Bollywood’s glittering world is often punctuated by controversies, heartbreaks, and intense relationships that spill beyond the screen. Among the most talked-about relationships in the Indian film industry is that of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai—a pairing that once set tabloids on fire in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While the romance was high-profile, the breakup was even more so, with serious allegations surfacing after their split.
One of the most explosive chapters in their past involved allegations of physical abuse, which Aishwarya Rai made public after ending their relationship. The claims shocked the industry and fans alike, prompting Salman Khan to eventually respond to the accusations in a controversial manner that still draws attention years later.
The Allegations: Aishwarya’s Public Statement
In 2002, following their much-publicized breakup, Aishwarya Rai gave interviews where she alleged physical and emotional abuse during her relationship with Salman Khan. She claimed that the actor had shown aggressive behavior and that his outbursts impacted her mental and emotional well-being.
In one of her statements, she said,
“I stood by him enduring his alcoholic misbehavior in its worst phases, and in turn, I was at the receiving end of abuse.”
She also alleged that her career had suffered due to his interference, particularly citing instances of him creating disruptions during her film shoots. These allegations shocked the public, as both stars had massive fan bases and reputations to protect.
Salman Khan’s Response: “If I Hit Her, She Won’t Survive It”
Salman Khan remained mostly silent during the initial media storm. However, he finally addressed the issue in an interview with a leading publication. Responding to Aishwarya’s claim that he had physically abused her, Salman issued a statement that stirred controversy.
He said:
“I get emotional and hurt myself. I bang my head against the wall. I throw things. I do not hurt anyone else. If I hit someone, it would be a fight. I’ve never beaten anyone. I don’t know what she meant by abuse. But I cannot hit a woman. I come from a family where hitting women is not taught. If I hit her, she wouldn’t survive it.”
The last sentence—“If I hit her, she wouldn’t survive it”—sparked widespread criticism. While Salman may have meant to emphasize that he never physically hurt Aishwarya, the choice of words was widely seen as disturbing and problematic. Many viewed it as dismissive of the seriousness of the allegations.
Public Reaction: A Divided Audience
Salman’s statement created a media frenzy. Critics, women’s rights groups, and a large section of the public questioned both the intent and tone of his comments. While his fans stood by him, others called for greater accountability and sensitivity regarding how abuse allegations are addressed by influential personalities.
The controversy added a dark layer to the narrative of Bollywood romances, where glamour often masks grim personal struggles. It also opened up conversations about the power imbalance between male and female actors, and how women in the industry often lack avenues for justice when such issues arise.
Aftermath and Moving On
In the years following the controversy, both Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai moved on with their personal and professional lives. Aishwarya went on to marry actor Abhishek Bachchan in 2007 and is now a mother. Salman Khan, while remaining unmarried, continued to be one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
Importantly, both actors have refrained from publicly revisiting the episode in recent years, perhaps in an attempt to close that difficult chapter.
A Moment That Bollywood Won’t Forget
The Salman-Aishwarya controversy remains one of the most talked-about and polarizing episodes in Bollywood history. It shed light on issues of emotional and physical abuse, the responsibilities of public figures, and the need for sensitive handling of such matters in the media.
While time has passed, and both stars have moved on, the public memory of the relationship and the words exchanged post-breakup—especially Salman Khan’s controversial remark—continue to evoke debate and reflection on how India’s film industry deals with personal conflict in the public eye.
