In pictures – Lesser known facts about Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2009 and the Ordre des Arts et des Letters by the Government of France in 2012.

Aishwarya Rai

In 2005 she became a brand ambassador for Pulse Polio, a campaign established by the Government of India in 1994 to eradicate polio in India. The Former President of India, Late Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam presented a memento to actress Aishwarya Rai for her role in the campaign against polio.

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai is trained in classical dance and music for five years during her teenage.

Aishwarya Rai

A limited edition range of Barbie dolls inspired by Aishwarya was released in Britain in 2005.

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai was invited for a lunch by US President George W Bush when he visited India in 2006. But she was unable to attend.

Aishwarya Rai

When Aishwarya won the Miss World pageant, she was asked for a date by the host of the event, Richard Steinmetz. But the lady refused the offer.

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya is the first Bollywood actress to get a wax statue at Madam Tussauds.

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai is the first Indian to come on the famous Oprah Winfrey show in America.

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya had enrolled at Raheja College of Arts to become an architect. But Aishwarya gave up her education to pursue a career in modelling.

Aishwarya Rai

Initially when Aishwarya didn’t step into the glam world, she wanted to pursue medicine. Her favourite subject was Zoology. But was unsuccessful.

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya's first commercial was for Camlin pencils when she was only in standard IX.