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When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was asked in 1994 the qualities a Miss World should possess, she replied that we should be able to ‘look beyond the boundaries set by man.’ The then 21-year-old’s answer couldn’t have been more appropriate for the country she was representing as India was also experiencing social, political and economic changes in the wake of economic reforms of 1991. With the emergence of an aspirational Indian middle class, global brands forayed into the country in the 90s and roped in Indian stars like Aishwarya to endorse them. The actor’s 30-year journey in the film industry has made her the ideal symbol of globalization, a key factor in her continued relevance today.
Aishwarya – a former Miss World, Bollywood actress and a fashion icon — has given multiple iconic moments throughout the years with her films, her ramp appearances and at Cannes Film Festival. Thirty years is a long time to stay relevant on the national and international stage, especially in the age of internet stardom and influencers. Aishwarya, however, has done it with aplomb. For Gen Z, she is associated more with that unforgettable Cannes red carpet appearance in a floral peach gown from Rami Kadi Couture, or the purple lipstick which took the centre stage during Cannes 2018. Or maybe it’s the image of her looking absolutely ethereal in lehengas in movies like ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’.
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However, for this generation, more than her acting skills, it is her fashion choices that ring a bell. In simpler terms, while Aishwarya’s performance in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ did grab attention, it was her recent interaction with supermodel Kendall Jenner that stole the spotlight. This incident highlighted that her status as an icon goes beyond being an actress.
Between 2012 and 2023, Aishwarya has been a part of around only 10 films. But despite that, she has stayed relevant for people of the current generation. Take for instance her performance in Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil where she played a sensual and beautiful woman in her late 30’s or early 40s, or as the mysterious Nandini in Ponniyin Selvan. However, this seemingly limited number of film appearances raises the question: has it affected her iconic status among the Gen Z audience?
The answer is Aishwarya’s impact goes beyond just her stunning looks. What truly defines Aishwarya is her ‘divaness,’ a quality that has only grown stronger over the years. She’s remained relevant in recent times, and it’s clear that she’s achieved exactly what she set out to do in her career. ‘Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’ is a name that resonates with the magic of timeless beauty and success.
While Aishwarya is often praised for her stunning looks by those who have worked with her, there’s a lingering question about whether her acting skills get the attention they deserve. This brings up the issue of how her enduring relevance in the film industry might be connected to her beauty taking the spotlight. Julia Roberts once called her “the most beautiful woman in the world.” This label has not only stuck with Aishwarya but continues to define her legacy as an actress and a global fashion icon, even to this day.
However, Aishwarya’s ability to handle the spotlight and make a statement, even in the face of criticism, is a testament to her grace and confidence. Despite her detractors, she has remained relevant and an icon over the years. More importantly, she has looked beyond attempts to put her into boxes, making choices as an actor, model and woman who thinks for herself.
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