In a dazzling showcase of Bollywood glamour, superstar Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a stunning appearance at the IIFA Utsavam 2024 in Abu Dhabi, adorned in an opulent black and golden ensemble designed by the renowned Manish Malhotra. As expected, the event attracted significant media attention, with the spotlight naturally turning to Aishwarya and her daughter Aaradhya, who once again accompanied her mother to a high-profile event.
In recent years, Aaradhya has become a familiar face at prestigious events alongside her mother, drawing both admiration and concern from the public and media alike. Social media platforms are frequently abuzz with comments about Aaradhya’s constant presence at these events, with critics speculating about the impact on her education.
During her media interaction at IIFA Utsavam, Aishwarya was confronted with a familiar question: “Aaradhya is always with you. She’s already learning from the best.” The former Miss World, known for her grace and poise, delivered a succinct yet powerful response. “WOAH, she is my daughter. She is always with me,” Aishwarya replied, leaving no room for further questioning on the matter. Without engaging any further, the beauty queen gracefully walked away, leaving an indelible mark on those present.
In a video shared on social media, Aishwarya’s composed yet firm response quickly went viral, garnering widespread praise from her fans. The actress has consistently faced queries about her daughter accompanying her to various events, and this latest interaction underscores her unwavering stance on the matter.
Earlier this year, Aaradhya was seen alongside her mother at some of the fashion industry’s most coveted events, including Paris Fashion Week 2024 and the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2024 in Dubai. Each appearance fueled further speculation and debate among netizens, yet Aishwarya’s stand remains resolute.
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The actress’s stance is clear: her daughter’s presence at such events is a personal decision that needs no external validation or scrutiny. Social media may continue to question Aaradhya’s presence, but it is evident that Aishwarya values her daughter’s company and considers it an integral part of their lives.
Aside from addressing the ever-present spotlight on her daughter, Aishwarya also took time to reflect on her long-standing association with acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam during the media interaction. The actress has a storied history with Ratnam, having made her acting debut in his 1997 Tamil film ‘Iruvar’. This collaboration has blossomed over the years, culminating in her role as Nandini in Ratnam’s ambitious project, ‘Ponniyin Selvan’.
“I can’t even speak about his evolution as a maker because I have always respected him,” Aishwarya shared, expressing her admiration for the visionary director. “From the beginning, I just say I am very grateful that I got to work with him for my first movie. I was so honoured that he asked me to be his Nandini in ‘Ponniyin Selvan’.”
Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ continues to garner acclaim, with its sequel, ‘Ponniyin Selvan II,’ nominated in 13 categories at IIFA Utsavam 2024. The film, a historical epic set in the Chola Dynasty, features a star-studded cast including Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Jayaram, Prabhu, R Sarathkumar, Parthiban, and Vikram Prabhu. The narrative is further enriched by Kamal Haasan’s voice, guiding viewers through the intricate tale, while AR Rahman’s mesmerizing music score elevates the cinematic experience.
‘Aishwarya’s enduring relationship with Mani Ratnam illustrates her deep respect and admiration for his visionary storytelling, while her unwavering defense of her daughter Aaradhya underscores her commitment to family values amidst the relentless scrutiny of public life.
In summary, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s recent appearance at IIFA Utsavam 2024 not only highlighted her as a style icon and a doting mother but also reaffirmed her status as a dignified and formidable figure in the entertainment industry. With her elegant dismissal of unwarranted questions about her daughter and her heartfelt reflections on her cinematic journey, Aishwarya continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.