Actor Smita Jayakar has recalled how Sanjay Leela Bhansali once scolded Salman Khan for touching Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s arm during the filming of “Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan” for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. In a conversation with Siddhartha Kannan, Smita, who played Aishwarya’s on-screen mother in the 1999 film, said Salman acted on his feelings for the actor, even though the gesture was not part of the scene. She also spoke about how the couple’s romance blossomed during the film’s shoot and became apparent to those working with them.

Salman and Aishwarya reportedly grew close while working on Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and their real-life romance became closely associated with the film’s love story. Smita, who witnessed their dynamic on set, said their feelings for each other were visible and also helped bring authenticity to their performances.

Recalling that period, she said, “It was blossoming then. They were both in love, and they looked angelic. Aishwarya looked divine at that time.…