When Salman Khan Paired Up With An Aishwarya Rai’s Doppelganger & Delivered A Fair Success After Two Major Flops

Back in 2005, a young petite girl made it to the big screen. Her name was Sneha Ullal and the film in question was Lucky – No Time for Love. The film released on 1st April, exactly 15 years back, and the industry as well as audiences was amazed to see a splitting resemblance that Sneha had with Aishwarya Rai. What made headlines was the fact that the debutant was being paired opposite none other than Salman Khan, who had broke up with Aishwarya Rai just a few years back.

This was the stuff that tabloids was made of and the fact that Salman and Sneha came together for this musical romantic drama with a war background only added further curiosity around the film.

Shot extensively in Russia with picture perfect presentation by director duo of Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru (who were known for their visually striking music videos already), the film boasted of some memorable songs by Adnan Sami, especially ‘Sun Zara’, which is remembered till date. The film was no great shakes though with an uneven narrative. It hasn’t enjoyed any shelf life either. As a matter of fact Sneha too turned out to be a one film wonder, and though she doesn’t seem to have aged a day even in these 15 years, surprisingly she wasn’t seen much thereafter.

For Salman Khan too, the film turned out to be just about fair success. Made at a budget of around 15 crores, the film netted just a little more than that theatrically, hence managing to cover costs and bringing in bit of a profit. Still, it was some relief for Salman Khan as he was coming after two major flops, Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha and Phir Milenge.

This was the time when Salman Khan was going through a lull of sorts with no major hit to his name. His last clean solo hit was five years back when he delivered Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge [2000]. During these five years, he had seen major flops like Chal Mere Bhai, Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye, Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge and Yeh Hai Jalwa.

Films like Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega…, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Tere Naam and Garv: Pride and Honour were also in the average zone but a clean hit was missing. As for Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, these were two hero films with Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan respectively in there as well.

Hence, Lucky – No Time for Love helped him gain further standing, though what happened post that brought him back in the reckoning. 2005 saw two back to back successes post this, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya and No Entry, and though Kyon Ki… flopped miserably, it was still a largely satisfactory year for Salman Khan.

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