Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam belonged to Aishwairya Rai

Though 1999 film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam starred Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgan and was like many other love triangles made in bollywood, it was special. Besides being a big hit, it was a like a painting on screen with its ultimate sets and colourful attires. It belonged to Aishwairya Rai, her performance was what made the film not just a box office block buster but a classic. It is a great attempt from side of the director, Sanjay leela Bhasali.


The story of the movie is adopted from Maitreyi Devi's bengali novel Na Hanyate.

Nandini (Aishwarya Rai) is the daughter of Pandit Darbar, renowned proponent of Indian classical music, living in the Rann of Kutch. Nandini has been brought up with more freedom and education than her siblings, as she is the most beloved of Pandit Darbar.

In this carefree life enters Sameer (Salman Khan), a boy of Indo-Italian parentage who wants to learn Indian classical music from Pandit Darbar. Sameer stays with the Darbar family and Nandini is asked to vacate her room to give the guest the nicest room in the manor. Nandini takes a dislike to Sameer, and the two keep playing pranks on each other, but soon realise they are in love. Their love blossoms in the Darbar household around weddings, festivals and family get togethers.

One day, the pair are caught rehearsing their wedding vows and dreaming of their future together, Pandit Darbar is furious with them. He has already planned Nandini's wedding. Sameer is kicked out of the house and asked never to contact Nandini again.

Nandini's parents have arranged to get her married to Vanraj (Ajay Devgan) - who had fallen in love with Nandini during her cousin's wedding. But he realises that his wife is in love with another man, he shows the ultimate love by taking Nandini to Italy and help her search for Sameer, much to the dislike of his own parents.

Nandini and Vanraj arrive Italy and start searching for Sameer. Vanraj selflessly devotes himself to caring for her during her stay in hospital after an incident.

Eventually they get news about Sameer. Nandini and Sameer meet, but Nandini's feelings for him have changed. She reflects on the unwavering love and devotion that Vanraj showed her throughout their whole relationship, and realises that she loves him. She leaves Sameer to go after Vanraj.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was well received in every way. In particular, Aishwarya Rai was hugely praised in her role, which many critics considered to be sensitively played by the actress. As such, the film is considered to be a breakthrough role for her, not only winning her critical acclaim, but also cementing her box office stature. Salman Khan's performance is considered as one of the best in his career too.