Biography of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Rai was born in Bangalore, Karnataka as the daughter of Krishnaraj Rai, a marine biologist, and Vrinda Rai, a writer. Her family belongs to the Bunt community of Mangalore. She has one elder brother, Aditya Rai, who is an engineer in the merchant navy and also co-produced one of Rai's movie, Dil Ka Rishta (2003).

After she was born, her parents moved to Mumbai (Bombay) where she attended the Arya Vidya Mandir high school in Santacruz. Rai then entered Jai Hind College at Churchgate for one year, and then moved to Ruparel College in Matunga to finish her "HSC" studies. She did well in school and planned to become an architect. She speaks Hindi, English, Kannada, Marathi, and Tamil besides he mother tongue, Tulu.

While pursuing her studies in architecture, Rai began modeling on the side. In the 1994 Miss India contest, she won the second place (behind Sushmita Sen), and went on to win the Miss World title the same year where she also won the Miss Photogenic award. She abandoned her studies after winning the pageant and spent one year reigning as Miss World in London. Rai then started working as a professional model and then moved on to her current profession as an actress.

Rai is married to Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is the son of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. The marriage took place on April 20, 2007.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Career

Making her debut with Mani Ratnam's Tamil film, Iruvar (1997) with Mohanlal,[1] she was introduced to Bollywood in the film, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya opposite Bobby Deol, which also released that year; the film didn't do well at the box office.[2] However, her third project, S. Shankar's Tamil film, Jeans (1998) was a critical and commercial success, earning her the Filmfare Best Actress Award South.
She went on to appear in many Bollywood films; a few successful films of her career include Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), which earned the actress her first Filmfare Best Actress Award and Taal (1999), which gave her another nomination for Best Actress at the Filmfare; her performances in both the films were lauded.[3] In 2000, she played a supporting role in the hit films Mohabbatein and Josh. Later that year, she also starred in the Tamil film Kandukondain Kandukondain, which won her positive reviews.
In 2002, Rai appeared with superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit in Sanjay Leela Bansali's lavishly produced Devdas. The film attracted overseas attention as well, receiving a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival.[4] It was during this time that she garnered the attention of the West as an Indian actress and went on to appear in a few Hollywood projects. Devdas went on to become the highest grossing film of the year both in India[5] and overseas,[6] earning her the actress her second Filmfare Best Actress Award.
As her name gained popularity overseas, she was chosen by Time magazine in 2004 as one of the World's "100 Most Influential People", and appeared on the cover of Time magazine, Asia Edition (TIMEasia) in 2003. She was the subject of a 60 Minutes profile on January 2. A month later she appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman. She also featured on Oprah's "Women Across the Globe" segment. In 2003, she acted in the critically acclaimed and commercial success Bengali film, Chokher Bali, an adaptation of one of Rabindranath Tagore's novels by the same name.
Rai has been a regular at the Cannes Film Festival since 2002, and was a member of the Jury at Cannes in the year 2003. In October 2004, a wax figure of Rai became on display in London's Madame Tussaud's wax museum.[7] The same month, her first foreign film, Bride and Prejudice released. The film was an Indian version of Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. Her next overseas venture was The Mistress of Spices. She then appeared at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, as part of a performance showcasing Indian art, on behalf of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, to be held in New Delhi. In between her overseas acting stints, she appeared in the Indian film Bunty Aur Babli in a hugely popular seven minute dance sequence for the song "Kajra Re".
In 2005, Rai signed a three-year contract with L'Oréal, as a spokesmodel for the cosmetics company.
At the end of the year 2006, she had two releases: Umrao Jaan and Dhoom 2. The former did poorly in India but her role in the latter, which was a sequel to the 2004 hit movie Dhoom brought her great attention. While it was a hit commercially,[8] it also sparked a controversy for a scene containing a kiss between her and Hrithik Roshan, which made audiences uncomfortable; a court case is currently pending in India.[9]
2007 saw the release of Mani Ratnam's Guru which premiered in Toronto. The film, based on the life of Indian businessman Dhirubhai Ambani, was critically acclaimed and did well at the box offic.[10] Her most recent film, Provoked, based on the book "Circle of Light" where she portrays a real life character, was released on April 6, 2007 in India and the UK. At the end of April 2007, her first American film, The Last Legion released in Russia and the Netherlands and later opened in North American theaters in August 2007 disappointingly.

Aishwarya to play Rebecca Mark in Sarkar Raj?

If sources are to be believed Aishwarya Rai's role in RGV's forthcoming film Sarkar Raj is based on the character of Rebecca Mark. Highly inspired by Rebecca's character director Ram Gopal Verma has shaped Aishwarya's role accordingly. It is reported that the film is a sequel to Amitabh-Abhishek starrer, Sarkar and deals with the conflict of emotions between Amitabh and Abhishek. The film will have three Bachchan's together once again after the famous Kajra Re song. Aishwarya who plays one of the important characters in the film, will be seen for the first time together with hubby Abhishek post their marriage. Sources inform us that Aishwarya plays a contemporary business woman in the film. However her character is quite similar to Rebecca Mark-Jusbasche head of the Enron International division of Enron. The woman is not only remembered for her business acumen, but her looks, clothes, and legs. And Ash's role will be on similar lines. Ram Gopal Varma has postponed the release of Sarkar Raj from mid-December to next year following the cold response to his last three releases. He is desperately waiting for a hit. Our source adds " Sarkar Raj has shaped up well and RGV has a lot of expectations from this film. He plans to release it in March next year but the Bachchans are not too happy with the release time as it would be exam period and that could adversely affect the film. But the entire unit of this film is going to go all out with the promotions."

LOVE ACTUALLY

IT has been a while since she walked the ramp, but when Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stepped on to the catwalk, mesmerising in a turquoise blue mermaid lehenga designed by Tarun Tahiliani, to promote the wedding collection of luxury watch label Longines, it was yesterday once more.
“The moment I stepped on to the ramp, I realised that it had indeed been a long time. But to be dressed up like a bride brought in a sense of deja vu,” she lets on a couple of hours later, now in a short printed dress, still pretty despite the few extra pounds.
Predictably, she waxes eloquent on love, marriage and affairs of the heart.
“Marriage is such an intense emotion. It is a beautiful chapter in life. I recommend it to everybody,” she beams. Just back from the shooting of Pink Panther, she is now gearing up for a hectic schedule. There are the promotional visits for Jodhaa Akbar to be followed by the release of the movie next month.
“I’m a person who believes in intense prioritisation and enjoying every bit of what comes by. I am happy being a married woman and that’s my priority at the moment. You cannot imagine how much planning goes into making time for all of my commitments. I’m not taking on anything more than I can chew,” she said.


Family, in fact, seemed to be the focus of Ash’s attention. “I consider myself blessed to be so loved. It just doesn’t seem like I have been married for six months, I still feel so excited over every little thing. In fact, I made sure that my shooting schedule for Pink Panther ended before karva chauth because I didn’t want to miss my first one,” she goes on.
She is also unfazed by the tax enquiries into her wedding expenses. “There are often undue judgements and misconceptions and you have to deal with it in the best way possible. We have faced quite a few instances but the father of our family took time to quell them,” she shrugs, before becoming cheerful again.
“All along I thought my life couldn’t get better than what it was, but it actually is getting better every day. There is so much love all around. I can literally feel what it is to be on the pedestal after my marriage to Abhishek. I am a happy girl. I could not have asked for anything more,” she said.
Well, what if she sounds like a Sooraj Barjatiya movie, we would say amen to it.
Trendy Ash
A day after promoting the wedding collection of Longines in Delhi, Aishwarya launched the sports collection of the luxury watch in Mumbai. Aishwarya landed on the Royal western indiaTurf Club in a helicopter and after reminiscing about her long association with the venue, launched the sports watch. A Longines horse race was held, the winner of which won himself a Longines besides the prize money. The actress took the opportunity to announce that the money from the sale of her bridal outfit that was designed by Tarun Tahiliani for the Longines wedding collection would be donated to the HIV affected children of Ashray.

Aishwarya in de-glam role opposite John

The myth that Aishwarya Rai will only work with her husband Abhishek Bachchan, ends with her signing a movie opposite John Abraham.
Despite the dilly-dallying, Aishwarya is finally doing Sriram Raghavan's love story about an ordinary man in an extraordinary situation.
After Jodhaa Akbar and Sarkar Raj, Ash will be seen in a realistic mould. Raghavan says, “Aishwarya has given dates from January as she has some endorsements to take care of this month. I've got John's dates till February. I hope to complete 70 to 80 per cent of the film.”
The director admits there's more shooting to be done with John. “It wasn't an easy script to write. Aishwarya and John were my first and last choices.”
Sounding like his ex-boss Ram Gopal Varma protégé, Raghavan sighs, “It's a very true-to-life story, with a touch of incredulity. The challenge is to make two very glamourous stars look real.”
In the meanwhile, Shriram's next project Agent Vinod for Saif's production house is also a hero-oriented tale. He laughs, “One of these days I'll write a women-oriented movie like Erin Brockovich or Thelma & Louise.”

The character of Aishwarya Rai in 'Sarkar Raj'

The film will have three Bachchans together once again after the famous Kajra Re song. Ash who plays one of the important characters in the film, will be seen for the first time together with hubby Abhishek post their marriage.Reports are that Ash plays a contemporary business woman in the film directed by Ram Gopal Varma and her character is quite similar to Rebecca Mark-Jusbasche head of the Enron International division of Enron. The woman is not only remembered for her business acumen, but her looks, clothes, and legs.Varma has reportedly postponed the release of ‘Sarkar Raj’ from mid-December to next year following the cold response to his last three releases and is desperately waiting for a hit.Varma has a lot of expectations from the film and he plans to release it in March next year but the Bachchans are not too happy with the release time as it would be exam period and that could adversely affect the film.But the entire unit of the film is going to go all out with the promotions.

Aishwarya's eyes are very expressive

Filmmaker Jagmohan Mundhra's Provoked, based on the true story of UK-based Kiranjit Ahluwalia, who killed her husband after she was tortured and was sentence to life imprisonment is releasing in India on April 6.
Here to promote the film along with Ahluwalia, Mundhra spoke to HT City. The film stars Aishwarya Rai playing Kiranjit, Miranda Richardson, Naveen Andrews, Rebecca Pidgeon, Nandita Das and others.
“She has done a fabulous job. In fact, everybody asked me why Ash? The problem is that most people do not see beyond her pretty face. That is a boon for her but at times, it is a curse. She is beautiful but the point is that after working for 11 years she is also quite talented.”
“She never questioned my vision and I felt that her eyes are so expressive — they can communicate fear, triumph, love, betrayal and every human emotion needed in this film. Ash also wanted to get out of this image. I told her that ten minutes into the film and the audience should forget they were watching Aishwarya. She was completely okay with that. As a director I did not want to make things superficial for her. I really hope Provoked does to Ash what Kamla and Bawandar did to Deepti Naval and Nandita Das respectively.”

The Bachchans and Rais watch Saawariya

On Saturday night, Aishwarya’s parents came together with the Bachchan family, minus Jaya, for a very special screening of Saawariya at Yashraj Films. Jaya was unable to attend as she was unwell.Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Sonam Kapoor were present for the occasion. But the film's leading man Ranbir Kapoor would have missed the chance to watch the film with the Bachchans because he was at work. As luck would have it he was shooting in the same vicinity for Yashraj Films's next. Ranbir rushed to the screening just before it began. Mr Bachchan who earlier during the evening attended the Indian Television Academy awards arrived on the dot, as usual. While Abhishek and Aishwarya sat in one corner the film's nervous director Sanjay Bhansali could be seen huddled nervously with the Big B who couldn't take his eyes off the screen. Mr Bachchan the next morning sent chocolates and a beautifully-worded letter to both Ranbir and Sonam. "It's the most beautiful gift I've received in my life," gushes Sonam "It's hard to believe the praise that Bachchan Saab has lavished on me. I don't deserve it," Ranbir gets emotional.

Is Aishwarya on the family way?

The Bachchan family has been religiously adding to the list of holy shrines they have visited and this time star couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai offered prayers at the famous Amin Pir Dargah in Andhra Pradesh's Cuddapah district.
Rumours have it that daughter-in-law Aishwarya is on the family way, and the trip was to seek blessings for the mother and child.
This is not the first shrine that the family has visited in the state. They had sought blessings at the Tirupati temple shortly after Abhishek and Aishwarya's wedding this year.
The couple was accompanied by actress Jaya Bachchan and Samajwadi Party General Secretary Amar Singh, dargah officials said.
Abhishek and Aishwarya offered a chadar and conducted special prayers at the dargah, which is dedicated to Sufi saint Pir Amin.
A large number of Bachchan fans and curious onlookers gathered at the dargah to have a glimpse of the star couple.
Security was tightened at the dargah following their visit. Later, all four of them rushed to the state guesthouse from where they flew to Bangalore in a helicopter.
The dargah is visited by a number of Bollywood personalities and politicians. Music director A R Rahman is a frequent visitor to the dargah.

Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai will stand next to each other !

Thanks to London 's famous wax museum, Madame Tussauds, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan and former flame Salman Khan will get to be together. Well, we're talking about their wax statues at the museum.
Salman's statue at the museum will be unveiled in January 2008. As for Aishwarya, she already has a statue dedicated to her at the museum. Our source says, "There is a plan to put Salman's statue besides Aishwarya's. This will immortalise them together."
The reasons for placing the statues together are purely business oriented. "After Shah Rukh Khan's wax figure in Madame Tussands was unveiled, business quadrupled. If Salman and Aishwarya's statues are paired together, business will further multiply. Same goes for Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie and David-Victoria Beckham," the source adds.
When contacted, Salman Ahmed (Group Managing Director of Bobby Khan Holdings who now have the rights to open Madame Tussands in Mumbai) says, "There has never been any branding in Madame Tussands, but recently, we have been inundated by offers from large corporates from India . A new zone called the Bollywood Zone is being created. All four statues - Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan) will be in that zone," he added.
Ahmed does not deny the news about Salman's statue being placed next to Aishwarya's. "There is a good possibility for everything, depending on the demand and of course, Madame Tussauds authorities in London ," he says.
Abhishek Bachchan and Salman Khan were in the running for the fourth statue from Bollywood, at Madame Tussauds. However, after a poll, Salman emerged victorious and his statue was commissioned.

Aishwarya turns 34

Bollywood's most beautiful actress and wife of Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, is celebrating her 34th birthday here at City of Love.No place could be as perfect as Taj Mahal to celebrate her first birthday after marriage at 17th century monument of love. Aishwarya and hubby Abhishek are here to shoot an ad film.While Aishwarya and her husband Abhishek had arrived in the city of Taj Mahal three days back for shooting of a commercial film, superstar Amitabh Bachchan and his wife Jaya joined them later.Politician and family friend Amar Singh is also part of the group.Aishwarya is also doing the Taj Mahal film with Ben Kingsley

Aishwarya Rai celebrates birthday at the Taj Mahal

The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is celebrating her 34th birthday – first after her marriage – at the Taj Mahal in Agra.No place could be as perfect as Taj Mahal to celebrate her first birthday after marriage at 17th century monument of love. Ash and hubby Abhishek Bachchan are in Agra to shoot an ad film.
While Ash and Abhishek had arrived in the city of Taj Mahal three days back for shooting of a commercial film, mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan and his wife Jaya Bachchan joined them later.Needless to say, politician and family friend Amar Singh is also part of the group.Ash is also doing the Taj Mahal film with Ben Kingsley."It sounds so dramatic and romantic," said a giggly Ash. "It's nothing like that. I'm bringing it in with Abhishek, Ma and Pa. Abhishek was shooting an ad in Agra on Wednesday. So I joined him with Ma (mom-in-law Jaya) and now Pa (father-in-law Amitabh) has also joined us. So you could say it's a perfect birthday by the Taj Mahal, though not quite at the Taj Mahal. Have you seen the crowds over there? We can't risk going to the Taj Mahal, but it's just a stone's throw away. It's a pity my parents couldn't join us here in Agra."Ash added, "This is my first birthday after marriage and therefore a very special occasion. Spending time with the people I love is my greatest joy. I'm in a very happy place. And I don't mean Agra. Just being with three people who mean so much to me makes my life complete. God has been kind. There's great fulfillment in love and in being loved, by not just my husband but his parents who are now my parents. We're one family and we all love one another."

'People will forget Ash-Hrithik'

At the outset, Ashutosh Gowarikar confesses that after making a social film like ‘Swades’, he made a historical like ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ because he was excited when Hyder Ali who has written the story of ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ narrated the subject to him even before he had launched ‘Swades.’"Though I did find the subject quite exciting, I decided to take up the story only post ‘Swades’ since I realized that the grand spectacle needed time and also an elaborate production. Hence I launched ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ only after ‘Swades’ after a demanding pre-production preparation, on November 2006 in Rajasthan."‘Jodhaa Akbar’, according to Ashutosh, is the story of the greatest Mughal emperor who ruled Hindustan- Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar and the fiery young Rajput princess Jodhaa. Set in the sixteenth century, this epic romance begins as a marriage of alliance between two different cultures and religions, for political gain, with King Bharmal of Ajmer giving his daughter's hand to Emperor Akbar. I have set out to show how the marriage of alliance happens between Jodhaa and Akbar and love evolves between them after marriage. I felt it was necessary to film it because it was a special alliance between the Rajputs and the Muslims.It was only after a lot of research for almost three years did I decide to go on the floors. ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ is my first attempt at making a romantic film. Romance fascinates me. What intrigued me was how Jodhaa and Akbar married without knowing each other."

Ashutosh confesses that when he started imagining as to who would suit the roles, he did not have to look far. "It was a dream cast to have Hrithik and Aishwarya. It was not at all my intention to cash in on the success of their star pairing in ‘Dhoom 2’ because I did not cast them after I watched’ Dhoom 2.’ People will forget that they are Hrithik and Aishwarya when they watch ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ as it unfolds because both have dedicated themselves to create the characters that they etch in the film." Ashutosh admits that there is no method or process as such when he sets out to make a film. "There is no analysis as such before I take up a subject. When a particular subject excites me, I take it up to film as a director, whether it is a nationalistic film like ‘Lagaan’ or a patriotic film like ‘Swades’ or for that matter a romantic film like ‘Jodhaa Akbar.’ As a film-maker, I do not look back and analyze why a film of mine has clicked or flopped. I do not let my success or failure bog me when I decide to launch my next film because I make it a point to focus on my new subject and do not worry whether I will be able to match up to my earlier films like ‘Lagaan’ or for that matter ‘Swades.’I do not believe that any particular genre will work on its own. It is only the story telling that works. Romance is the most important aspect of ‘Jodhaa Akbar.’ If romance appeals to every one, then ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ will work. I have never given undue importance to box office success or failure. Also I don't make judgments based on the past success or failure.”

Says Ashutosh, "Jodhaa Akbar will not be yet another ‘Mughal E Azam’ as a child, I have watched Prithvirajji in ‘Mughal E Azam.’ His was an incredibly baffling performance of the time. Ï have not set out to outdo ‘Mughal E Azam’ because I feel classics like ‘Mughal E Azam’ ought not to be touched. I do not think people will remember Prithvirajji when they watch Hrithik play the role of Akbar because we have worked hard on Hrithik's looks based on his persona and ultimately an actor brings himself to the fore when he essays his character in his own inimitable way.‘Jodhaa Akbar’ will deal with Akbar from the time he was just a thirteen year old till he was twenty-eight.From the battle field where the young Jalaluddin was crowned, through the conquests that won him the title of Akbar The Great, to winning the love of the beautiful Jodhaa, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ will trace the impressive graph of the mighty emperor and his romance with the defiant princess Jodhaa." -Jyothi Venkatesh

Aishwarya Rai to speak in Tamil

After a long gap, Aishwarya Rai will appear in a Tamil movie. Her Forth coming Hindi release ‘Jodha Akbar’ opposite Hrithik Roshan will be dubbed and released in Tamil.
The story is about the love story of Akbar and Jodha Bai, played by Hritik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. Music is by AR Rahman.
Aishwarya Rai had acted in films including ‘Iruvar’, ‘Jeans’, ‘Kandu Kondein Kandu Kondein’ in Tamil before.
Her films like ‘Taal’ were dubbed and released in Tamil. Hopefully ‘Jodha Akbar’ is going to enthrall Aishwarya Rai’s fans in Tamilnadu.

Aishwarya: Film isn't about damsels

Aishwarya Rai may have had her dream wedding last year, but the Bollywood star doesn't believe in fairytales.Aishwarya, 33, who stars with Colin Firth in new flick The Last Legion, tied the knot with fellow actor Abhishek Bachchan last April. -->

But she says Mira, her sword-wielding character in the epic film, which sets the foundations of Arthurian legend, had the right idea."It's not about being a damsel in distress," she insisted. "It's great to be a woman of today where you can choose to be a lady and it's definitely great to have a gentleman around."But at the same time it's great to know about the existing potential and strength you can draw from within whenever you need it."Mira is a skilled fighter in The Last Legion, but despite the body count in the movie, the Bride and Prejudice star was keen to rush to her characters' defence, saying: "She is doing what she needs to do."

Abhishek: I'm Aishwarya's biggest fan

The rivals can sulk and pout to their heart's content. There's absolutely no question of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan giving up her work. On the contrary she's on the verge of completing two projects . In Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar Raj her work is almost done, and in Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha-Akbar in which she needs to shoot a song.
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Earlier this month, she returned from a day's shooting of Harold Zwart's Pink Panther where she was accompanied by husband Abhishek. She'll continue shooting for Pink Panther in Boston after completing Jodha-Akbar.
Aishwarya has also green-lighted Suniel Shetty's Raasta with Abhishek and John in the lead.
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Abhishek is all for his wife continuing with her career. "I'd like her to continue working for very selfish reasons. I'm her biggest fan and love watching her on screen. The choice is entirely hers, of course. I'd never-ever impose my wish on her. But if she asks me, I'd certainly want her to work."
Images: Song & dance in Bhansali�s movies
But considering she has her husband and his family to look after would her work load be decreased?
"No!" protests Abhishek. " As it is, she never did too much work at the same time. I'd like her to continue with her career and do the volume and kind of work that makes her happy. As her co-star I must say I want her to continue because she's a wonderful co-star and a thorough professional on the sets."
How will Aishwarya's name read in the credits of her forthcoming films?
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Retorts Abhishek, "How would that make any difference? I'd like her to call herself by any name that makes her comfortable. To me it doesn't matter what she calls herself. What she is as a person is what matters. However certain legalities have come into play after marriage. Whatever she's required to call herself, she will. I'm sure she'll do what the law requires. As for her name in the credits I'd enjoy an Aishwarya film no matter what she calls herself."

Celina: Ash was the third choice for Pink Panther

Aishwarya Rai's business manager in LA denies it, but Celina Jaitley says the Pink Panther role was sent to her first and then offered to Shilpa Shetty.
"With due respect to Aishwarya and her LA business manager, my work in the US is looked after by Brillstein Grey, who also looks after names like Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Orlando Bloom and Andy Garcia. The script was sent through my agents. And then it was also sent to Shilpa Shetty. I'm aware of that," Celina said.
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Finally, the role fell into Aishwarya's lap and she is currently shooting for it in Boston.
"I'm not aware of where the project went after that. Nor am I interested in getting into a slanging match over a film that I didn't do. I'd rather talk about what I'm doing," said Celina whose international career is flourishing.
Abhishek: I'm Aishwarya's biggest fan
She is all set to play the mythical beauty Sheherzade in the international project The Quest of Sheherzade. For the petite beauty, the most exciting part of this fantasia-project is the rugged action.
"It's a role that requires extensive stunts. Fortunately, my father is an army officer. I learnt horse riding in school. But doing so without a saddle requires plenty of training. And I'm off to the US in Feb 2008. Shooting starts probably in Turkey next summer."
Aishwarya reluctant to do a non-Abhishek love story
The Quest of Sheherzade role sounds quite a lot like what Aishwarya did in her just-released international project The Last Legion. Celina has just completed another international project called Love Has No Language. "It's directed by first-timer Ken Khan who was involved with the Lord Of The Rings project. It's an out-and-out romantic film."
Celina is candid enough to admit she didn't get along too well with her Australian co-actor Ben Mitchell, a TV star from the soaps Shortland Streets and Neighbours. Aishwarya Rai shoots for Pink Panther 2
"Out there in New Zealand they look for a hectic social life after work. I've gone through late night partying in college. I don't need that any more. I'm very much a home bird, very dull and ordinary. So, yes, Ben and I just faced the camera and went our separate ways."

Aishwarya charms her way to Kingsley's heart

Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai has been showered praise from none other than Sir Ben Kingsley, who co-stars with her in The Last Legion and calls her an "excellent and outstanding" actor.
Kingsley, who won an Oscar for Gandhi, said Aishwarya would surprise movie buffs with her performance in the film.
Kingsley, who was attending 58th Annual Emmy Awards, spoke to Sheeraz Hasan, founder of www.hollywood.tv, about the film and his Indian co-star and praised her profusely.
"It was a pleasure working with Aishwarya in The Last Legion, and her fans are in for a big surprise. She is an excellent and outstanding actor. She is a shining example of beauty from India and I'm sure we will be seeing her in more Hollywood movies real soon," Kingsley told Hasan.
Hasan was the only South Asian at this years Emmy's and was holding the flag of Bollywood on the red carpet.

The World's Most Beautiful Woman?

Who is the most beautiful woman in the world? Half a century ago, Hollywood would have presented her to us. Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman or perhaps Elizabeth Taylor. But today? Correspondent Bob Simon reports the woman who currently holds the title, at least according to thousands of Web sites, Internet polls and even Julia Roberts, is someone you've probably never heard of. Her name is Aishwarya Rai, and she is an actress living and working in Bombay, India. The reigning queen of Indian cinema, and also a classically trained dancer, Rai has starred in 24 films over the last seven years. That may seem like a lot of movies, but Bollywood, India’s film capital, is famous for churning out more movies a year than Hollywood. Three new films are produced and distributed worldwide every day, attracting a global audience of 5 billion people. That’s twice the reach of Hollywood. The reason Bollywood films have such universal appeal is because they’re squeaky-clean. There are no sex scenes, not even kissing. Every time you think someone’s going to do it, they'll burst into song instead. "I'd assume that's really a reflection of our society," Rai says, when asked to explain the films' modesty. "Of course people kiss and of course people have a very healthy love life. This is the land of the Kama Sutra. But nevertheless, in our society you don't really see people around the street corner kissing or being extremely, overtly, physically demonstrative publicly. They do it privately but not publicly." Unlike some of her Hollywood counterparts, Rai's very much like the women she portrays: wholesome, dutiful and deeply religious. So much so, she insisted we visit her favorite temple for this interview. It’s more than 200 years old and every week more than 100,000 people come from all over India to make offerings and pray to Lord Ganesh, the half-elephant/half-man Hindu god of happiness. At the temple, Rai started attracting more worshippers than Lord Ganesh. She says being treated as sort of a goddess in this way, "makes me feel guilty. I'll be very honest. When there's a distraction at the place of worship I kinda get a bit guilty. And I kind of say, 'Lord, forgive me. This isn't intended.'" Despite the attention, Rai says she doesn’t think much about the way she looks. "I am really OK with the way I look, It's fine," she says. "All this is transient. I mean, it's really, you know, it changes with time, and that's the external."

Abhishek once thought he made a mistake by joining Bollywood

After a string of flop movies early in his career, actor Abhishek Bachchan thought he had joined the wrong profession but a dressing down from his father Amitabh made him decide to stick it out in Bollywood.
"Yes, I went to my dad and told him I think I made a mistake," he said.
"He fired me. He said I didn't bring you up to quit. I have faith in you. He said just go back and keep working," Abhishek told NDTV while responding to a question on whether he thought he had made a mistake by coming to Bollywood in the initial days of his career.
"Dad asked me to spend time in front of the camera and learn to improve as long as I get an opportunity," said Abhishek, who was once considered a pale shadow of his father.
Asked what crossed his mind after his 15th flop, Abhishek said, "It becomes a habit. Its very weird."
Queried whether it is difficult to handle failure now that he had had quite a few hits, he said it is comparatively easier to handle failure in the early days of one's career.
"Initially when you start you still live in hope. You know your first film does not do well, it hurts -- second, third...it hurts but still you believe in yourself," he said.
The actor said he was enjoying his married life with Aishwarya Rai.
"The best part is that you get to live with your best friend. Somebody you enjoy spending time with, which I think is the reasonable criteria to get married. Its wonderful. I am enjoying myself," he said.
When asked whether the film industry's most eligible bachelor is now its most besotted husband, Abhishek said every husband should be besotted.
"I do not know if it is correct to call me the most eligible bachelor. I never believed that. I know many people were considered far more eligible then me. As far as besotted is concerned, every husband should be besotted," he said.
"I think it is important for every husband to care for his wife and family and they should not marry if they do not.
"You should get married if you are prepared to live with somebody for life."
Asked whether the Bachchan family discusses films when they eating together if they are all in town, Abhishek said talk about movies was totally banned at the table.
"Ma does not allow film talk at the table. After my sister got married, there were only three of us and I was just starting my career and then a little bit of that would slip in," he said.
"You just get a typical glare that a mother gives a child when you do something wrong."

Aishwarya Rai - Dream Girl Of Thai Army Lt. Panupat Danpanich

To be leading of army is not any excuse so that it throws tears of “separation” for his “dream girl” who is not the any other than diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan the Bollywood Queen.I wish that Aishwarya Rai were not married, known as Lt. Panupat Danpanich of Thai Royal Army (TRA) which is on a visit here to be taken part in a common exercise of army to fight total terrorism.A preserving ventilator of former Miss World, Lt. Panupat Danpanich, during a conversation without ceremony with UNI, admits that it was still with the stomach the fact that the beauty floor-observed attached the bridal node with Abhishek Bachchan.The young leader said that it was not only, which loved the actress, but there were thousands of its young fans in Thailand.Once put questions about his device more seizing, lieutenant Panupat answered,” defect of the sound reproduction it of the eyes, the very blue eyes and his pretty smile.It is perfect image. The leader also claimed to have seen the film majority of Aishwarya Rai but could hardly remember any name."I maintenances right to observe it in film because I am not Hindi.I have pleasure only to look at it.” Without counting that Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan puts the pulse of the hundreds of girls thaïes packing, he said to add that the religious periodic publications of TV like Ramayana and Mahabharata were also popular in its country.

Aishwarya Rai And Abhishek Bachchan Pictures In Boston

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai and her husband actor Abhishek Bachchan were spotted walking in Boston, Massachusetts. Aishwarya Rai is currently in Boston to film The Next Pink Panther.The casually outfit couple looked comfortable and glad. Aishwarya Rai wore jeans of right end of high tide with a yellow top of v-neck. Abhishek was attired pareillement in jeans and a full white of casings sweated the shirt.Aishwarya Rai, 33, seems to have had hair make. It maintained the model posed unequal but the glance of hair a lighter of shade and less bulky.Abhishek, which is the ambassador of mark for Flying Machine jeans, recently indicated the pressure, “I am most comfortable in a pair of jean. ”We see that that here and if all is well such are jeans of machine of flight which it carries because it also said, “the flying machine, is on the par with the rest, créativement and technically. It takes place about time when we took a step on the international platform here as well”.Abhishek Bachchan, which is currently stripping for Drona, appears to have the hangar any weight additional, which it gained during the stripping of the guru. It is known to strike the room of gymnastics rather regularly nowadays.

Aishwarya takes an elephant ride

Now that her problems with the customs department have ended, there are joyful tidings for Bollywood's beauty queen Aishwarya Rai. She is back in Jaipur shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha-Akbar with Hrithik Roshan.
"It's going great!" Aishwarya exulted from Jaipur as she prepared for the day's shoot.
So, has she done any horse riding and sword-fighting as yet?
"None of the above. But I rode an elephant for a scene. And his name was Lakhi. After Dhoom 2 and its hi-tech ambience and accessories, entering a world of elephants and Mughal grandeur is a true culture shock. And a real challenge for both Hrithik and me after Dhoom 2," Aishwarya told IANS.
"But what's the life of an actor without challenges? I'm at a stage in my career where I need to constantly re-invent myself."
About the elephant ride, Aishwarya explained with a giggle, "It wasn't exactly a unique experience. I've ridden an elephant before for Gurinder Chaddha's Bride & Prejudice, though very briefly.
"In Jodha-Akbar everything is far more elaborate. I guess I must be the only actress of my generation to have taken two elephant rides."

Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya ready for Globetrotting!

B-Town's The Unforgettable Tour is finally on course, amidst buzz about which stars came on board, their skyrocketing fees (and demands) and the mind-boggling logistics involved in what is being described as ‘a mother of all stage shows'.
Wizcraft, the organisers of the show, have finally chalked out the details.
As reported ‘Bachchan and bachcha to go on world tour', (HiTLIST, November 2, 2006), Wizcraft pulled off a casting coup of sorts by getting Bachchans Sr & Jr together for live shows across the globe.
The Unforgettable Tour now consists of the Bachchans (Amitabh, Abhishek as well as Aishwarya — who has insisted on the Bachchan surname for the tour), Akshay Kumar, Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta and Riteish Deshmukh.
Says Sabbas Joseph of Wizcraft, “The tour was always on course. When it comes to the Bachchans, it is like family for us. Abhishek and Aishwarya announced the tour in Toronto . The first leg of The Unforgettable kicks off from July to August 2008.”
It is learnt that it will first cover 10 US cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles . Then it moves to Vancouver and Toronto in Canada before hitting UK and Europe . The second leg is slated for November-December 2008, and will take them to Singapore , Hong Kong , Australia , South Africa , New Zealand , Dubai , Doha and Cairo .
Joseph adds, “The Unforgettable Tour will prove to be a paradigm shift in such concerts. It is just not a song-dance gala that one normally sees at such shows. We are making it both an audio and visual experience aided with technology. It will be a 360-degree turn in entertainment.”
It is learnt that the first tour has received bids from multiple promoters and is almost sold out.
Incidentally, Bachchan Sr is the brand ambassador for the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards, the brainchild of Wizcraft. The IIFA awards are held annually in different countries to celebrate Indian cinema. The Unforgettable Tour was also unveiled at the IIFA awards in Yorkshire in June.
It is learnt that the Bachchans are taking time off from their shooting schedules next year for the tour. For several years, Wizcraft has been organising stage shows across the world with Bollywood and international stars.
Says Joseph, “In fact, the making of The Unforgettable Tour and the behind the scenes happenings will be as exciting as the show and we will air this at a later stage.
The stars will be city hopping with 10-12 shows at a stretch.” It is also learnt that there is a possibility that there could be a concert in India as part of The Unforgettable series. “May be, why not?” says Joseph.

Abhishek Bachchan opens up on CNN

MUMBAI: Bollywood’s ‘crown prince’, Abhishek Bachchan, first referred to as nothing more than a shadow of his legendary father, is now one of India’s most celebrated and sought after actors. On this week’s TALK ASIA, Bachchan walks host Anjali Rao around the set of his new film ‘Sarkar Raj’ talking about the different roles he now plays as actor, son and husband. He candidly exposes what it takes to succeed in one of the largest film industries in the world and to carve a name for himself given the number of actors in the industry with famous backgrounds.
Working alongside equally well-known wife and one of the world’s most beautiful women Aishwarya, Bachchan comments, “It’s a continued honeymoon you could say and it feels very nice. I love being on set together all day and then going back home together. Because being actors we both know there’s going to be time ahead where we’re not going to see each other for months. So you try and enjoy every moment of it.” Considering the couple goes home after work, Rao queries whether the couple has ever argued on set, Bachchan smiles and says, “Exactly, I like sleeping on the bed as opposed to the couch, so…”
Despite growing up in a family of elite stars, Abhishek Bachchan was not born with a silver spoon. He worked every inch of the way to get to where he is today. As he chats to Anjali Rao on the star-studded set in Mumbai, Bachchan explains, “At the end of the day it’s got to do with luck. That’s one thing you learn very quickly in the Indian film industry. I can think of a hundred more talented actors than me, better looking, better built, more capable, but at the end of the day you realize very soon that it comes down to luck. At the end of the day it all depends on the mood of that one audience member that goes into that theatre. They’re not burdened with the baggage that you bring onto the film. It just depends whether the film manages to entertain them or not. And if it doesn’t, that’s it…So I’ve been blessed, yes, I consider myself very lucky.”
Having starred in more than 30 movies, Bachchan’s answer to his favourite role comes as a surprise, “More than being an actor, being my father’s son has been my favourite role. I enjoy the fact that I’m his son. I enjoy the responsibility he gives me. And most of all I enjoy being his bouncer. I enjoy that on Sundays hundreds of his fans come outside the gate of the house to meet him which is a trend that started after his ’82 accident… And it’s what I call his Lion King moment. He holds me up and says, here’s the cub.”
Reliving the remarkable moment of his career when Uday Chopra told him that Dhoom was his first hit, Bachchan nostalgically says, “I went out into his garden and started screaming, shouting and jumping up and down for about half an hour. I couldn’t believe it, I was in shock. And then I remember calling my sister and telling her that it’s a hit. And I was just so overcome by emotion because at that point in time, after 17 films, you have no self confidence left, and you’ve really put in your heart and soul into work, at that point you’re ready to accept it as a failure, because that’s what you’re tuned to. So it was very emotional for me.”
Bachchan shares his view on the Indian film industry, “We like larger than life films. We’re that kind of people. We’re very warm, we’re very festive, we’re musical, we’re over the top, and that’s the way we like it. People snicker sometimes and can’t believe why we have so many songs in our films. It’s because we’re a musical culture. If something happens in the family that is nice, we break into song.” Talking about the lessons that film industry’s taught him, he says, “As an actor, you have to realize it’s not about you, it was never about you. It’s about the film.”
On his forthcoming movies, he chats at length on working with his better half Aishwarya Rai and his upcoming tour to thirty different cities that takes him, his wife, Amitabh Bachchan, and Akshay Kumar to his fans around the world.

Aishwarya can’t replace Shweta!

Recently in a candid interview Big B, Amitabh Bachchan said that though he is very happy that Ash is the part of his family and more like his daughter but she can't replace his own daughter, Shweta .
He said, “It's fantastic! I feel I've got back my daughter in the house. But no one can take Shweta's place in my life. She's my daughter. But yes, my Bahu is like another daughter in the house. It's wonderful to have her around. We're all extremely happy. And I hope she's happy too.”

Low-fat food for Hrithik and Aishwarya!

Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai were treated to a sumptuous feast while shooting a sequence for Ashutosh Gowarikar’s movie Jodha Akbar .Recently, Ash and Hrithik shot for a scene in which Ash (as princess Jodha) serves Hrithik (as emperor Akbar) delicious traditional food. Apart from the two stars, 18 other actors took part in the sequence. The actors played Akbar’s ministers.
It is learnt that special cooks were called from Rajasthan to prepare the food for the shooting at Nitin Desai’s studio in Karjat.Hrithik and Ash reportedly told Ashutosh Gowarikar in advance to ask the cooks to use less ghee in food. Rajasthani food generally contains a lot of ghee. Hrithik and Ash, who are very particular about their diets, would not have eaten the high-fat food.Secondly, even though only 20 people had to take part in the scene, the cooks were told to make a lavish feast for 80 people because several shots had to be retaken.Consequently, the cooks made rich and mouth-watering traditional delicacies. Although the food looked very colourful, it had very little spices and ghee.Reports say both Hrithik and Ash loved the food. And the two stars did not mind doing double takes for some shots.After the shooting, the feast was made available to the shooting crew, who enjoyed the sumptuous meal with full delight.

Jodha-Akbar in post-production phase now

Post-production work on director Ashutosh Gowariker's magnum opus Jodha-Akbar is on in full swing. The editing and dubbing of the film starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai are being done simultaneously.
"I'm currently editing the film in Mumbai. It's not an easy task," Gowariker told IANS.
Considering the canvas of the storytelling, this could well be the director's toughest film yet.Considering the canvas of the storytelling, this could well be the director Ashutosh Gowariker's toughest film yet.
"That isn't all. Aishwarya is shooting in Hyderabad. So she'll dub in that city, while Hrithik will dub in Mumbai," Gowariker said.
On top of it, there are dozens of other actors, big and small, whose dubbing has to be done under strict supervision to make sure that the Urdu dialogues are in place and the pronunciation is impeccable.
In fact Hrithik and Aishwarya have been working doubly hard on their dialogues to live up to the Lagaan director's exacting standards.

Aishwarya Rai is spending sleepless nights…

Aishwarya Rai is spending sleepless nights these days. The actress is back on the sets of Jodha Akbar, shooting during daytime and dubbing at night. The actress is actually working round-the-clock to finish shooting for her film before she flies off to Europe .
A unit member tells us about Ash's schedule in the past three days. "Ash leaves her home by 5.30 a.m. to reach the ND Studios at Karjat by 7.30 a.m., and is ready with her make- up by 9 a.m. to start shooting for Jodha Akbar along with her co star Hrithik Roshan. On Monday evening, Ash left the studio at around 6 p.m. to reach the dubbing studio for the same film. A close associate of Ash informs," Immediately after the dubbing session, she attended the preview of Ramgopal Varma Ki Aag. Soon after the screening of the film, the actress along with her family members, left for the Siddhivinayak temple to participate in an early-morning puja," he says.
Ash returned home and left for her mother's place for Raksha Bandhan early in the morning as she had to return to shoot for Jodha Akbar. Hari Singh, Ash's business manager tells us," Ash is a very professional actress and commitment is the key word for her. I don't think she has even batted an eyelid in the past 48 hours that have gone by since Monday. Even today she will return from shooting and head straight for the dubbing of her film. She has to wrap up all her commitment before she goes away for her international project,' he adds.

Mrs. Aishwarya Bachchan gave Rani Mukherji a cold shoulder!

Everyone is aware of Abhishek Bachchan's soft corner for Rani Mukherji, and at one point of time, it looked like they would tie the knot. This relationship seems to have gone into Aishwarya Bachchan's head. Abhishek and Aishwarya are married couple now but the insecurity still continues.
Ash was reluctant to accompany hubby to the sets of his film but this time, she has made an exception. She accompanied hubby to the sets of Laaga Chunari Mein Daag in Switzerland . Ironically, Abhishek's ex-flame Rani Mukherji plays the female lead role in this film. The buzz is that Aishwarya gave Rani Mukherji a cold shoulder on the sets of the film. It is also said that Ash passed rude remarks about Rani besides staring at her. Rani has not spoken out yet on the incident.
Laaga Chunari Mein Daag also features actors like Jaya Bachchan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kunal Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Kirron Kher and Farida Jalal . Aditya Chopra produces it on Yash Raj Films banner and Pradeep Sarkar directs it with music composed by Shantanu Moitra. The makers of the film are planning to release it on October 12.

Bachchan crazy for wife Aishwarya

- Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, newly married to co-star and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai, is so much in love that he says when it comes to sharing things his wife takes precedence over all.
"You always give things first to the wife, and then you have," the actor, son of Amitabh Bachchan, said, adding that this was how marriages worked among Indians.
Though he may not admit it, Bachchan struck gold at the box office with several hit films around the time he began dating Rai. Now, all he will say is that his time has come.
The two tied the knot in April and industry analysts say their marriage created Bollywood's ultimate power couple.
The wedding celebrations sent India's celebrity-obsessed media into frenzy, and even months later, public interest in the couple -- likened to Hollywood duo Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie -- remains as strong with talk that Rai could be pregnant.
But Bachchan scotched the speculation.
"That's incorrect ... there's no such good news. When there is, I will tell you," he said, on the sidelines of an endorsement event late on Thursday.
Rai, 33, and Bachchan, 31, have worked together in at least five films. Rai was crowned Miss World in 1994.

Aishwarya Rai wishes for having a baby.

Aishwarya Rai indicates that it appreciates the married life: an ex-pression which clearly showed on its face while it accompanied her husband Abhishek Bachchan with the royal hotel by York in Toronto last week.
It spoke to give instructions of media organized by international entertainment Mumbai-based of Wizcraft unforgettable excursion to announce Bachchans' of 18 countries, beginning July 2008.He was asked whether it projects is to have a baby, when the regulator with the podiume intervened to point out journalists whom they should limit their questions only related to the unforgettable excursion.
But Aishwarya insisted to answer the question, to say: “I wait with interest to have a baby. I appreciate my married life, no question about it. I have an incredible husband and the life continues. ”It implied that the marriage does not mean the beginning of following phase. “Yes, there is much more of the responsibilities and the life is agitated, but this (marriage) was a very conscious decision. I am very happy. We take the life while it comes and that take one day at the same time. ”
Ashwarya and Abhishek chose Toronto to announce the launching of their next unforgettable excursion having developed a special affinity for the city, thus after their last visit in January for the first world one of the guru.
“It was very, very the cold that evening, something we are not accustomed to come from Mumbai,” said Abhishek. “When we reached the theatre of Elgin and we left the car, people had awaited fresh fact to survive during hours. We had a walking problem of the car in the theatre because the weather was very cold. To just imagine the difficult situation of the assistances. ”“That,” additional Abhishek, “left a durable impression on us. And thus all the times that we have the occasion to come here and to make any kind of work or an event, it overpower. it returns to us happy. ”

Aishwarya Ranked Among The 10 Most Beautiful Women

After being through a disastrous run at the box office in the form of KYUN HO GAYA NA and SHABD, and being overshadowed by Mallika Sherawat's skimpy outfits at the Cannes film festival, finally here's some good news for the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai and her fans. Our desi beauty has been ranked as one of the ten most beautiful women of the world by the Harpers & Queen magazine. Topping the list was Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie; the others in the top ten list include Christy Turlington, Queen Rania of Jordan, Sofia Coppola, Nigella Lawson, Uma Thurman, Emmanuelle Béart, Kate Moss, Aishwarya Rai and Charlotte, of Monaco.

Ash says Alvida to Karan's project

Has walked out of Dharma Productions’ next because she is uncomfortable with a sexy character after marriage; Priyanka Chopra (who has no such qualms) has now stepped in
But I’m Married Now!
Aishwarya Rai has opted out of Karan Johar’s untitled production, to be directed by assistant Tarun Mansukhani. The film was to star AbhiAsh, but now Abhishek’s Bluffmaster! co-star Priyanka Chopra has quietly stepped in.Ash had originally committed to being a part of the film but backed out when she got the bound script. According to an insider, the film has a very sexy vibe and that’s what made her change her mind.“Her character has both the leading men Abhishek and John (Abraham) lusting after her. She felt that as a married woman this role wasn’t right for her,” he adds. It didn’t take her long to convince her producer either. Admits Karan Johar, “Ash is not doing my film anymore. She had to opt out.” When asked to explain why she ‘had to’, Karan elaborates, “Ash had heard the screenplay and agreed to do the film. But after she got a detailed narration, she changed her mind. She explained her point of view to me and I respect her decision. We then spoke to Priyanka. She was happy to be part of the film and we are happy to have her, so it worked well.”Karan assures us that he isn’t disappointed over Ash’s turnaround. He says, “It happens. You plan a movie with one person in mind and then someone else ends up doing it. When you see the film, you’ll understand why Ash could not do it,” he adds. Insiders say Ash’s decision to drop the film will be seen as another chapter in the Bachchan-Khan war. It’s been widely speculated over where Karan’s loyalties lie, as he is close to both sides but KJo isn’t losing any sleep over this. He says, “We are too close to allow such things to bother us. I’m regularly in touch with Ash and Abhishek. She made a professional decision and you have to respect that.”

Aishwarya's performance shocks Ram Gopal Varma

For the first time in her career Aishwarya Rai has gone completely make-up free for Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sarkar 2' and the director says he had the time of his life shooting with her.'Very frankly, I was wondering what she had in store as I had never worked with her before. And considering the sequel to Sarkar is a dark, intense, raw and real film I was apprehensive about how far Aishwarya would be able to shed her immense glamour,' Varma told IANS.But the Bachchan bahu took him by surprise.'She shocked me with her performance. Without too many rehearsals and certainly without attending any pre-shoot workshop Aishwarya has stood up to Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek in every scene. Audiences will be shocked with her performance,' Varma said.'I can't see the film working without her. But to quote me as saying the film could have worked without Mr. Bachchan and Abhishek but not without Aishwarya is like saying the 'Godfather' could do without Brando and Pacino,' he added.

India section kicks off at Cannes

The India Focus section at the Cannes film festival kicked off to a bright start here with a top festival official describing it as a “treasure trove of cultural diversity, democracy and modernity in the new India”. The India Focus Films began Friday in the Tous Les Cinemas Du Monde (All Cinemas of the World) section. Seven Indian movies are screened as part of the package and the interest among the world cinema lovers was visible as a large number of people lined up to watch Malayalam movie “Saira”, directed by Biju.
The country’s presence at Cannes is visible with over 20 Indian showbiz companies exhibiting their projects and products at the India Pavilion and exhibition area Palais organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with the support of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Over 80 companies from India, including 40 independent filmmakers, are at Cannes and have over 150 films, mainly for the market.
Cannes Film Festival honcho Catherine Demier formally opened the India Focus section in the presence of Asha Swarup, secretary, ministry of information and broadcasting, and Serge Sobczynski, head of the Cinema of the World Section.
The seven directors of the India Focus movies were present during the occasion.
Demier said the India Focus section was a “treasure trove of cultural diversity, democracy and modernity in the new India”.
Swarup said there is a steady rise in the dynamism and confidence of the India business sector and the Indian filmed entertainment space was bubbling with new growth prospects and showing visible signs of maturity.

Aishwarya Rai v/s Rest of Bollywood

It was during the shooting of Chalte Chalte, that Salman Khan got into the sets and accused Shahrukh Khan of getting “too friendly” with his girlfriend Aishwarya Rai. Aishwarya was replaced with Rani Mukherjee and then started a big rivarly in Bollywood … Salman and SRK. Since then, rumor has it that Aishwarya Rai and most of the Bollywood biggies never saw eye to eye.
Aamir Khan vowed never to work with Ash for personal issues. Hrithik Roshan ’s dad thought Ash was too old to work with Hrithik. Salman Khan was obviously not in the list of probable co-stars after their affair went into bad weather. Shahrukh Khan ’s last movie with Ash was Devdas and that was all for him. So Ash went ahead and did movies with not-such-a-star Abhishek, Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan .. etc etc. Oh .. we forgot Vivek Oberio. And this was definitely not working.
Aishwarya then moved to Hollywood .. did some desi roles for desi directors. And then Kajra re happened and then Abhishek Bachchan and 30 and Dhoom2 finally happened. Aishwarya had to get married and settle down. Amitabh-Abhishek and SRK’s relationship went wrong during Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Camps were formed. SRK-Preity-Rani-Karan in one and Amitabh-Abhishek in another.
And then the marriage happened and guess what.. Shahrukh Khan, Hrithik (Abhisheks childhood friend), Salman Khan, Saif, none of the leading females … no one .. no one was invited. The Khans met in a private party .. the old rivalries between Salman SRK was forgetten. And rumor has it that they decided to boycott Aishwarya and Abhishek. So now we will have Ash working with only Abhishek in the forthcoming movies. Akbar Jodha is almost done .. so discount that.

News for Aishwarya Rai

Johansson: 'Because I'm Worth It'5 January 2006 (WENN) Scarlett Johansson has signed a multi-million dollar deal to be the new spokesmodel for French beauty giant L'Oreal. The Lost in Translation star, 21, joined L'Oreal only weeks after her two-year contract with Calvin Klein fragrances ended. Johansson will be seen experimenting with different hair colours in the ads for L'Oreal's new line Hip High Intensity Pigments. Johansson enthuses, "It's wonderful to be working with L'Oreal, a company that has celebrated independent women for years. I'm very excited to be part of this campaign, which is modern and fashion forward." Johansson joins Beyonce Knowles, Natalie Imbruglia, Eva Longoria, Aishwarya Rai, Claudia Schiffer, Andie MacDowell and Milla Jovovich at L'Oreal.
Supporters and Opponents of Indian Actor Clash at Theater21 July 2005 (StudioBriefing) Supporters and opponents of Indian actor Salman Khan squared off against one another at a theater in Patna following publication and broadcast of alleged conversations between Khan and actress Aishwarya Rai in which he boasted of underworld connections and threatened her. The Indo-Asian News Service reported Wednesday that when a group attempted to shut down a screening at the Regent Theater of Khan's latest movie, Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, they were greeted by another group of fans, one of whom shouted, "Let anyone try and touch Salmanbhai's picture. Rivers of blood will flow if someone touches the film." Theater owner Suman Sinha told the wire service, "I don't know where the boys showed up from. Within minutes they cordoned off the lobby of the theatre, shouting pro-Salman slogans. ... It was a strange and bizarre phenomenon. In my 25 years of experience in this business I have never seen this happening before." Meanwhile published reports in India said Wednesday that the movie was pulled from a theater in Kerala on Monday following protests by "saffron activists." (There was no explanation of the term.) It was the third Indian theater to pull it since the controversial conversations between Khan and Rai were disclosed last week. Khan has said that the tapes were doctored. However, police officials said today (Thursday) that Khan's phone had been tapped and that it had sent tapes of the Khan-Rai conversation to a lab for analysis.
Actor Caught on Tape Boasting of Ties to Indian Mafia20 July 2005 (StudioBriefing) Prosecutors in Mumbai (Bombay), India are expected to step up their investigation of the alleged inroads organized crime has made into the Bollywood film industry after newspapers and television reported on telephone conversations in which Salman Khan, a leading Bollywood actor, boasted of his ties to the underworld and threatened actress Aishwariya Rai, his former girlfriend. "The underworld keeps tabs on you," he is heard to remark at one point on the tape. Khan has claimed that the tape of the conversations was doctored. Rai has not commented on them. Reporting on the scandal, the London Financial Times commented that it was unlikely that the tapes would disrupt the film business in Mumbai. Pooja Shetty, a director of Adlabs Films, told the newspaper: "In the past investors have asked us about the industry's flirtation with the underworld but at the end of the day the only response is to show them your balance sheet."
Indian Director Turning Austen Story Into a Bollywood Musical3 November 2003 (StudioBriefing) Indian director Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham) has told the French news agency Agence France Presse that she aims to popularize Indian films throughout the world with a Bollywood version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. "The characters in the film are all the same," she told AFP. "It is just set in an Indian environment. I have just given Indian names to the artists who have acted in the film rather than the names that are written in the novel. ... The only liberty that I have taken in the film is to include Bollywood songs." The film stars former Miss World and top Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai in her first English-language role.
Ryan, Soderbergh Among Cannes Jurors17 April 2003 (StudioBriefing) Director Steven Soderbergh, whose sex, lies and videotape won the Cannes Film Festival's coveted Palme d'Or award in 1989, and Meg Ryan are among the nine jurors who will select this year's winners, organizers announced Wednesday. The jury will be headed by Patrice Chéreau, whose film La Reine Margot (Queen Margot) won the Jury Prize at Cannes in 1994. Others included in the panel are Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, French actors Jean Rochefort and Karin Viard, Italian writer Erri De Luca, Bosnian director Danis Tanovic, and Chinese director Jiang Wen. Cannes president Gilles Jacob is scheduled to announce the titles of this year's competing films next Wednesday. The festival will run May 14-25.
Ryan and Soderbergh To Judge at Cannes17 April 2003 (WENN) Actress Meg Ryan and director Steven Soderbergh are joining the panel of judges at the Cannes Film Festival next month. They join veteran French actor Jean Rochefort, actress Karin Viard and Italian writer Erri De Luca on the nine-strong panel, headed by Gallic director Patrice Chereau. Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai joins the panel as the first Indian actress on the Cannes jury. The prestigious Palme D'Or award will be announced at the festival's closing ceremony on May 25. Among films being premiered at this year's event is The Matrix Reloaded and Penelope Cruz's new French-language movie Fanfan La Tulipe. The second film in the Matrix thriller trilogy will be shown out-of-competition on May 15.
Chaplin Silent Film to Close Cannes9 April 2003 (StudioBriefing) A newly restored version of Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times -- his last silent movie, even though it was made in 1936 -- has been selected to close the Cannes Film Festival on May 25, festival officials announced Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Times of India reported today (Wednesday) that Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai has accepted an offer to sit on this year's Cannes jury. There has been widespread speculation recently that she has been offered a starring role in the next James Bond film.
'Pride and Prejudice' to Become Bollywood Extravaganza19 December 2002 (StudioBriefing) One of Bollywood's most in-demand stars, Aishwarya Rai, Miss World of 1994, has agreed to play the heroine of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice in a Bollywood adaptation of the novel, the Times of India reported today (Thursday). According to the newspaper, the film will be directed by Gurinder Chadha, who helmed the British box-office hit Bend It Like Beckham earlier this year. Chadha said that she plans to shoot the film in Britain, the U.S. and India and expressed delight that Rai had agreed to star. "You know how it is with Bollywood stars," Chadha told the Times."It is so difficult to get dates for them because they are working on so many films at the same time."
India To Produce Imax Film About The Taj Mahal3 April 2001 (StudioBriefing) A group of Indian Internet tycoons based in Silicon Valley have agreed to put up $10 million to finance an Imax feature film based on the building of the Taj Mahal that will star former Miss World, Aishwarya Rai, the Times of India reported today (Tuesday). Director Ganapathy Bharat told the newspaper that the film will be the biggest movie production in India since Richard Attenborough's 1982 Oscar winner Gandhi. He said that he expected the film to be released in July of next year.
Tax Authorities Raid Indian Movie Stars28 September 2000 (WENN) Indian tax officials have raided the residences and business premises of top Bollywood movie stars and their associates for the second day running yesterday. The raids in Bombay and elsewhere began on Tuesday morning and targeted, among others, stars Aishwarya Rai, Urmila Matondkar and Rani Mukherjee. P.K. Sarma, director general of investigation at the tax office in Bombay - India's film capital, says, "The raids are continuing. A team of 150 income tax officers is conducting the raids." Officials say 15 bank lockers have been sealed by the raiding teams and a large amount of cash and several documents relating to investments overseas were seized. Movie stars in India are rivalled only by cricketers in the celebrity stakes.
Richard Gere Honored By Bollywood1 June 2000 (WENN) Actor Richard Gere has been honoured by India's Bollywood film industry for his work in promoting Tibetan freedom from Chinese rule. The Pretty Woman (1990) star was greeted by thousands of representatives from the Indian film industry when they presented him with their MAN OF CONSCIENCE Award in New York on Saturday. Gere says, "I see my life very much entwined with India. My conscious awareness began in India and this is something I can never forget. The only way I was able to meet the Dalai Lama was through the kindness of the Indian people. " Other stars honored at the ZEE GOLD BOLLYWOOD AWARDS include Anil Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai.

ash biodata

Name: Aishwarya Rai
Height: 5' 7"
Sex: F
Nationality: Indian
Birth Date: November 1, 1973
Birth Place: Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Profession: actress
Education: Arya Vidar Mandir in Santa Cruz, Bombay, India DG Ruparel College, Matunga, Bombay, India Raheja College Architecture in Bandra, Bombay, India
Relationship: Salman Khan (actor; born on December 27, 1965)
Father: Krishnaraj Rai (ex-merchant navy officer)
Mother: Vrinda Rai (writer)
Brother: Aditya Rai (producer; born in 1970)
Claim to fame: Miss World 1994

· Is set to star with actor Steve Martin in THE PINK PANTHER sequel.(August 9, 2007)
· Will marry Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan on April 20, 2007.
· The priests at the Brahma temple at the Hindu holy town of Pushka held cleansing rites at the temple premises after Aishwarya's visit - they alleged that during her visit to the shrine, one of the actress' bodyguards was drunk. (December 31, 2006)
· Said she never had kissing scenes on screen. (January 3, 2005)
· Nickname: Ash, Aishu, Gullu
· Wanted to study medicine, but circumstances prevented her.
· Miss World 1994
· Was offered Rani Mukherjee's role in KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI.
· Runner up, Miss India 1994
· Ambassador for Longines watches since 1999
· Suffered an accident on the set of KHAKEE (2003) when a car driven by a stuntman got out of control, hit her, took her down a crevice and slammed her into a cactus plant. She broke a bone in one foot and suffered severe cuts. She was rushed to a hospital. The incident rekindled the discussion about poor safety standards on Hollywood film sets. (April 2003)
· The first Indian actress to be on the jury of the Cannes International Film Festival
· Eye Color: blue green
· Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Kannada
· Favorite hero-heroine: Raj Kapoor, Nargis.

Aishwarya Rai joins Pink Panther sequel

The most beautiful woman in the world, Aishwarya Rai, joined The Pink Panther sequel this week with Andy Garcia, John Cleese, Alfred Molina, and, of course, Steve Martin. Jean Reno and Emily Mortimer have also re-signed to reprise their roles from the original. The sequel was announced way back in March of last year but has been moving forward slowly, finally getting a cast together and picking a release date of February 13th, 2009. Director Shawn Levy has left The Pink Panther franchise and Harold Zwart (Agent Cody Banks 2) will take over, working from a script by Scott Neustadter, Mike Weber, Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, and Steve Martin. Yes, we're surprised it took five people to write The Pink Panther 2 as well. Variety reports the casting news and that Robert Simonds will produce and Ira Shuman will executive produce The Pink Panther 2.
In the film, John Cleese will play chief inspector Dreyfus, the classic character from The Pink Panther movies of old. Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina, and Aishwarya Rai will play detectives and experts who have to join forces with Inspector Clouseau to catch a thief who has been stealing artifacts around the world. The first Pink Panther with Steve Martin made $140 million worldwide on a small budget.
Andy Garcia was recently seen in Smokin' Aces and Ocean's Thirteen and is currently shooting South of the Border with Salma Hayek and The Last Full Measure with Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman. John Cleese appeared earlier this year in Shrek the Third and has finished voice work on Igor with John Cusack and Steve Buscemi as well. Steve Martin hasn't shot a movie since the last The Pink Panther. Alfred Molina can be caught on The Company on TNT right now and has finished voice work on The Ten Commandments and finished shooting Silk with Keira Knightley and The Little Traitor. Finally, Aishwarya Rai is one of the most popular actresses in the world but has slowly eased her way into American cinema, appearing in Provoked earlier this year and the yet-to-be-released The Last Legion while she continues to work regularly in Bollywood. Aishwarya Rai is shooting Singularity with Brendan Fraser, according to IMDB.

Aishwarya Rai Biography

Her looks and talent made her a sure shot winner in the beauty pageants but faring equally well in films was a point to be debated. Would Aishwarya be able to deliver emotions, dialogues and dance with the same élan?Ash's first film, 'Iruvar' (in Tamil) laid an expensive egg in the south. Ditto for Aur Pyar Ho Gaya and Jeans. But eventually, the girl with a million-dollar face combined with a strong personality and intelligence conquered Bollywood. The debate concluded and went in Ash's favor. Almost all the happening directors and producers of Bollywood started booking her dates for their projects. The success of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Taal proved that she possessed and could deliver all that it takes to top the charts in Bollywood.That has given an international edge to Ash's star status, something she enjoyed even with the Miss World title.All this has done the inevitable to Ash's career graph. She has the major producers and directors chasing her for dates. Leading men in the industry send feelers to producers to cast them opposite her.

Aishwarya Rai FilmographyGuru ( Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Mithun Chakraborty, Madhavan, Vidya Balan, Mallika Sherawat)Umrao Jaan ( Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Sunil Shetty, Puru Raj Kumar)Dhoom 2 ( Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Bipasha Basu, Rimi Sen)Provoked ( Aishwarya Rai, Naveen Andrews, Nandita Das)Mistress Of Spices ( Aishwarya Rai, Ayesha Dharker, Dylan McDermott)Mohabbatein ( Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Uday Chopra, Jugal Hansraj, Jimmy Shergill, Shamita Shetty, Kim Sharma, Preeti Jhangiani, Aishwarya Rai)Shabd ( Aishwarya Rai, Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan)Khakee ( Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar, Tusshar Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai)Raincoat ( Aishwarya Rai, Ajay Devgan)Kyon, Ho Gaya Na ( Aishwarya Rai, Vivek Oberoi, Amitabh Bachchan)Bride and Prejudice ( Aishwarya Rai, Martin Hendersen, Namrata Shirodkar, Meghna Kothari, Peeya Rai Choudhary, Naveen Andrews, Anupam Kher)Chokher Bali ( Aishwarya Rai, Raima Sen)Kuch Naa Kaho ( Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai)Dil Ka Rishta ( Aishwarya Rai, Arjun Rampal, Priyanshu Chatterjee)Devdaas ( Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit)Hum Kisise Kum Nahin ( Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgan, Aishwarya Rai)Albela ( Govinda, Aishwarya Rai, Jackie Shroff)Dhai Akshar Prem Ke ( Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai)Taal ( Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor)Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai ( Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Sonali Bendre)Josh ( Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Priya Gill, Chandrachur Singh, Sharad Kapoor)Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam ( Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Ajay Devgan)

Ash signs Hollywood film

Aishwarya Rai has signed a Hollywood murder mystery Windfall based on the 1984 Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal, reports Mid Day. The film was announced during the 20th anniversary commemoration in Bhopal and will be shot after April 2005 with approximately two-thirds being filmed in North America and one-third in India. Zachary Coffin, CEO of Zachary Coffin Productions will produce the film while Aishwarya Rai will be the executive producer. Windfall is about a young woman's search for her father, a plant manager on duty on the night of the disaster. Ash plays the lead role of Jasmine Singh, an Indian-American debutante born in Bhopal but raised in Beverly Hills. No other cast members have been finalised yet.