When Aishwarya Rai dispelled myths about desi culture on Oprah

Long before Priyanka Chopra became the flag bearer of representing the Indian way of life around the world, another Indian global celebrity had ruffled feathers and made heads turn with her enchanting beauty and wit.

In 2004, Aishwarya appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s television show and skillfully tackled questions pertaining to things the Westerners find odd about Indians and by default, desis. She spoke about sexuality, arranged marriages, the English language, perceptions of American women in India, and skin colour.

So as Priyanka gears up to appear on Oprah’s upcoming episode after Meghan Markle, here’s a look at Aishwarya’s earlier interview.

When asked about the dilemma of public display of affection in Indian films, Aishwarya had said, “It’s not really a familiar sight. People kiss, but it doesn’t happen around the street corner. It’s a more private expression of emotion, so I guess art imitates life and that comes across in our cinema.”

Oprah then asked her if 'sex out of marriage' was considered taboo in India, to which the Dhoom 2 star said, "Broadly speaking, it isn't the good thing to do."

When inquired about some of the most common misconceptions she faces as an Indian, Aishwarya had pointed out her ability to speak English fluently. She said that people would often assume she had studied from abroad, simply because she could speak English so well. “Why? Do people think we don’t study English? That kind of takes me aback and really shocks me," she confessed.

Oprah also told her audience that Indians often stay with their parents, and asked Aishwarya – who was 30 at the time – how she felt about not having to move out. “In India, it’s more about the family, about living together and remaining connected, and that’s probably the most special thing."

When speaking of arranged marriages, which is usually frowned upon in the west, Aishwarya said, "Arranged marriages in urban India would be like a global dating service where the families study each other’s backgrounds, and bring (the) couple together. They then get engaged and start seeing each other. If it works out, they get on with the marriage, and if it doesn’t, they fall out."

Aishwarya returned on Oprah's show again in 2009. Incidentally, in 2004, she had also made Oprah wear a sari while on the set.

Watch the interview here:

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