This Actress, The Aishwarya Rai Lookalike Who Debuted With Salman Khan, Turns 36

December 18 marks the 36th birthday of actress Sneha Ullal, who gained fame in 2005 with her debut film Lucky: No Time For Love opposite Salman Khan. Sneha’s entry into the film industry was no ordinary one, as she caught attention for her striking resemblance to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The actress, often referred to as Aishwarya Rai’s doppelgänger, became a subject of media fascination.

Sneha Ullal’s connection with Salman Khan traces back to her friendship with Salman’s sister, Arpita Khan. Salman, noticing the uncanny similarities between Sneha and Aishwarya, decided to launch her in Bollywood. The debut film garnered attention not just for her acting but also for the constant comparisons with Aishwarya Rai. The resemblance, particularly in blue eyes and facial features, led to Sneha being widely recognised as Aishwarya’s look-alike.

While the comparisons did not necessarily propel her career forward, they did bring her significant fame and popularity. Sneha Ullal addressed the constant comparisons in an interview, stating that from a PR perspective, attempts were made to present her exactly like Aishwarya Rai as part of the film’s promotional campaign.

Despite the initial spotlight in Bollywood, Sneha Ullal later took a break, feeling that she was too young and needed a more mature look for Hindi movies. She then shifted her focus to South Indian cinema, making her debut in Telugu films with Ullasamga Utsahamga, which turned out to be a massive success. Her second Telugu movie, Nenu Meeku Telusa, featured her alongside Manoj Manchu and Riya Sen.

Beyond the South Indian film industry, Sneha Ullal explored other ventures, including an English movie titled Gandhi Park. She also made her mark in the Bengali film industry with Most Welcome. Her most recent appearance was in the 2022 movie Loktantra.

While her Bollywood journey may have taken a backseat, Sneha Ullal’s diverse roles in regional cinema showcase her versatility and commitment to her craft. As she celebrates her 36th birthday, fans and well-wishers look forward to seeing more of her on the silver screen.