In Bollywood’s glamorous realm where stardom often dictates decisions, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s refusal to accept a role in Happy New Year (2014) surprised many people. Directed by Farah Khan and starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Abhishek Bachchan among other stars; the film looked like it had all ingredients of being commercially successful. It was potentially another feather in Aishwarya’s cap given its ensemble cast as well as heist-based storyline.
Nonetheless, she chose not to be part of it despite being known for picking her projects carefully. In a past interview, Aishwarya spoke about her choice. She said that she could not resist the offer and it seemed to be an enjoyable venture.
“Yeah, I was approached for this film and thought it would be such a fun thing to do. I understood that we will have a ball doing that,” Aishwarya added. However, the casting dynamics, notably the participation of her spouse Abhishek Bachchan, were pivotal in making her say no.
Aishwarya disclosed that they were married at that moment so would not have been cast as a couple. For instance, there was no romantic involvement between Abhishek’s character and hers which could make for an odd on-screen situation. “It wouldn’t have worked out with both me and Abhishek in the film and not being paired with each other.
We were never going to play opposite one another in such a case.” It would just be weird beyond belief right? That is why I had to say no,” she clarif.