The love story of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai remains one of Bollywood’s most talked-about relationships. Their breakup in 2002, however, was far from smooth. Recently, filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar opened up about that turbulent phase, revealing how the split affected Aishwarya’s personal and professional life.

“The Industry Abandoned Her”

Kakkar recalled that Aishwarya was deeply hurt not just by the breakup, but by the film industry turning its back on her. He said, “I was just supporting her. She said, ‘But the industry…’ What truly pained her was that everyone seemed to side with Salman. It wasn’t about heartbreak—it was about betrayal.”

Salman’s Aggressive Streak

The filmmaker also shared that the relationship had already soured before it officially ended. “I lived in the same building. Salman would create a scene in the foyer, even bang his head against the wall. He was very physical and passionate. The relationship was over long before it ended publicly,” Kakkar revealed.

According to him, the breakup was ultimately a relief for everyone—Aishwarya, her parents, and even those around them.

Aishwarya Lost Faith in the Industry

Kakkar concluded that what broke Aishwarya most was not losing Salman, but losing faith in the industry. “She wasn’t upset with the breakup. She was upset because the industry didn’t stand by her. The treatment was completely one-sided. That’s why she felt betrayed.”