When Jaya Bachchan said she felt like slapping Shah Rukh Khan for his comments on Aishwarya Rai: ‘I have a weakness for SRK’

At the height of Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s fallout, tensions had escalated significantly and even Jaya Bachchan voiced her disappointment over certain remarks SRK made about Aishwarya.

Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai have worked together in movies such as Josh, Mohabbatein, Devdas and Shakti. Jaya Bachchan shares a close bond with SRK. (Express archive photos)

Two of the biggest stars Indian cinema has ever seen, Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai have not only delivered unforgettable performances individually but also set the screens ablaze by appearing together in films such as Josh (2000), Mohabbatein (2000), Devdas (2002) and Shakti: The Power (2002). However, their professional and personal relationship took a turn for the worse in the early 2000s and for reasons that still remain unclear — despite widespread speculations — they stopped working together and even distanced themselves personally. In fact, Aishwarya herself once revealed that she was dropped from at least five projects with Shah Rukh, including Chalte Chalte and Veer Zaara. However, SRK later apologised to Aishwarya and they eventually buried the hatchet.

Nonetheless, at the height of their fallout, tensions escalated significantly before gradually settling down and even Aishwarya’s mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan — who shares a close bond with Shah Rukh — voiced her disappointment over certain remarks he made about Aishwarya during that period.

In a 2008 interview with People magazine, Jaya was asked if she still held that against him, to which the legendary actor firmly responded, “Of course, I do.” She shared, “I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss it with him and I am going to speak to him about it. If he was at my home, I would have slapped him, just as I would my own son. But I have connected with him in my soul, and that’s it,” adding, “I have a weakness for Shah Rukh.”
Despite SRK’s strong bond with the Bachchan family, particularly Jaya, he was notably absent from Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s wedding in 2007 since the Devdas actors were supposedly not on talking terms following a fallout on the sets of Chalte Chalte. Commenting on this, Jaya said, “Is Aishwarya going to invite him for the wedding? Let me tell you, very honestly, if we could have invited him, we would have changed the date of the wedding. I would like to give my family the freedom and the space.”

When Jaya Bachchan confessed to wanting to slap Shah Rukh Khan, “Just as I would my own son…”

If there is one thing we can be certain of, it can be that Jaya Bachchan is not one to hold back her opinion. What did she once say about SRK?

Jaya Bachchan is one of the most revered names in Indian cinema and rightly so as she has delivered several memorable performances in some of the most seminal Hindi films from the 20th century. She is known not only for her acting prowess but also for her unfiltered opinions and fiery spirit. She has made several controversial remarks over the years that have stirred public debates and have consistently made headlines. She has often been heard complaining of the invasion of media into her family’s personal life. Bachchan has also often lashed out at paparazzi and journalists for invading her personal space.

There have been many instances where she has publicly reprimanded photographers and members of the media for things such as clicking pictures without consent. Her stance on privacy and respect has resonated with many, while also drawing criticism for her aggressive approach. Ultimately it is Bachchan’s unapologetic nature and ability to speak her mind that makes her the personality that she is.

The Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-Shah Rukh Khan tiff

A popular Bollywood friendship that spawned some iconic films, most notably Devdas was that of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. However, their professional relationship suffered a hiccup when it was reported that Aishwarya was dropped from two of Shah Rukh Khan’s films: Veer Zara and Chalte Chalte. Speculated reasons behind her removal were said to be the controversies over her tumultuous relationship with Salman Khan, which caused indiscretions on set. Despite this, Aishwarya took it in her stride and Shah Rukh reportedly apologised for the issue several years later.

Why did Jaya Bachchan want to slap Shah Rukh Khan?

In a 2008 interview she gave to People, Jaya Bachchan had said when asked if she still holds resentment for Khan, “Of course, I do. I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss it with him and I am going to speak to him about it. If he was at my home, I would have slapped him, just as I would my own son. But I have connected with him in my soul, and that’s it.” But, Bachchan was quick to add that despite her grouse with him, she “I have a weakness for Shah Rukh.”