Aishwarya on screen.

Despite these setbacks, SRK has always expressed immense admiration and respect for Aishwarya. He has even called her the most beautiful woman in the world, not just physically, but in her personality and grace. SRK has often joked that he hopes one day, he will finally have a role where he and Aishwarya can experience a love story with a happy ending, rather than being perpetually separated by fate.

Fans’ Hopes for the Future

Even though Shah Rukh Khan has joked about being unlucky when acting alongside Aishwarya Rai, fans continue to hold out hope that they will one day see the two stars together in a romantic film with a fulfilling conclusion. Both SRK and Aishwarya are Bollywood legends, and their chemistry on-screen is undeniable. From Josh to Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, each of their films together has generated excitement and anticipation.

While their characters’ love stories may have been cut short in these films, their real-life camaraderie and mutual respect have always been apparent. Shah Rukh’s humorous take on his roles with Aishwarya only adds to the charm of their unique on-screen partnership.

There’s no doubt that Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai have left an indelible mark on Bollywood, not just through their individual careers, but also through their unforgettable (albeit ill-fated) on-screen love stories. Despite SRK’s playful claims of bad luck, their collaborations have consistently delivered powerful performances that resonate deeply with audiences.

For now, Bollywood fans can only dream of a future project where SRK and Aishwarya finally get a chance to portray a love story with a happy ending. Until then, their past films serve as a testament to their undeniable talent and their lasting impact on Indian cinema. While Shah Rukh Khan may joke about his “unlucky” streak with Aishwarya, the legacy they have built together on-screen is anything but unlucky. It’s filled with iconic moments, emotional depth, and a unique connection that few other on-screen duos have achieved.