New Delhi: Aishwarya Rai has spoken up about her role as Nandini in the 1999 movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and later as Queen Nandini in the 2022 Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan I. She described playing such powerful women in movies as a blessing that touched the hearts of the audience. She will reprise her role as Nandini in Ponniyin Selvan II, which will be released in cinemas on April 28.
Aishwarya was questioned about reprising her role as Nandini at a promotional press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday. “Beautiful coincidence, na,” she remarked. It’s incredible na ki aisa hua bhi hai (it’s incredible to realize that such a thing truly occurred). In reality, Nandini in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was really unforgettable. She has lived on in people’s hearts, and I am so grateful that I was able to play Nandini back then, as she has stayed special for those watching and, of course, for me. And it was with Sanjay Bhansali ji, and today I got to portray Nandini in Ponniyin Selvan with my Mani garu.
“That I got to portray such strong women, such complex people, and women with a character that impacts the lives of so many women worldwide is simply a fantastic blessing. There is a connection, for which I am quite thankful.”
Aishwarya initially appeared in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam as Nandini. Aishwarya was seen in traditional outfits in the movie. Her character fell in love with Salman Khan’s Sameer but had to tie the knot with Ajay Devgn’s Vanraj, who tried to get the two lovers back together.
Aishwarya plays two characters in Ponniyin Selvan II. She portrayed Queen Nandini in the first part, which featured a brief sight of her as the elderly and silent Mandakini or Oomai Rani. The second part will focus on both of her characters.