Smita Jayakar Recalls Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Romance on Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam Set

Smita Jayakar, who played Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s onscreen mother in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, recalled the 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 discussed the couple’s equation on set, their late arrivals, and an instance when Salman deviated from the script during a song sequence.

Recalling the period when their relationship developed, Smita stated that their affection was visible and contributed to the film's appeal. “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,” she said.

Smita also mentioned how their relationship affected the shooting schedule. According to her, crew members expressed frustration when the actors arrived late despite early call times. She recalled that the couple often arrived together, seemingly absorbed in each other.

“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 noted, adding that they would typically arrive at 11 am together.

The actress also recalled an incident involving Salman and Bhansali during the filming of the song 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan'. 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. This prompted the filmmaker to question the actor.

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.” She added that the incident left the crew laughing and Aishwarya blushing.

Released in 1999, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam starred 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.