Aishwarya

 

I clearly remember the moment I came across an ad that starts with only eyes on the TV screen; the eyes you have never even imagined can exist; the beauty, the depth, and the mysteriousness were breathtaking. I was in a trance when the face that had those eyes apeared on the screen and said in a calming other worldly voice, "Beauty contest me aap se tarah tarah ke sawal puche jate hain, jaise jate waqat duniya ko kya dekar jayenbge aap?? Main apni ankhen eye bank ko de jaungi, jisse koi ye khubsurat duniya fir se dekh sake... mere jaane ke bad."

It's been about 25 years since but I can still feel those eyes watching me from the TV screen. I can still feel the rush of emotions in my little heart—the emotions of awe, admiration, and love. It was the moment I first fell in love. I still believe that when poets write about the eyes of the beloved, they must have imagined those very eyes, the eyes of Aishwarya Rai.

Over the years as I grew up, I witnessed the rise of Aiswarya Rai as an actress, as a cultural icon and as a symbol of women's empowerment, which is not just attributed to her successful career in the entertainment industry but also to her persistent efforts in advocating for social causes and gender equality. Her journey from a girl next door in Mangalore to being crowned Miss World to becoming a celebrated actress and a global influencer is a tale worthy of many retellings.

Aishwarya Rai was born on November 1, 1973, in Mangalore, Karnataka, into a Tulu-speaking family of Krishnaraj Rai, an army biologist, and Vrinda Rai, a homemaker. Her father's transfer took her to Mumbai, where she attended Arya Vidya Mandir and Jai Hind College for her early education. She then joined D. G. Ruparel College, Mumbai, for further education. She is also a trained classical dancer and underwent years of classical dance and music training, especially in Bharatnatyam and later Kathak.

Despite her academic success and a budding interest in architecture, which led her to enrol in the Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture, Rai's destiny took a turn towards the glamour of modeling. It was the time when she won an international supermodel contest by Ford Motor Company, which led to her being featured in American Vogue. This win launched her modeling career, opening doors to numerous assignments and TV commercials. One of her most famous commercials came in 1993, when she teamed up with Amir Khan and Mahima Chaudhary for the now iconic Pepsi ad.

The pivotal moment in Rai's early career was the Miss India pageant in 1994, where she was placed second. However, her charm and elegance did not go unnoticed, and she was crowned Miss World later that same year. This victory was not just a personal triumph but also a national one, as it placed her on a global platform, representing India's beauty and culture to the world.

Following her success in the pageant, Rai transitioned into acting, making her debut in Mani Ratnam's Tamil film "Iruvar" in 1997 and her Hindi film debut in "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya" the same year.

Rai's performances have been lauded both by critics and audiences alike. She has received numerous accolades, including two Filmfare Awards for Best Actress for her roles in "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)" and "Devdas (2002)." Her portrayal of strong, nuanced characters in films like "Taal (1999)," "Chokher Bali (2004)," "Raincoat (2004)," "Provoked (2006), "Guru (2007)," "Jodhaa Akbar (2007)," and "'Guzaarish (2010)" has been particularly praised.

Some of her other notable roles include Bride and Prejudice (2004), Shabd (2005), The Mistress of Spices (2005), Umrao Jaan (2006), Dhoom 2 (2006), The Last Legion (2007), Sarkar Raj (2008), The Pink Panther 2 (2009), Raavan (2010), Jazbaa (2015), Sarbjit (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). More recently, she was seen in Mani Ratnam's historical epic series "Ponniyin Selvan: I" and "Ponniyin Selvan: II" in 2023.

Rai's personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She married actor Abhishek Bachchan in 2007, and they have a daughter, Aradhya, together.

Rai Bachchan's influence extends beyond the silver screen. She has been a vocal advocate for various social causes, including her work with the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), where she has used her voice to raise awareness and combat stigma associated with the disease. She has also been a part of stage shows, brand endorsements, and is an investor in various ventures.

Her role as a UN Microcredit Spokesperson further exemplifies her dedication to social causes. Microcredit is a critical tool in fighting poverty, and Rai Bachchan's advocacy has helped bring attention to the importance of providing small loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries, enabling them to start or expand businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Moreover, Rai Bachchan's thoughts on women's roles in a patriarchal culture highlight her belief in gender equality. She has spoken at various international platforms, including the United Nations, where she has addressed issues such as gender-based violence and the need for equal opportunities for women and girls.

In interviews, she has imparted valuable life lessons, encouraging women to look beyond gender stereotypes and to be comfortable in their own skin. She emphasises the importance of self-conviction and cherishing one's journey, regardless of societal expectations.

Rai Bachchan's philanthropic journey is marked by her establishment of the Aishwarya Rai Foundation in November 2004. The foundation is dedicated to helping the underprivileged in India, providing support in various forms to uplift and empower the needy. Her vision for the foundation is to create a world where every individual has the opportunity to lead a life of dignity and purpose.

Rai Bachchan's commitment to eye donation is another facet of her philanthropic work. She pledged to donate her eyes to the Eye Bank Association of India and appeared in a public awareness film to encourage others to do the same. This act of generosity aims to give the gift of sight to those in need and raise awareness about the importance of eye donation.

As a passionate supporter of PETA India, Rai Bachchan has lent her voice to the cause of animal rights, advocating for the humane treatment of animals and raising awareness about issues such as cruelty-free living and the adoption of homeless animals.

Perhaps one of the most touching aspects of Rai Bachchan's philanthropy is her association with Smile Train, an international children's charity that provides corrective surgery for children with cleft lips and palates. As Smile Train’s first Goodwill Ambassador, she has not only advocated for these children but also celebrated the 'Day of Smiles' in memory of her late father, Krishnaraj Rai, who was a passionate supporter of the cause. Through her foundation, she has pledged to transform the lives of 100 children with clefts, ensuring they have the opportunity to smile and lead fulfilling lives.

Aishwarya Rai's influence extends beyond the silver screen. In 2009, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri, and in 2012, the Government of France awarded her the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2004, highlighting her global impact.

As we celebrate the birthday of Aishwarya Rai, we wish her all the happiness and fulfilment of the world in her life and endeavors.