Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Manisha Koirala, both celebrated Bollywood actresses, were once rumored to have had a strained relationship, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The tension between the two stars reportedly began around the time of the film Bombay (1995), a critically acclaimed movie directed by Mani Ratnam, which featured Manisha Koirala in the lead role.
The story goes that Aishwarya Rai, who was then a rising star in the industry, wanted to congratulate Manisha Koirala for her performance in Bombay, a role that garnered significant praise. However, before Aishwarya could extend her congratulations, Manisha Koirala publicly accused her of having an affair with Bombay’s director, Mani Ratnam, during the filming of the movie.
The timing of this accusation led to speculations that there may have been some underlying tension, possibly over professional jealousy or personal issues. The affair rumors, however, were never substantiated and were likely exaggerated by media speculation at the time, as often happens with high-profile celebrities in the film industry.
Despite the accusation, both Aishwarya Rai and Manisha Koirala continued with their successful careers, with Aishwarya going on to become a global icon and Manisha also maintaining a strong presence in Indian cinema. Over the years, the two actresses have moved past their differences, and any animosity between them has largely faded, with both actresses focusing on their professional and personal lives.
As for the alleged affair, there was never any concrete proof or statement from either Aishwarya Rai or Mani Ratnam confirming or denying the rumors, leading many to believe that the situation was possibly a misunderstanding or a fabrication by the media. Nevertheless, it remains one of the more talked-about stories of the 90s Bollywood era, contributing to the intense public scrutiny that surrounded these celebrities at the time.
Today, both actresses continue to maintain their stature in the industry, with Aishwarya Rai enjoying a successful career in both Bollywood and international cinema, while Manisha Koirala has carved a niche for herself as a respected actress and an advocate for cancer awareness, following her battle with the disease.
