Updated on: 11 November, 2026 07:12 PM IST |Kavya Agarwal
21 years ago, Aitraaz arrived with a storyline that dared to challenge Bollywoods usual romantic formulas. Starring Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor, the film became a talking point for its controversial subject, powerful performances and unexpected twists. But did you know that some of its most fascinating stories unfolded behind the cameras? From surprising casting decisions to secrets surrounding Priyankas unforgettable character, here are some lesser-known facts that might completely change how you remember this thriller!
Amrish Puri’s dual dynamic
In Aitraaz, Amrish Puri plays the older industrialist husband to Priyanka Chopra's character (Sonia Roy). Ironically, in the same year (2004), Puri played Priyanka’s father in the hit comedy Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (which also starred Akshay Kumar).
In Aitraaz, Amrish Puri plays the older industrialist husband to Priyanka Chopra's character (Sonia Roy). Ironically, in the same year (2004), Puri played Priyanka’s father in the hit comedy Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (which also starred Akshay Kumar).
Inspiration from Kobe Bryant
Directors Abbas–Mustan got the idea for the plot after reading newspaper reports about NBA player Kobe Bryant, who was accused of sexual assault by a fan.
Directors Abbas–Mustan got the idea for the plot after reading newspaper reports about NBA player Kobe Bryant, who was accused of sexual assault by a fan.
Priyanka's rare Filmfare win
Priyanka Chopra won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role (Best Villain) for playing Sonia Roy, becoming only the second and last actress in Filmfare history to win the award after Kajol (who won for Gupt in 1997).
Priyanka Chopra won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role (Best Villain) for playing Sonia Roy, becoming only the second and last actress in Filmfare history to win the award after Kajol (who won for Gupt in 1997).
Priyanka wept during the harassment scene
Priyanka Chopra reportedly broke down and wept during the filming of the intense sexual harassment sequence because of the dark nature of the role; it took hours for the directors to calm her down and remind her she was just playing a character.
Priyanka Chopra reportedly broke down and wept during the filming of the intense sexual harassment sequence because of the dark nature of the role; it took hours for the directors to calm her down and remind her she was just playing a character.
Sushmita Sen was considered first
Director Abbas Burmawalla revealed that producer Subhash Ghai initially suggested Sushmita Sen for the femme fatale role of Sonia Roy before Priyanka Chopra was cast.
Director Abbas Burmawalla revealed that producer Subhash Ghai initially suggested Sushmita Sen for the femme fatale role of Sonia Roy before Priyanka Chopra was cast.
