Actor Aishwarya Rai and her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan were spotted leaving Mumbai early Monday morning, with several pictures and videos of the duo at the airport making rounds on social media. The mother-daughter pair caught attention as they arrived at the airport, stepping out of their car and heading straight towards the entrance. As paparazzi approached to capture them, Aishwarya politely said, “Excuse me,” and extended her wishes by saying, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.” The photographers also responded with festive greetings. However, when asked to pause for pictures, Aishwarya and Aaradhya declined and proceeded towards the gate. Both of them sported casual black hoodies, matching pants, and sneakers for their journey.

Recently, Aishwarya was seen alongside Abhishek Bachchan as they attended the second day of the annual function at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. The event saw the couple, along with Aishwarya’s mother, Brindya Rai, cheering for Aaradhya during the celebrations. Videos captured by the paparazzi showcased Abhishek stepping out of a sprinter van, followed by Brindya and Aishwarya, who held her mother’s arm as they walked into the school premises. A day prior, the couple, accompanied by Amitabh Bachchan, was also spotted at the same event supporting Aaradhya. Videos from that day highlighted Abhishek holding Aishwarya’s hand as they made their way inside and even helping manage her dupatta to prevent it from being stepped on.

These joint appearances came amidst months of speculation regarding potential tensions in their marriage. Rumors of discord began circulating in July when Aishwarya and Aaradhya attended Anant Ambani’s wedding without the rest of the Bachchan family. While Amitabh, Jaya, Abhishek, Shweta, Navya Naveli, and Agastya Nanda were all present together at the event, Aishwarya and Aaradhya’s absence alongside them sparked separation rumors, which their recent appearances seem to have quashed.

Aishwarya was last seen on the big screen in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: II in 2023. The film featured an ensemble cast including Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Jayaram, Prabhu, and Sobhita Dhulipala, among others.