Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, today admired globally for her poise, beauty and screen presence, once had a moment of pure innocence and nervousness that very few people know about. Long before she became Miss World, long before she stepped into films, and at a time when she still identified as a shy college girl, Aishwarya shot her first-ever television commercial, and it co-starred none other than Aamir Khan. The advertisement, directed by veteran ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar, became memorable not just for its success but for the charming backstory of Aishwarya’s nervous debut in front of the camera.
Prahlad Kakkar has often spoken about discovering Aishwarya’s natural screen charisma at a time when she had no acting background, no glamorous training, and no knowledge of how the industry worked. When she walked into the ad shoot, Kakkar remembers being struck by her quiet personality, her simplicity, and her old-world manners. She carried no sense of entitlement or the confidence usually seen in aspiring models. She was just a young woman from a regular family, stepping timidly into a world she didn’t yet understand.
What truly stayed with him, however, was the moment he explained a shot to her — a simple frame where she had to stand close to Aamir Khan and interact naturally for the camera. To Kakkar’s surprise, Aishwarya instantly froze. She looked at him with genuine confusion and asked, “But I’ve never had a boyfriend. How do I go before a man like that?” The sincerity of her question not only stunned him but also melted his heart. It revealed how untouched she was by the glamour world and how unprepared she felt to perform an intimate or personal scene with a male co-star. Her innocence was so real and unfiltered that Kakkar was left speechless for a moment.
To put her at ease, Kakkar reassured her that acting was simply about playing a part, not about personal experience. He told her she only needed to follow instructions and trust the process. Despite being nervous, Aishwarya agreed and slowly eased into the shoot, relying entirely on the director’s guidance. Within minutes, however, Kakkar noticed something extraordinary — the camera loved her. Even though she had little idea about angles, expression control, or screen presence, she lit up every frame with her freshness and natural beauty. Without even trying, she created the kind of impact that trained actors struggled to achieve.
Aamir Khan, already a rising star at that time, was impressed as well. He found her professionalism surprising for someone so new. Aishwarya listened intently, followed cues perfectly, and displayed discipline that was rare in newcomers. Kakkar later said that watching her transform from a shy girl into a confident performer in front of the camera made him realise she was meant for something much bigger.
The commercial went on to become popular, and though Aishwarya did not expect it, her face started appearing everywhere. Offers from the modelling world began to pour in. Fashion shows, print ads, and endorsements followed one after another. Yet, despite the growing attention, Aishwarya remained grounded. Those who worked with her during her early days often recall her humility, her quiet dedication, and her eagerness to learn. She never behaved like someone chasing fame — she simply did her work with sincerity.
This first commercial was a turning point. It opened doors that eventually led to her Miss World 1994 win, which then paved the way for an illustrious film career. But the story of that very first moment — a shy girl asking how to stand before a man because she had never had a boyfriend — remains one of the most heartwarming glimpses into Aishwarya’s early innocence.
Looking back today, the story feels almost unbelievable, considering how confidently Aishwarya went on to portray some of Indian cinema’s most iconic characters. From Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas to Jodhaa Akbar, she became a symbol of elegance, strength, and global beauty. Yet, deep within these glamorous achievements lies the memory of her humble beginning — a reminder that even the brightest stars start out unsure, nervous, and beautifully human.
This incident not only reflects Aishwarya Rai’s journey but also highlights how true talent often shines most when it carries honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity.
