Bollywood’s iconic figure, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, once again graced the prestigious International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) Utsavam 2024, held in Abu Dhabi. What caught the media’s attention, alongside her stunning presence in a black and gold ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra, was the continuous presence of her daughter, Aaradhya, by her side. Clad in elegance, both mother and daughter made a remarkable entrance, but as always, the conversation took a familiar turn towards Aaradhya’s attendance at these high-profile events and her education.
During a media interaction, a reporter posed a question that Aishwarya has encountered numerous times: why Aaradhya is always accompanying her. The poised actress, who often faces social media trolling on this subject, delivered a sharp and definitive response that echoed her protective and maternal instincts.
“Aaradhya is always with you. She’s already learning from the best,” the reporter remarked, hinting at a debate concerning Aaradhya missing out on crucial school days. Aishwarya, with unwavering confidence, responded, “WOAH, she is my daughter. She is always with me,” and chose not to indulge in further explanations. This brief but powerful retort silenced critics and reaffirmed her stance on balancing her professional commitments with her responsibilities as a mother.
The criticism Aishwarya faces online spans from concerns over Aaradhya’s schooling to broader judgments on her parenting choices. However, the actress has time and again demonstrated that her decisions, particularly regarding her daughter’s upbringing, are made in Aaradhya’s best interest. This instance was no different, showcasing a mother who steadfastly prioritizes her child’s welfare.
The conversation naturally extends beyond the IIFA Utsavam. Aaradhya has been seen accompanying Aishwarya at several significant events, including high-profile international platforms such as the Paris Fashion Week 2024 and the South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) 2024 held in Dubai. Each appearance fuels the ongoing discussion about her presence at these events, often overshadowing the professional milestones Aishwarya continues to achieve.
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Reflecting on her professional life, Aishwarya also shared insights into her long-standing collaboration with acclaimed director Mani Ratnam. She expressed immense gratitude for having been asked to portray Nandini in the epic historical drama ‘Ponniyin Selvan’. This collaboration takes Aishwarya back to her roots, as her acting career began with Ratnam’s 1997 Tamil film ‘Iruvar’. She spoke warmly of Ratnam’s influence on her career, stating, “I can’t even speak about his evolution as a maker because I have always respected him. From the beginning, I just say I am very grateful that I got to work with him for my first movie. I was so honoured that he asked me to be his Nandini in ‘Ponniyin Selvan’.”
‘Ponniyin Selvan II’, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2022 blockbuster, has garnered multiple nominations at IIFA Utsavam 2024, competing in 13 categories. The film, featuring a star-studded cast including Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, and Aishwarya herself, continues the epic narrative of the Chola Dynasty. With Kamal Haasan lending his voice to the narration and musical maestro AR Rahman composing the score, the film stands as a testament to the collaborative excellence in Indian cinema.
As Aishwarya celebrates these professional achievements, the recurring debate on social media about Aaradhya’s constant presence remains an aspect of her public life that she handles with grace and assertiveness. Her recent encounter with the media at IIFA Utsavam reinforces her stance as a vigilant mother and a dedicated professional who manages to blend her dual roles seamlessly.
The incident at IIFA Utsavam sparked a wave of discussions online, with many applauding Aishwarya’s dignified response. While some critics continue to voice concerns, a significant section of netizens and fans praise her for her unwavering commitment to her daughter. The debate, however, points to a larger societal dialogue around the intersection of personal and professional life for public figures, especially women.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, with her poise and fortitude, continues to navigate this complex landscape, setting an example of resilience and prioritization. Her journey reflects a blend of tradition and modernity, embodying the essence of a contemporary woman who wears multiple hats with finesse.
