Shah Rukh Khan regretted replacing Aishwarya Rai in Chalte Chalte, a decision that still makes fans emotional even today. The superstar once revealed that it was one of the toughest calls of his career. As Aishwarya was not just his co-star but also a close friend.
Originally, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was signed as the lead actress in Chalte Chalte opposite Shah Rukh Khan. However, reports suggest that her then-boyfriend, Salman Khan, created disturbances on the film’s set, leading to delays and tension. To save the film and avoid further risks, the production team, along with SRK, decided to replace her with Rani Mukerji.
In an old interview, Shah Rukh Khan admitted that his “hands were tied” since he was not the only producer of the film. With UTV and a team of more than ten people involved, the company’s reputation and financial stakes were on the line. He clarified that the decision was taken purely on professional grounds, though personally he felt very sad.
Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai had earlier delivered memorable performances together in films like Josh, Mohabbatein, and Devdas. SRK even called her one of his favorite co-stars, praising her professionalism and talent. Despite the replacement, he expressed deep regret, saying the situation was beyond his control.
Shah Rukh Khan regretted replacing Aishwarya Rai in Chalte Chalte. But the film still went on to become a hit with Rani Mukerji. Yet, fans often wonder how iconic the movie might have been if Aishwarya had stayed in the role.
