Aarya Babbar made his Bollywood debut with 'Ab Ke Baras' in 2002 and subsequently appeared in notable films such as 'Tees Maar Khan', 'Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola', and 'Guru'. Despite being part of these big productions, the actor did not achieve the stardom or the volume of offers he had anticipated. In a recent interview, he candidly discussed his cinematic experiences and acknowledged that box office outcomes are not always within an actor's control.
The Unpredictability of Box Office Success
Reflecting on the nature of film success, Aarya stated, 'If a film doesn't work, it doesn't work. There is nothing you can do about it. A filmmaker has a vision, and sometimes the audience at that time does not connect with that vision. Occasionally, audiences begin appreciating a film years later.' He cited his experience with 'Tees Maar Khan', directed by Farah Khan. 'The film did not work when it released, and we had high expectations from it. But today, that film is loved by many people,' he said in an interview with Vickey Lalwani. Aarya further emphasized that timing often plays a crucial role in a film's fate. 'All the other films that did not work — perhaps audiences at that point did not want to watch that kind of cinema,' he explained.
Lessons from 'Guru'
Discussing 'Guru', directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, Aarya acknowledged the film's significance while noting that success is never guaranteed. 'As far as Guru is concerned, it did not make Abhishek Bachchan an overnight star, so how would it make me one?' he said with a laugh. 'But Guru is one of the best works in Abhishek's career, and Abhishek is a fantastic human being to work with.'
Watching a Romance Blossom
The actor also opened up about interacting with Abhishek and Aishwarya during the period when their relationship was beginning to bloom. 'I had the chance to interact with Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya during the time when perhaps their courtship was going on, before they tied the knot. It was so beautiful to see how he treated his lady, how he respected her and loved her,' Aarya shared. 'To watch him perform while Mani Ratnam sir directed me — I could not have asked for a better opportunity.'
'Guru' is often associated with the strengthening of Abhishek and Aishwarya's relationship. Although the pair had worked together earlier in 'Dhai Akshar Prem Ke' and 'Kuch Naa Kaho', it was during 'Umrao Jaan' and 'Guru' that their bond reportedly deepened. Abhishek eventually proposed to Aishwarya in New York following the premiere of 'Guru' in 2007. In a past interview, he revealed that he took her to the balcony of a hotel where he had once imagined sharing a future with her. He proposed with a ring used as a prop in the film — a keepsake he had specifically requested from the makers because it held emotional value for him. Aishwarya accepted instantly.
Aishwarya on the Proposal
Years later, speaking about the proposal, Aishwarya said, 'He is original and real, like our relationship. There is nothing predictable or boring about our life. We nurture each other. The gesture was spontaneous and meaningful. God has been kind to us. We can certainly afford those standard rocks. But do we need them?'
