‘We stopped talking on the phone, and…’: When Rani Mukerji hinted at Aishwarya Rai Bachchan having an issue with her; how to reconnect with friends after years of silence

In an attempt to get more information, Karan said that he was not aware of anything. “Chalte-chalte mujhe bata do,” he said, alluding to the film Chalte Chalte, which Rani had signed opposite Shah Rukh Khan after Aishwarya, who had already shot several scenes, was forced to exit following reports that Salman Khan had allegedly created a scene on set.

Once the laughter died down, Rani clarified, “No, actually, I have no problems with anybody, and I still like I don’t have any personal problem with Aish. I think maybe Aish might be having…” Karan jumped in, asking whether she thought Aishwarya had a problem with her. She replied, “I think she does because we stopped talking on the phone, and I have not really met her socially anywhere, but I guess when we meet, we will be really cordial with each other. If two actresses can be friends, they can be friends. It’s not as if they can’t. It’s just that you have to be clear in your mind and you don’t have to be insecure… and you can go on like that.”

So, when a friendship ends without direct confrontation, how can someone process and move forward from it?

Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist, Mindtalk, tells indianexpress.com, “When a friendship fades without any direct conversation, it can leave a person feeling confused or even hurt because there was no closure. In such cases, it is important to acknowledge and accept the emotions that arise instead of suppressing them. Processing the situation through self-reflection, journaling, or speaking with a trusted confidant can help bring clarity.”

Rani spoke about being cordial with Aishwarya if they were to meet again (Source: Express archive photo)

She adds that understanding that friendships evolve and sometimes end due to life circumstances rather than deliberate harm “can also make it easier to release resentment.” Focusing on personal growth and investing time in other supportive relationships can gradually replace feelings of loss.

Misunderstandings or perceived betrayals in friendships 

Misunderstandings and perceived betrayals often lead to unspoken hurt, Parashar notes, which can slowly create a wall between friends. Without open discussion, assumptions can take root, and over time, these unaddressed feelings can harden into long-term emotional distance. The lack of communication can also make each person hesitant to reach out, which further deepens the gap. 

“However, repair is possible even after years if both individuals are willing to revisit the past with openness and empathy. Rebuilding trust may require honest conversations, acknowledgement of past hurt, and a genuine effort to understand each other’s perspectives,” stresses Parashar. 

Healthy ways to reconnect with a former friend when the relationship faded due to unspoken tension

Parashar explains, “It is important to begin with a simple and non-intrusive message, such as expressing a genuine interest in knowing how they are doing. Avoid starting the conversation with unresolved issues right away, and instead allow space for the comfort of casual interaction to return.” 

Once a level of ease is re-established, she says that gently addressing the past calmly and respectfully can help clear lingering misunderstandings. It is also important to enter the process without expecting the friendship to be exactly as it was before, and to focus on rebuilding mutual respect and trust at a natural pace.