When Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Shared Screen Beyond HDDCS

In the early 2000s, few Bollywood romances captured public fascination quite like Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s relationship. Their chemistry in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) was not only cinematic magic but also a reflection of their off-screen affection. The two stars reportedly fell in love during the film’s shoot, and their relationship soon became one of the most talked-about topics in the Hindi film industry.

However, after dating for nearly three years, the couple parted ways in 2002. While their love story and eventual fallout have often been the subject of public curiosity, there remains an interesting cinematic connection between the two that many fans are unaware of.

A Lesser-Known On-Screen Collaboration

Beyond Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai shared screen space once more — albeit briefly — in the 2000 romantic drama Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke, directed by Raj Kanwar. The film primarily starred Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan in lead roles and was one of the early films that hinted at the chemistry between the two actors, who would later become one of Bollywood’s most admired real-life couples.

What surprises many fans is that Salman Khan also appears in Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke — in an unexpected cameo role. The cameo is so subtle that casual viewers might miss it entirely, but a resurfaced video clip from the film has recently gone viral on social media, reigniting interest in this forgotten trivia.

Salman Khan’s Cameo: The Scene Explained

In the short yet memorable scene, Salman plays a truck driver who gives Abhishek Bachchan a lift. The sequence unfolds as Abhishek sits beside Salman, who is at the wheel. While they drive along a highway, Aishwarya Rai’s character is seen standing by the roadside, signaling for a lift. However, Salman’s character drives past her, leaving her behind. Moments later, he drops Abhishek off and tells him that his destination has arrived — ending the cameo.

Though the scene lasts less than a minute, it carries a curious subtext for fans aware of the real-life dynamics between the three actors. At the time of the film’s release in 2000, Salman and Aishwarya were still together, while Aishwarya and Abhishek were simply co-stars. Years later, Aishwarya and Abhishek married in April 2007, completing what now feels like a remarkable full-circle moment in Bollywood history.

Aishwarya and Abhishek’s On-Screen Journey

Following Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan went on to star in several films together, strengthening both their professional and personal bond. Their notable collaborations include Kuch Naa Kaho (2003), Guru (2007), Umrao Jaan (2006), Dhoom 2 (2006), Sarkar Raj (2008), and Raavan (2010).

Their relationship blossomed during the making of Guru, directed by Mani Ratnam, and they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in April 2007. The couple welcomed their daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, in November 2011. Over the years, they have remained one of Bollywood’s most enduring and respected families.

Where the Stars Stand Today

Salman Khan, known for his massive fan following and long-running association with reality television, continues to host the 19th season of Bigg Boss. On the film front, he is gearing up for Battle of Galwan, a patriotic drama inspired by the 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley. The film is reportedly among his most ambitious projects in recent years.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was last seen in Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023), directed by Mani Ratnam — the concluding chapter of the Tamil historical epic that won both critical acclaim and commercial success. Her portrayal of Nandini earned her widespread praise and reaffirmed her position as one of India’s most graceful and skilled performers.

Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan recently appeared in Kaalidhar Laapata, which premiered on a popular OTT platform in August 2025. Known for his diverse acting choices in both cinema and streaming, Abhishek continues to balance mainstream and content-driven projects.

The resurfacing of Salman Khan’s cameo in Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke has sparked nostalgia among fans, many of whom regard it as a fascinating slice of Bollywood history — a moment where three major stars’ paths briefly crossed on-screen long before their real lives diverged in very different directions.

For movie lovers, this little-known cinematic detail serves as a reminder of how Bollywood’s web of relationships — both personal and professional — often weaves stories more dramatic than the films themselves.