How Abhishek Bachchan’s dreamy balcony proposal won Aishwarya Rai

In the ever-evolving world of Bollywood, where relationships often flicker out under the spotlight, the love story of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan continues to shine bright. As the power couple celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary on April 20, fans were reminded once again of the heartwarming journey they've shared, from co-stars to life partners and now doting parents. Let's take a nostalgic walk down memory lane and revisit how Abhishek proposed Aishwarya Rai in the most subtle yet dreamy manner.

When Paths First Crossed: The Beginning of a Connection

Before the world was charmed by their chemistry on screen, Abhishek and Aishwarya first met in the most unexpected way. Abhishek, back then assisting on his father Amitabh Bachchan's film Mrityudata, was invited by his friend Bobby Deol to the sets of Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, where Aishwarya was shooting. That casual meeting planted the earliest seeds of their connection.

Years later, fate brought them together again, this time, professionally as co-actors in Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke. Abhishek once shared in an interview how that film changed his perspective of Aishwarya. "I expected a diva, but she was disarmingly wonderful," he had said, highlighting how her humility stood out more than her fame.

Post Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke, the duo appeared in several films together, Kuch Naa Kaho, Bunty Aur Babli, Dhoom 2, and Umrao Jaan slowly building a friendship that was clearly more than just professional. But it was during the making of Guru in 2006 that their bond blossomed into deep love. Audiences loved their pairing, and behind the scenes, the two were falling for each other, quietly, steadily, and deeply.

The Magical Proposal in New York

Romance in films is often grand, but Abhishek's real-life proposal to Aishwarya could give any movie scene a run for its money, not because of extravagance but because of its emotional simplicity. During an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2009, Abhishek opened up about his proposal.

While filming in New York, he often stood on his hotel balcony, dreaming of a life with Aishwarya. That very balcony became the spot where he eventually went down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Aishwarya, caught completely by surprise, joyfully said yes, sealing the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

The Wedding That Stopped the Nation

On April 20, 2007, Bollywood came to a standstill as Aishwarya and Abhishek tied the knot in a traditional South Indian ceremony held at the Bachchan residence, Prateeksha, in Mumbai. Aishwarya looked ethereal in a golden Kanjeevaram saree designed by Neeta Lulla, adorned with timeless temple jewellery. Abhishek complemented her in an elegant cream sherwani. Though the wedding was an intimate family affair, the buzz around it was anything but small. Fans camped outside the venue for a glimpse, and the media covered every angle of the "wedding of the decade." It wasn't just a union of two superstars, it was the merging of two legacies, two hearts, and a promise of forever.

Four years later, in 2011, the couple embraced parenthood with the birth of their daughter, Aaradhya. Since then, the Bachchans have often spoken about how much joy their daughter brings into their lives. Despite their hectic schedules, both Abhishek and Aishwarya have made it a priority to keep their family grounded, attending school events and family functions like any proud parents.

Silencing Rumours, Strengthening Love

Like most high-profile couples, Abhishek and Aishwarya have not been immune to rumours, especially whispers of trouble in paradise. Over the years, there have been countless speculations about their marriage hitting rough patches. But the couple has always chosen grace over gossip, letting their actions do the talking.

Their public appearances, from celebrating family occasions to attending other events, continue to dismiss the noise. Just yesterday, the duo was spotted celebrating their 18th anniversary with close family, radiating the same affection and comfort that once sparked their journey.

And as fans relive their proposal story from a hotel balcony in New York to their big fat wedding in Mumbai, one thing remains clear, their bond is as timeless as ever.