When Sanjay Leela Bhansali Scolded Salman Khan for Touching Aishwarya Rai on ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ Set

A candid revelation from veteran actress Smita Jayakar has brought a memorable moment from the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s iconic 1999 film, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, back into the spotlight. Jayakar, who essayed the role of Nandini's (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) mother Amrita Darbar in the romantic drama, recently disclosed in an interview with Siddharth Kannan that director Sanjay Leela Bhansali once visibly chastised superstar Salman Khan for an impromptu touch to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan during a pivotal romantic scene. IIFA Awards 2027: Salman Khan Makes Dashing Appearance at Mumbai Press Conference Amid Security Threat.

When Sanjay Leela Bhansali Scolded Salman Khan

The incident, according to Jayakar, occurred during the filming of the beloved song "Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan". She recounted that Salman Khan, playing the character of Sameer, was instructed to walk around a table and simply look at Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's character, Nandini. However, in an unscripted moment, Salman spontaneously touched Aishwarya's arm, a gesture not part of the scene's choreography.

Bhansali, known for his meticulous vision, immediately noticed the deviation from the plan. "Sanjay shouted at him and asked why he had done that. Salman was only supposed to stand there and look at her in the scene," Jayakar stated, adding that Salman's gesture stemmed from being "in love." The spontaneous act reportedly left the crew amused, while Aishwarya herself blushed, making the burgeoning real-life romance between the two lead actors evident to everyone present.

Jayakar further elaborated on the palpable chemistry between Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan during the shoot of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. She noted that their romance was actively "blossoming" on set, contributing significantly to the on-screen magic. "They were both in love, and they looked angelic. Aishwarya looked divine at that time. Somehow, it worked for the film.

That magic came through on screen," Jayakar recalled, emphasising how their real-life feelings enhanced their performances. While their visible affection certainly enriched the film's emotional depth, it also occasionally led to production delays. Jayakar humorously mentioned how the crew would sometimes complain about their late arrivals, with the stars reportedly showing up together around 11 AM, seemingly oblivious to the waiting set.

Watch Smita Jayakar's Full Interview:

The Enduring Legacy of ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’

Released on June 18, 1999, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was a cinematic masterpiece directed, co-written, and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film, starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Ajay Devgn, was a significant commercial and critical success. With a budget of ₹16 crore, it went on to gross INR 51.38 crore at the box office, becoming the second highest-grossing Indian film of 1999.

The film's critical acclaim was equally impressive, earning 8 Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Best Actress for Aishwarya Rai. Its soulful music, breathtaking visuals, and a compelling love triangle continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless Bollywood classic. Palash Sen Accuses Salman Khan of Contributing to Bollywood’s ‘Paid PR’ Culture After Actor’s ‘Bigg Boss 20’ Speech.

Smita Jayakar's recent insights offer a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of this iconic film, reaffirming the profound connection that Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shared, both on and off the screen, during its creation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2026 10:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).