Bhansali defends Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes style

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has defended Aishwarya Rai Bachchan against criticism of her fashion choices at Cannes and film premieres. Speaking on 'Koffee with Karan', the filmmaker told Karan Johar he disliked the trolling, saying she represents the country and does things beyond what she wears.

Bhansali and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have collaborated on three Hindi films: 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' (1999), 'Devdas' (2002), and 'Guzaarish' (2010). The filmmaker also revealed he had originally wanted her to play Mastani in 'Bajirao Mastani', with Salman Khan as Bajirao, but she declined due to discomfort with the planned team. The role eventually went to Deepika Padukone.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan later said she was game to play Mastani but not with the Bajirao Bhansali had in mind. Bhansali said he was hurt but their friendship continued. The director's next film is 'Love & War'.