Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one of the most popular actresses in the film industry. She managed to win hearts with her charming aura and exceptional performances in films. She appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the early 2000s and her statements created a storm on social media. In 2005, Aishwarya used the opportunity to address stereotypes about India and spoke her heart out on topics that deeply resonated with the Western world. Oprah asked Aishwarya about public displays of affection. Aishwarya explained the cultural difference, saying, ‘It’s not something commonly seen. People do kiss, but it’s more of a private expression, not something you’d see on street corners. Art reflects life, and that’s how it’s portrayed in our cinema’.
Oprah asked Aishwarya about premarital sex which was considered taboo. Aishwarya responded saying, ‘Broadly speaking, it isn’t the good thing to do’. Aishwarya also answered questions about common misconceptions about India. She was taken by surprise by the assumption that Indians were not fluent in English. She recalled how people would ask if she had studied abroad to learn the language. She replied saying, ‘Why would people think that we don’t study English? That really shocked me’.
The actress further discussed the cultural practice of living with one’s parents after marriage when Oprah mentioned the American tradition of children leaving home by 30. Aishwarya said, ‘In India, it’s more about the family, about living together and staying connected, and that’s probably the most special thing’. Aishwarya dispelled these myths by comparing arranged marriages to a global matchmaking service as she said, ‘They get engaged, they date, and if it works, they proceed with the alliance. If not, they part ways’.
The way Aishwarya clarified the topics made her the cultural ambassador for India and her first appearance on Oprah was quite impactful. She returned in 2009 for a second interview and continued sharing her thoughts on everything. During her first appearance, Aishwarya even managed to persuade Oprah to try a sari.
Aishwarya is married to actor Abhishek Bachchan and the couple are parents to daughter Aardhya Bachchan.
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