Some sections of media even suggested that Aishwarya’s days as L’Oreal’s spokesperson in India are finally over and cosmetic company has permanently replaced the 37-year-old beauty with younger looking Freida, who’s fast emerging as international face of India.

Though Aishwarya refrained from commenting on the reports, L’Oreal via a statement clarified that former Indian beauty queen is still very much part of their team.

Besides Aishwarya, in the recent past, L’Oreal has added Frieda Pinto and Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor in its list of celebrity spokespersons from India.

Origin of speculations
Media speculations started when Frieda Pinto and Sonam Kapoor were seen in L’Oreal’s New Year commercial along with cosmetic brand’s other celebrity spokespersons from around the world.

However, Aishwarya, who has been L’Oreal Paris’s spokesperson in India since 2000, was not present in the commercial.

Aishwarya’s absence sparked rumors that she’s no longer part of L’Oreal’s team and cosmetic brand has decided to replace her with younger looking actresses as she’s getting older and is also losing her sheen on international arena.

L’Oreal’s official statement to quash rumors
Shortly after these rumors surfaced, L’Oreal Paris got into damage control mode and released an official statement rubbishing rumors that Aishwarya has been replaced.

“Ms. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continues to be our valued spokesperson, as she has since 2000. While she remains an integral part of the L'Oreal Paris worldwide Dream Team, she was unfortunately unavailable for our New Year commercial shoot due to prior commitments,” read L’Oreal’s statement.

Company further added, Aishwarya is still the face of L’Oreal Paris “internationally and in India for a range of products which include campaigns for Total Repair 5, Excellence Crème, Color Riche, Hydrafresh.”

What remains to be seen is how long Aishwarya will be L’Oreal Paris’s prominent brand ambassador in India.