Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan always made for a good looking pair. Their chemistry in Mohabbatein is still so fresh in our minds despite the very little screen time she had in it. It was ironical to see Aishwarya, who played his sister in Josh, romance the star in Mohabbatein – movies that released in the same year and within four months. Ash and SRK were always great buddies more than the co-stars and their chemistry was a result of the
same. We all know the Jazbaa actress was supposed to sign Chalte Chalte with SRK and she had even shot for few scenes. But destiny had some other plans and Rani Mukerji soon replaced her in the film. Before Josh, Devdas, Mohabbatein or even Chalte Chalte, Ash was supposed to sign
one more movie with the Dilwale director which too, went to another lead actress of that time.

Yes, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was the first choice to play Manisha Koirala’s role in Dil Se but director, Mani Ratnam had a valid reason for dropping her. In one of her early interviews, Ash recalled why she was on a signing spree way back then and why she was fortunate to work with so many directors. She even revealed why she lost Dil Se to Manisha Koirala. She said, “He definitely wanted a small-eyed girl in Dil Se.. She had to have that kind of physical
features as she was supposed to be from Assam.” There you go. Mani Ratnam, known for his precision, always wanted to cast an actress, who would suit the description in his mind. Aishwarya, with her lovely big eyes, couldn’t fit the description and Manisha came on board eventually. Had Ash, signed the project then, she would have made her debut with SRK way back in 1998 than 2000 instead.

Coincidentally, Yash Chopra even offered her a role in his directorial, Veer-Zaara. Earlier she was supposed to play Shah Rukh’s love interest in the movie. However Preity Zinta came on board and the rest, as they say, is history.

Source: bollywoodlife.com