Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has long been known for her grace and beauty, but her dedication and hard work behind the scenes are often overlooked. While filming Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam — her first major hit in Bollywood — Aishwarya faced multiple physical challenges that revealed her sheer determination as an actress. From walking barefoot on hot sand to dancing with swollen feet, her persistence set an example of true professionalism.
This Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, which also starred Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn, remains a fan favorite, not just for its story, but for Aishwarya’s memorable performance as Nandini. But few know the behind-the-scenes struggle she endured during its filming.
Walking Barefoot in the Heat: A Painful Sacrifice for Art
In one of the pivotal scenes in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Aishwarya’s character Nandini is seen walking barefoot across the desert sand. While the scene might seem simple to viewers, the reality was far from easy. At the time of filming, the temperature had reached 35°C (95°F), making the sand scorching hot. Walking on it was physically unbearable.
Aishwarya’s feet were severely burnt from walking on the blistering sand. Despite the pain and discomfort, she completed the scene without hesitation, showcasing her professionalism and commitment to her role. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was reportedly amazed by her resilience and ability to pull off such a challenging scene flawlessly.
The Song ‘Nimboda’ Was Filmed With Swollen Feet
One of the most iconic scenes from the film is the song “Nimboda.” Aishwarya’s energetic dance moves and striking beauty caught everyone’s attention. However, what the audience didn’t know is that Aishwarya was dealing with a painful injury during the shoot.
Late choreographer Saroj Khan later revealed that while filming, a chandelier fell on the set and injured Aishwarya’s leg, leaving it swollen. Her feet were in terrible shape, bruised and swollen, yet she performed the high-energy dance number without complaining. She pushed through the discomfort, filming the entire song despite her physical condition. The audience would have never guessed the pain she was in, as her performance was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Aishwarya’s Determination After Early Career Setbacks
Before Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Aishwarya Rai faced several professional setbacks. After two back-to-back flop films, she knew she needed to prove herself in the industry. Despite the difficulties on set, Aishwarya was determined not to give up, pushing herself to ensure that her performance would leave a lasting impression.
Interestingly, Aishwarya wasn’t the first choice for Nandini’s role. Initially, Sanjay Leela Bhansali had considered Manisha Koirala for the part, but when that didn’t work out, Aishwarya stepped in and made the role her own.
Behind the Success of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Released over 25 years ago, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was made on a budget of ₹16 crores. It turned out to be a massive success at the box office, grossing ₹52 crores, and establishing Aishwarya Rai as a star to watch out for. Her on-screen chemistry with Salman Khan became a talking point, and their off-screen relationship was highly publicized. Their romance, which blossomed on the sets, was widely discussed, though it eventually ended.
Despite the personal rumors and challenges faced during production, Aishwarya’s performance in the film remains one of the most iconic in Bollywood history.
