The Iconic 1993 Pepsi Ad That Launched Aishwarya Rai

A 1993 Pepsi commercial catapulted a young Aishwarya Rai, then a college student, to national fame. The ad, directed by Prahlad Kakkar, showcased Rai's captivating eyes, leaving audiences mesmerized and leading to her Bollywood breakthrough.

The 1990s era birthed a myriad of unforgettable advertisements, with one standout being the renowned Pepsi commercial featuring then-unknown stars Aamir Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. While Aamir was just embarking on his Bollywood journey, Rai was still pursuing her education.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, advertising titan Prahlad Kakkar reminisced about Aishwarya Rai's mesmerizing debut in the 1993 Pepsi ad. Kakkar highlighted the difficulty of the casting process, which took three months, and Aishwarya's ability to instantly capture the country's attention.

Reflecting on the ad's release, Kakkar recounted receiving thousands of inquiries about 'Sanju', Rai's character. He shared, "What truly captivated me was her eyes. Each emotion seemed to transform their color, creating an almost magical effect." This transformative role came before Aishwarya's Miss India win, with Mahima Chaudhary also appearing in the iconic spot.

(With inputs from agencies.)