Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, known for turning down major hits like Troy and Munnabhai MBBS, also rejected Happy New Year. She explained that, despite its appeal, the film’s casting—Deepika Padukone opposite Shah Rukh Khan and Abhishek Bachchan without a romantic partner—felt awkward. Recently, Aishwarya, seen in Ponniyin Selvan, remains discreet amid marriage rumors with Abhishek.