What Happened to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, born November 1, 1973, rose to international prominence after being crowned Miss World in 1994. Her subsequent foray into acting established her as one of India's most celebrated and influential celebrities. Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, she starred in numerous successful films across Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali cinema, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Her roles in films like 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Devdas', and 'Jodhaa Akbar' cemented her status as a leading actress. Beyond her acting career, Aishwarya has been a consistent global face for Indian culture and beauty, notably through her long-standing association with L'Oréal Paris and her regular appearances at the Cannes Film Festival since 2002.

In recent years, Aishwarya has maintained a selective approach to her film projects, prioritizing quality over quantity. Her last major release was Mani Ratnam's epic historical drama 'Ponniyin Selvan: Part-2' in April 2023, where her dual role garnered widespread praise. This film marked a significant return to the big screen for her in a prominent capacity. While her Bollywood appearances have been less frequent since 'Fanney Khan' in 2018, her work in South Indian cinema, particularly the 'Ponniyin Selvan' series, has kept her in the spotlight and reaffirmed her acting prowess.

Looking ahead to 2026, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is set to embark on a new cinematic journey with her debut in Telugu cinema. She is confirmed to star opposite megastar Chiranjeevi in the high-budget action drama 'Mega 158', directed by Bobby Kolli. This project has generated considerable buzz, with rumors suggesting she is commanding a fee upwards of Rs. 20 crores, highlighting her continued demand and star power across different Indian film industries. The film is anticipated to be an emotional, rustic action drama.

Her international presence remains strong, particularly with the Cannes Film Festival. In May 2025, she made headlines with her elegant ivory Banarasi saree by Manish Malhotra, celebrating Indian craftsmanship. Leading up to Cannes 2026, there was a notable controversy when L'Oréal Paris initially omitted her from their promotional campaign at Hotel Martinez, sparking outrage among her fans. However, L'Oréal Paris later confirmed her attendance, and she is expected to walk the red carpet on May 22, 2026, marking her 23rd or 24th appearance at the prestigious event as a global ambassador.

On the personal front, Aishwarya continues to share glimpses of her family life with husband Abhishek Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya. The couple celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary on April 20, 2026, with Aishwarya sharing family portraits on social media. She was also seen casting her vote with the Bachchan family in the BMC elections in January 2026. Her net worth is estimated to be around Rs. 776-900 crores (approximately $100 million), derived from her film fees, extensive brand endorsements with global and domestic brands like L'Oréal, Longines, and Kalyan Jewellers, and strategic investments in real estate and health tech.