A startling revelation
Veteran Indian filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar has shared a striking account of actor Salman Khan’s emotional struggles after his much-publicised breakup with actress Aishwarya Rai.
In a recent interview, Kakkar revealed that Salman was deeply affected by the separation and often displayed signs of extreme distress. This echoes Salman Khan’s own admission that he has “never experienced true love,” a statement that stirred strong reactions from fans (full story here). According to him, the actor would sometimes lose control of his emotions, even banging his head against the wall in anger.
Kakkar, who was Salman’s neighbour at the time, said he personally witnessed these episodes. His comments have once again brought attention to one of Bollywood’s most widely discussed relationships.
Relationship ended before public announcement
The director explained that the relationship between Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai had ended before their official breakup was made public. Behind the glamour, he said, the relationship had become increasingly tense and conflict-ridden.
“For Aishwarya and her family, separation was the better option,” Kakkar noted. “The relationship had reached a stage where continuing it would only cause more harm.”
The couple’s romance ended in 2001, and in 2002 Aishwarya confirmed the breakup in public. The announcement followed months of speculation by the media and fans.
Impact on Aishwarya Rai
While Salman Khan appeared shattered, Kakkar said Aishwarya found relief in ending the relationship, though the aftermath was not easy. She felt isolated within the film industry, as most of her colleagues sided with Salman.
This, according to Kakkar, left Aishwarya feeling vulnerable and unsupported. The experience shaped her outlook toward Bollywood and convinced her not to place complete trust in anyone within the industry again.
Life after the breakup
Following the split, Salman Khan continued to face scrutiny over his personal life, while Aishwarya Rai moved on to rebuild her career and personal happiness. In 2007, she married actor Abhishek Bachchan, a union that attracted massive media attention and was celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most high-profile weddings.
Since then, Aishwarya has balanced her acting career with family life, appearing in several films while also representing global brands. Salman, meanwhile, remained one of India’s most bankable stars, headlining blockbuster films despite ongoing controversies.
A relationship that still sparks debate
The Salman–Aishwarya relationship is often revisited in discussions about Bollywood’s star culture, media intrusion, and the pressures of celebrity life. Their breakup, two decades later, continues to attract public curiosity, especially when new revelations like Kakkar’s emerge.
Experts note that Bollywood couples often face immense pressure from both fans and the industry, with personal issues amplified by intense media coverage. In Salman and Aishwarya’s case, their star power made their relationship one of the most scrutinised in Indian cinema history.
Conclusion
Prahlad Kakkar’s revelations provide a rare glimpse into the emotional fallout behind a relationship that once dominated headlines. While Salman Khan reportedly struggled with anger and despair, Aishwarya Rai emerged more determined but cautious in her professional and personal life.
Even years later, their story serves as a reminder of how fame, relationships, and public pressure intertwine in the complex world of Bollywood.
