The biggest controversies surrounding Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai has been making headlines since she won the Miss World pageant in 1994. Whether it's a controversial photoshoot or news about her personal life, her life has always been scrutinised due to her immense popularity. From the Panama Papers tax leak case to divorce rumours with husband Abhishek Bachchan, here are 5 controversies surrounding the star after her wedding.

5 Controversies and Rumours Of Aishwarya Rai That Will Shock You

Did Aishwarya Rai Marry A Tree?

Months before the big fat Bachchan-Rai wedding, speculations were rife that she was made to marry a tree before tying the knot with Abhishek, in an archaic ritual to ward off ‘bad omens’ with concerning connotations. These rumours were fuelled by the family's decision to conduct the wedding ceremonies behind closed doors at their Juhu house.

In a 2008 interview with NDTV, Aishwarya recalled being asked by International media if she was married to a tree and was cursed. She said, "It’s shocking. While we would like to imagine that it is a passing phase, it gets logged. And I recognised it at times when you get to travel abroad, of which there is an ample opportunity… So, you’re constantly interacting with international media, and when they start wondering at the sheer ludicrous nature of everything, like, ‘You got married to a tree, and you have this huge curse on you?’ You just think, ‘Oh my god, where am I going to start…'”

Later Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan cleared all rumours and denied rumours of the family being superstitious.

Panama Papers Scandal

In 2016, Aishwarya was embroiled in the Panama Papers Scandal and was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate. The expose, published by The Indian Express in collaboration with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) showed that several prominent personalities in India had floated companies in tax havens.

Did Aishwarya Drop Bachchan From Her Name?

In 2024, Aishwarya was spotted at the Global Women's Forum in Dubai. While she looked gorgeous what drew the limelight was her introduction that did not carry the 'Bachchan' surname. Fans were shocked to see 'Aishwarya Rai | International Star' instead of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The Controversial Photoshoot With Ranbir Kapoor

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor's 2016 Filmfare photoshoot grabbed all the attention. Their steamy pictures soon became the talk of the town and went viral in no time. Whether it's the intensity or the undeniable sizzling chemistry, Aishwarya and Ranbir are impossible to look away from in this fiery photoshoot.

Did Aishwarya Rai Get Cheated On?

A few months back, rumours of Abhishek Bachchan and Nimrit Kaur's affair went viral. Faceless trolls took to social media and bashed Abhishek and Nimrit for their alleged affair. While some claimed that they had a raging affair during the shoot of 'Dasvi', others body-shamed Aishwarya Rai for gaining weight!