Smita Jayakar recalls Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan arriving late on Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam sets; says they were “both in love”
Smita Jayakar, who played Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s onscreen mother in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, has recalled the blossoming romance between Aishwarya and Salman Khan during the filming of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 1999 romantic drama. In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, the actress spoke about the couple’s equation on set, their late arrivals and an instance when Salman reportedly deviated from the script while filming a song sequence.
Recalling the period when their relationship was developing, Smita said the couple’s affection for each other was visible. She also credited their chemistry with adding to the film’s appeal on screen. “It was blossoming then. They were both in love, and they looked angelic. Aishwarya looked divine at that time. Somehow, it worked for the film. That magic came through on screen,” said the actress.
The actress also spoke about how their relationship sometimes affected the film’s shooting schedule. According to Smita, members of the crew would express frustration when the actors arrived late despite early call times. She recalled that the couple would often arrive together, seemingly absorbed in each other and unaware of the inconvenience caused to the waiting crew.
“The rest of the crew would complain, saying, ‘These people arrive so late. We have a 7 am shift, and we have been waiting here until 10 am. They still haven’t arrived!’ But I always felt that when you’re in love, what can you say?”
She further elaborated on their arrivals, saying, “They would both arrive at 11 am, together, oblivious to everything around them and to the fact that the entire set was waiting for them. But that’s what happens when you’re in love.”
Smita also recalled an incident involving Salman and Bhansali during the filming of the song 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan'. According to her account, Salman was supposed to walk around a table and look at Aishwarya, but he touched her arm, which was not part of the planned action. The moment reportedly prompted the filmmaker to question the actor.
“Salman had to come and walk all the way around the table, while Aishwarya was standing there. He touched her arm, which he wasn’t supposed to do. Sanjay asked him, ‘Salman, why did you touch her?’”
Explaining Salman’s action, Smita said, “He just felt like touching her. He was in love, so he touched her, but that wasn’t how the scene was supposed to be done. Sanjay shouted at him and asked why he had done that. Salman was only supposed to stand there and look at her in the scene.” The actress went on to add that the incident left the crew laughing and Aishwarya blushing.
Released in 1999, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam featured Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Ajay Devgn in lead roles. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the romantic drama followed a young woman caught between her feelings for a former lover and her marriage. The film remains notable for its music, elaborate visual treatment and performances.
Also Read: Bhansali on his 1999 classic Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam at Rome Festival; says, “It saved my career”
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