Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s production house, Bhansali Productions, has found itself facing criticism on social media after sharing photographs of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai on the occasion of Karwa Chauth 2026. The pictures, taken from the 1999 romantic drama Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, were intended to accompany a festive greeting. However, the post did not receive the response the production house may have expected.
Several social media users questioned why the production company chose photographs of the former couple, given their widely reported and troubled relationship history. The discussion soon moved beyond the film's nostalgia, with fans expressing discomfort over the use of their pictures for a festival associated with marriage and relationships.
1. Bhansali Productions Shares Salman-Aishwarya Pictures
On October 29, Bhansali Productions shared photographs of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam on its Instagram account.
The post carried the festive message: "कुछ तस्वीरें, कुछ यादें और मोहब्बत का एक खूबसूरत अफसाना! करवा चौथ की शुभकामनाएं।"
The caption roughly translates to: "Some pictures, some memories and a beautiful tale of love! Happy Karwa Chauth."
The photographs brought back memories of the film, which remains one of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's most recognised romantic dramas. Released in 1999, the movie featured Salman Khan as Sameer, Aishwarya Rai as Nandini and Ajay Devgn as Vanraj.
While the film's story continues to be remembered by audiences, the decision to use Salman and Aishwarya's pictures together for a Karwa Chauth greeting became the subject of online debate.
2. Why Did Social Media Users Troll the Production House?
The backlash largely centred on the former relationship between Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Their personal history has remained a subject of public discussion over the years, and several fans felt that using their romantic photographs for a festive message was inappropriate.
According to Live Hindustan, users expressed their displeasure on Reddit, questioning the judgement behind the social media post.
Some comments criticised the people responsible for selecting the photographs, while others questioned why the production house had chosen these particular images when the film featured other actors as well.
The criticism was not simply about revisiting an old Bollywood film. It was about the context in which the photographs were being used. For some fans, a Karwa Chauth greeting featuring the former couple appeared insensitive given their past.
The incident also reignited conversations about how entertainment brands use celebrity relationships and nostalgia to generate engagement on social media.
3. Aishwarya Rai's Past Allegations Against Salman Khan
The controversy has also brought renewed attention to Aishwarya Rai's past statements about her relationship with Salman Khan.
After their separation, Aishwarya spoke publicly about her difficult experiences during the relationship. In an earlier interview with The Times of India, she alleged that Salman had subjected her to physical abuse and described the distress she experienced during that period.
These were serious allegations made by Aishwarya in her own account and remain an important part of the context behind the public reaction to the production house's post.
For many fans, this history explains why photographs of the two actors being presented together in a romantic context did not sit comfortably with them.
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam: The Film That Brought Them Together
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was released in 1999 and starred Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Ajay Devgn.
The film revolved around Nandini, who falls in love with Sameer, a musician visiting her family. However, circumstances lead her to marry Vanraj. The story follows the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate love, commitment and sacrifice.
The film was widely appreciated for its music, performances, cinematography and visual presentation. Its soundtrack, composed by Ismail Darbar, remains popular among Bollywood music lovers.
The movie also marked an important chapter in Salman and Aishwarya's professional and personal association. Their on-screen chemistry became one of the most discussed aspects of the film.
Has Bhansali Productions Responded to the Backlash?
The social media criticism has brought considerable attention to the production house's festive post. However, the report does not mention any official clarification or response from Bhansali Productions regarding the controversy.
The incident highlights how a nostalgic promotional post can generate a different reaction when the personal history of the people featured is taken into account.
For now, the discussion surrounding the Karwa Chauth greeting has shifted attention from the film's romantic legacy to the sensitivity of using real-life celebrity relationships in social media campaigns.
Click here for the latest news from Bollywood, Hollywood, South Film Industry, Bhojpuri and TV world… Click here to join the Facebook Page, Twitter Page, YouTube page, and Instagram of Bollywood Mascot!
Leave a Comment