Throwback to the time when Aishwarya Rai Bachchan backed her ex-boyfriend, Salman Khan during his 2016 Rio Olympics controversy.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Salman Khan’s relationship has been one of the most discussed topics in Bollywood. The duo, who were once madly in love with each other, ended up taking different paths in life. Moreover, their relationship showed a different side of the entertainment industry altogether. For the unversed, Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai ended their long relationship due to the former’s abusive and possessive behaviour. The actress had even admitted being beaten up by her ex-boyfriend. However, there was a time when Aishwarya extended support to Salman when he was embroiled in a sports controversy.

When Aishwarya Rai backed her ex-boyfriend, Salman Khan during the latter’s Rio Olympics controversy

Back in 2016, Salman Khan was appointed as the goodwill ambassador of India’s contingent for the Rio Olympics. However, his appointment stirred up a lot of controversy as many felt that rather than an actor, someone from the sports field should have been selected for the honour. Moreover, popular sports personalities such as Milkha Singh and Yogendra Dutta had expressed their disappointment at the Indian Olympic Association’s decision to appoint Salman Khan as the ambassador.

However, amid all the ruckus, it was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s support for her ex-boyfriend, Salman Khan, that caught everyone’s attention. Nobody, including the actor, would have thought that Aishwarya would back the decision. During an event in 2016, when a journalist asked the actress about her stance on the controversy, she stated that anybody who is representing the country and working for the betterment of any field, be it art or sports, should be recognised. In her words:
‘I have to say that anyone, who is doing good to represent the country or working or speaking or standing for the betterment of art, music or sports is wonderful and the person should be recognised.’

When Salman Khan reacted to Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s wedding

Years after Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s wedding, her ex-boyfriend, Salman Khan had reacted to it. Back in 2010, the actor gave an epic reaction to his ex-girlfriend moving on in her life. In his interview with India TV, Salman talked about Aishwarya’s wedding and mentioned that he is happy for the latter. In his words:

‘I am very happy she is married to Abhishek. He is a great guy from a good family. The best thing I can want for her is that she leads a happy life.’

When Aishwarya revealed the reason behind her and Salman Khan’s breakup

It was back in 2002, when Aishwarya Rai had finally talked about her breakup with Salman Khan. In an exclusive interview with the Bombay Times, the actress poured her heart out and revealed the reason behind their separation. Aishwarya stated that despite being there for Salman, she was at the receiving end of his abusive behaviour, as a result of which she would often become a victim of brutal physical violence. In her words:
‘I stood by him enduring his alcoholic misbehaviour in its worst phases and in turn I was at the receiving end of his abuse (verbal, physical and emotional), infidelity and indignity. I would go to work as if nothing had happened. Salman hounded me and caused physical injuries to himself when I refused to take his calls. That is why like any other self-respecting woman, I ended my relationship with him.’

What do you think about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s reaction to Salman Khan’s Rio Olympics controversy? Let us know!