On August 13, 1999, Aishwarya Rai’s film Taal achieved remarkable success, raking in 175% more at the box office compared to Amitabh Bachchan’s release on the same day. While Taal enjoyed a triumphant performance, the date ironically became one of the unluckiest for Aishwarya. Here’s how this seemingly auspicious day took a turn for the worse for her.
25 Years Ago: Aishwarya Rai and Amitabh Bachchan’s Box Office Battle on August 13, 1999
On August 13, 1999, Bollywood saw a noteworthy box office clash between Aishwarya Rai and Amitabh Bachchan. While Aishwarya, fresh off the success of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, was climbing the ranks, Bachchan’s career seemed to be on a downward trend. The day saw the release of Taal, a musical romance, and Kohram, an action film, leading to a dramatic turn of events.
Opening Day Showdown: Kohram vs. Taal
On its opening day, Kohram, starring Amitabh Bachchan alongside Nana Patekar, Tabu, and Jaya Prada, directed by Mehul Kumar, outperformed Taal. Kohram earned approximately ₹95 lakh, which was 25% higher than Taal, which earned ₹76 lakh.
Despite the initial edge for Kohram, the charm and appeal of Aishwarya Rai, combined with the growing popularity of Taal, led to a significant shift in fortunes.
From Disappointment to Triumph: The Box Office Verdict
Kohram ultimately struggled at the box office, garnering only ₹8 crore in total and failing to make a lasting impact. In contrast, Taal proved to be a blockbuster, earning ₹22.16 crore over its run and enjoying a successful 70-day theatrical run. Aishwarya Rai’s film surpassed Kohram by a substantial margin, with a 175% higher box office collection.
The Unluckiest Date for Aishwarya Rai
While August 13, 1999, was a milestone for Aishwarya Rai’s career, the same date became one of the unluckiest for her when Kyunn! Ho Gaya Na was released on August 13, 2004. Starring Vivek Oberoi and Amitabh Bachchan, the film was a commercial failure, earning only ₹7.8 crore and receiving heavy criticism. The film’s release also became notorious due to the controversies involving Aishwarya, Vivek, and Salman Khan.
Note: Box office numbers are based on estimates and various sources. Figures have not been independently verified by Koimoi.
