Aishwarya could be the new 'Rani Laxmibai'

February 11th, 2009

Mumbai: As soon as Sushmita Sen's directorial debut project on Rani Laxmibai was shelved, director Ketan Mehta decided to revive his own project on Rani Laxmibai.

Ketan Mehta has taken the decision to revive Rani Laxmibai after hearing that Sushi Sen's film based on the same subject has been shelved. Aishwarya Rai might play the title role in Ketan's film.

Sushmita Sen's loss is Ketan Mehta's gain. After Sushmita's directorial debut based on Rani Laxmibai was shelved, Ketan Mehta wasted no time in grabbing the opportunity to revive his magnum opus based on the same subject. Incidentally, Ketan had aborted his project after he got to know that Sushmita was making a film on similar lines.

But now, with Sushmita shelving her project, Ketan is more than happy to revive his project. A source said, "When Ketan learnt that Sushmita is no longer making Rani Laxmibai, he immediately got back into action to revive his erstwhile abandoned project. He is now working on the film and is also in talks with Aishwarya Rai to play the title role."

Aishwarya Rai Refuses to Accept French Honour

February 10th, 2009

For Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan the family always comes first. She never tires of proving this in all her actions and gestures. Whether it’s rushing home from any part of the world to see her ailing father every time her tight schedule permitted or to paying a flash-visit from Kochi’s location for Mani Ratnam’s film to check on her mother-in-law when she was down with a persistent flu, Aishwarya’s commitment to the family is unerring passionate and immovable.

It therefore comes as no big surprise to know Aishwarya refused to accept the French government second- highest civilian honor ‘Officer Dan Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres’(officer of the order of arts and letters) conferred so far on Hollywood actors like Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, until her father recovered from his serious illness.

Says Aishwarya, “It’s true. I wanted my entire family, and that now means my parents brother, sister-in-law, my husband and his parents and sister and brother-in-law, to attend the function. And as you know my father has been unwell for the past one year. So I requested the French government to defer the ceremony until he was well. I wanted my father to be there for me at this important moment.”

The French honour has so far been given only to one Indian actor.

“That’s right,” confirms Aishwarya. “Shah Rukh Khan received it last year. And now me. There’s only one higher French civilan honour the Legion d’honour which Pa(father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan), Mr Satyajit Ray and Pandit Ravi Shankar have received. So receiving it would be a glorious moment. But please, not without my father! There was no way I was going to go into it without my father’s presence.”

Now that her dad is well enough to attend the event Aishwarya has informed the authorities to go ahead with it.

The function could take place any time now. It might be held in India. Or it could happen in Paris when Aishwarya attends the world premiere of her latest international film Pink Panther 2.

“Yes that is a possibility, provided the entire family can make it together to Paris and my father can brave the long flight.It’s a long list of dos and don’ts. But worth it, don’t you think?”

Big B-Abhi-Aish together in Taalisman

February 10th, 2009

The makers of mega budget fantasy film, Taalisman have decided to set foot on a virgin location for Bollywood filmmakers. Vidhu Vinod Chopra Productions has planned a big shooting schedule of their Amitabh Bachchan starer in Bhutan.

Our source reveals, “The Big B starer will be shot in the jungles of our north east neighbouring country Bhutan. The ageing superstar plays a warrior in the film, the plot of which is based on the famous Hindi novel, Chandrakanta. The makers have chosen Bhutan as the geography there is quite different. They will be erecting a huge set in Bhutan as well as one in Mumbai. It is a big project and is still in the pre-production stage. There is a lot of research to be done. But since right now, Vidhu Vinod Chopra is busy with 3 Idiots the film will go on floors only around end of 2009. Recession is another factor that is delaying the film.”

“Apart from Amitabh Bachchan the mega cast of the film includes Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who plays a princess, Abhishek Bachchan in the role of a warrior prince and Sanjay Dutt in a negative character. Aishwarya’s look hasn’t been decided on yet but it will surely be very appealing as Chandrakanta is charismatic and physically strong. She will be required to do sword fighting.

Abhi enjoys B'day with family

February 7th, 2009

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan turned 33 on 5th February. Abhi joined Ash in New York where she was promoting her English film 'Pink Panther 2'. His parents Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya, who were recently in Davos and London, also joined the couple. At first the birthday boy parents were unsure about joining Abhi's birthday bash but later they managed to take part on their son's birthday celebrations. After the premiere of Pink Panther 2, they all had a gala time, all enjoyed Abhi’s birthday to the fullest.

The actor is having a hectic time for quite sometime now shooting for Mani Ratnam's Ravana in the deep jungle of Kochi with wife Ash. Abhishek is eagerly waiting for his forthcoming release Delhi 6 as the film is expected to turn around his career fully. Directed by Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra, Dehli 6 speaks about an incident in Delhi that transformed Abhishek's short trip to the longest journey of his life.

Veteran actors like Waheeda Rehman and Om Puri are also part of the film. Abhi paired with Saawariya gal Sonam Kapoor.

Pink Panther 2 Premiere

February 5th, 2009

Gorgeous actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attends the premiere of the ‘Pink Panther 2’ on February 3 at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City.

The man behind the success of Ash, Aamir, Shahrukh

February 4th, 2009

First it was Aamir Khan, then it was Shahrukh Khan and now it's Aishwarya Bachchan, who's bagged the Padma Shri Award.

And while the three stars have all won their respective awards in different years, there's one common connection that the trio share. That all the three actors have won a Padma Shri soon after working with ace filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker.

Aamir won the award post-Lagaan, Shahrukh post - Swades, and Ash post – Jodhaa Akbar, all three films that were directed by Ashutosh. Call it the magic of teamwork or sheer coincidence, but Ashutosh sure seems to have a Midas touch when it comes to bagging awards. Now, do we see the queue of actors trying to make it in Ashutosh's films doubling up?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Bags French Honor

February 4th, 2009

It seems that the awards are raining on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. After getting Padma Shree the green eyed Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has yet another award in her awards kitty. Aishwarya has recently been conferred by the French authorities to receive the prestigious French award, ‘Officer Dan Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres’ but unfortunately the actress has been unable to enjoy the awards due to her father’s (Krishna Raj Rai) bad health.

Recently Aishwarya had declared that she will not be receiving the award until her father gets in good health. The second highest civilian award is a big thing but Ash says that ‘it will be a glorious moment but not without my father’ and now since her father is well she has informed the French government to prepare for the ceremony.
Before Ash, the only person in Bollywood to receive this award is Shahrukh Khan and now it’s the lady’s turn to enjoy it.
Congrats Ash!!!

Aishwarya said 'Yes' to Vishal Bharadwaj

January 30th, 2009

After extracting a fabulous performance out of Tabu in Maqbool, Kareena Kapoor in Omkara and hopefully, Priyanka Chopra in Kaminay, Vishal Bharadwaj is all set to team up with the one actress he has always wanted to work with - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The project will go into production at the end of the year.

Aishwarya said, “Vishal and I have wanted to work together ever since he was the music composer on a project that got shelved. We had promised one another that I would star in his film whenever he turned director.”

Vishal had offered Aishwarya, a film called Timbuctoo, right after his directorial debut in the children’s film Makdee (2002), but that got shelved. So the wait just got longer.

The actress recollected, “I was very impressed by Vishal’s work. But he insisted that we would work together only when he found absolutely the right project. That has finally happened. Vishal has bounced the script off me. And we both feel this is the right project for us to come together.”

Interestingly, 2009 is a flurry of activity for Aishwarya, what with her giving the nod to new films with Vishal Bharadwaj, Rituparno Ghosh, Abhinay Deo and Vipul Shah.

For Vipul Shah’s film, Aishwarya and Akshay Kumar come together again. Talking about the film, Aishwarya said, “It’s something that Vipul, Akshay and I haven’t done before. The last time Akshay and I came together in Khakee, we played almost antagonists. This time we will hopefully play a more compatible couple.”

Aishwarya Rai among AskMen’s Top 99 Women of 2009

January 27th, 2009

The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai has made it to the AskMen list of the ‘Top 99 Most Desirable Women in the World‘. The former Miss World was placed at number 60 in the annual AskMen.com poll.

WHY SHE’S NO.60? Here is what AskMen said,

The seductive power of Aishwarya Rai’s beauty is so strong that when she flutters those lashes over her famous blue-green eyes, she kicks up tornadoes the world over. Yet, as a key member of the Bollywood elite, she is virtually required to maintain a wholesome public image; she carries herself around with the modesty and poise of a well-behaved schoolgirl (hot!).

Aishwarya Rai starred in just two Bollywood films in 2008 (far below the industry norm), Sarkar Raj and Jodhaa Akbar. She also received nominations for her role in a 2007 film, Guru; she was nominated for the Best Actress award from the Awards of the International Indian Film Academy, and for the same title from the Screen Weekly Awards. We can look forward to seeing Aishwarya Rai in at least three films in 2009, including Hollywood’s The Pink Panther 2.

More than 10 million votes were cast, and the results are in — a list that includes many of the names you’d expect, such as Kate Winslet, Mila Kunis, and Jessica Alba, while leaving room for plenty of surprises.

Here is the Top Desirable Women in the list

1. Eva Mendes
2. Megan Fox
3. Marisa Miller

AISHWARYA RAI IS VERY VERY JEALOUS OF KATRINA KAIF

January 22nd, 2009

Aishwarya says Katrina bought the FHM award

A few days ago we reported that Abhishek Bachchan was not happy about Harman Baweja getting signed by ace director Ashutosh Gowarikar… the jealousy of this was seen on Aby’s Baby’s face at the IIFA fashion show where Harman walked the ramp. Now, we hear that Abhishek’s wife Aishwarya has joined him on the ladder of jealousy…

Aishwarya is amazed as to how fellow actress Katrina Kaif has been declared the sexiest Asian woman by FHM. Apparently Ash has been joking that Kat must’ve paid a handsome amount to get on the cover. Ash has been saying she’s been here long enough to know how undeserving actresses end up on the covers of international magazines and Katrina definitely isn’t in the league to make it there!

WHAT? Long enough to know how to BE FAKE, CRY CROCODILE TEARS, BE INCESTUOUS.Well we say KATRINA KAIF WIN ALL ODDS WITH THIS FIGHT.Oh wait, it's not even a fight, it's just you AISH.

Ash, Abhi too busy for 2009

January 19th, 2009

If you are thinking to cast Ash or Abhi in your next flick then do not waste any more time in shaping your thoughts but take prompt action as the duo's calendar is occupied by other producers. The year is going to be quite hectic for both Ash and Abhi. They have signed films in couple as well as in individual. If Abhishek has signed few films in single, Ash also has number of new assignments in her kitty.

The list goes as Ash and Abhi is going to star in Mani Ratnam's path-breaking film Ravan. Next Ash has another big budget film of Sanjay Leela Bhansali with Hrithik opposite her. Bhansali desires to flaunt their chemistry threesome than Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar. Then coming up is Abhinay Deo's thriller teaming Ash-Abh to be produced by Excel Entertainment. According to Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment, "It will be a thriller film and the entire shooting of the movie will be in Thailand, Greece, London and Istanbul. Abhinay Deo and I want a particular look for the film. We want something different in the film’s visual quality that people have never seen before."

For the first time Aishwarya will share screen space with Akshay Kumar who will play the lead role in the film. Both Akshay Kumar and Vipul Shah will co-produce the movie.

Ash gets ready for new film with hubby

January 17th, 2009

Aishwarya Rai is one of the busiest actresses in Bollywood today. She has nearly half a dozen films in production and one of them happens to be director Shankar’s magnum opus Robo with Rajnikanth in the lead.

Aishwarya’s other films include Ravan to be directed by Mani Rathnam, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film with Hrithik Roshan in the lead and Vipul Shah’s new film starring Akshay Kumar in the lead role.

Aishwarya Rai has now been roped in by Excel Entertainments for their new film. Abhishek Bachchan will be the hero. The film will be a stylish thriller and it will shot entirely overseas in places like Greece, Istanbul, London and Thailand.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turns towards politics?

January 9th, 2009

The buzz is that chances are Aishwarya Rai Bacchan would turn towards politics. Apparently efforts are on to persuade the ethereally beautiful actress to enter politics.

If all goes well, she could contest in the forthcoming parliamentary elections that are due in a couple of months.

Now we all know that Bachchan’s have a strong connection with the Samajwadi Party and that Amar Singh is a close family friend.

Ash’s mum-in-law Jaya Bachchan is currently a member of the Parliament on the Samajwadi ticket. The party is trying to rope in other B-town candidates and field them against top politicians.

Sanjay Dutt could contest against the former Prime Minister Vajpayee from the Lucknow constituency.

Action shifts from Kerala to MP for Ravana

January 9th, 2009

Mani Ratnam’s Ravana shoot has now shifted from the jungles of Kerala to interiors of Madhya Pradesh. Abhishek Bachchan along with Aishwarya Rai is presently in Jhansi for this final schedule of the Mani Ratnam film.

Sources reveal, “The film was planned to be shot in three main locations, the interiors of Kerala, Chennai and in some virgin locations in interiors of Madhya Pradesh. Each location was selected after having done a thorough research about it as it was necessary for the script. The Madhya Pradesh locations were kept undisclosed even for some members involved in the making of the film.

Though presently stationed at Jhansi, Abhishek will be heading towards the Betwa river for shooting some action scenes and later Aishwarya will join him for shoot to be taken place in and around Orcha area. This entire schedule will last around 20 days following which all the shooting portions for the film shall get over and post-production will begin. The film has already been delayed due to the illness of Amitabh Bachchan and his subsequent hospitalization in October. Mani is hoping for a summer release of the film in three languages – Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.”

Bachchans team-up for ‘Pink Panther’ premiere

January 9th, 2009

The buzz is that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and hubby Abhishek Bachchan will walk the red carpet along with Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan for the premiere of her international film ‘Pink Panther’ in New York on February 4.

A source confirms, “Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya have had busy schedules. ‘Pink Panther’s première is an occasion for the senior Bachchans to be with Aishwarya in happier times and to show their love and support as parents. Due to Aishwarya’s ‘Pink Panther’ shooting schedule at Boston and Abhishek’s Dostana schedule, the family was unable to spend quality time together. Now the Bachchans are eagerly looking forward to the trip as their family will be together in New York.”

Well, the lucky Bachchans have another chance to display their family unity. Very interesting, indeed!

Endhiran Shooting Stills Leaked From Vellore

January 6th, 2009

Endhiran – The Robot, starring Rajnikantha and Aishwarya Rai shooting took place ( last week ) at Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore (120 Km from Chennai).

Production unit kept the shooting off limits for the public and photos, but as like Endhiran in Peru and one from Goa, Vellore still were leaked. Check out the leaked stills from Vellore.

The fans climbed the frenzy to catch a glimpse of Rajnikantha and Aishwarya Rai. Endhiran is being directed by Shankar and produced by Sun Pictures.

Abhi Ash’s wild adventure during Ravana shoot

January 5th, 2009

Abhishek and Aishwarya are currently shooting in the jungles of Kerela for Mani Ratnam’s Ravana. But if that makes you think that the lovey-dovey couple is having an adventurous time, you might be wrong. Shooting in the jungle is becoming tough for the couple. It is believed that they are having tough time on the sets of Ravana.

According to a unit hand, Ash was bitten by a leech on the very first day of her shoot. The jungle is full of leeches, snakes and other wild animals. However, director Mani Ratnam has hired local snake catchers to deal with this problem.

But being so professional both Abhishek and Aishwarya have decided to concentrate on their work no matter what they have to go through. Though Mani Ratnam has kept his project Ravana under wraps and has given instructions to his actors to not discuss about the film, their characters and their looks; we are sure Abhishek and Aishwarya will have more adventure tales to tell us once their shoot for Ravana is complete.

Hrithik-Ash in Bhansali's English Film

Mumbai, Jan 1: Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming project will surely be a treat for the international markets, literally. The film is being made in English and stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Sanjay Bhansali, even after the flop of his last flick ‘Saawariya', is in his high spirits with his film-in-the-making. Bhansali said, ‘I am directing another film with hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. I am very excited about this project and so is my team.'

It is worth mentioning that Hrithik-Aishwarya made it to the list of World's Sexiest Celebs last year.

When asked about making his film in English, Bhansali said, ‘I know it is important to make films for our market but it's the time when our cinema should reach the remotest corner of the world. Languange is hardly any barrier today and it is not the first time that I am making a film in English. ‘Black' was in English too.'

The director has done amazingly well with Aishwarya in his last two films ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and ‘Devdas'. Let's see, whether the team will be able to make a hattrick!

Aishwarya wants to be Pregnant soon

December 29th, 2008

Aishwarya Bachan:The miss world and the Indian beauty who has married and now called as Aishwarya bachan wants a baby soon. They are rumours that she is already pregnant,but some say that the couple Abhi and Ash are planning to have a baby by next year December .
This can be predicted more strongly as the couple visisted the “Ameen Sahib Peer Dargah which is in cuddapah district, of Andhra Pradesh two days ago and this Dargah is famous for fulfilling the devotees wishes. This can be more cemented as Ash Mother in law is very keen that the baby be born before December 2008 as the planetary position is very auspicious for the baby to be born and the baby will prosper in health and wealth and also his career if he is born in the month of December.
A Astrologer when consulted said that “ the planet Jupiter will go into “dhanur Rasi and will stay there for 1 year till December ending . And if the child is born in this period the child will have a very strong Jupiter planetary boon like Jaya bhachan who has the same in her Janam Kundali.

The visit to the dargah also was for the purpose to obtain the blessing s of the peer sahib and this was suggested to the couple by music maestro AR . Rahman. Ahmad Shisti Khadri was the Kasim who performed all the rituals and offered the chader to the god which was brought by the couple. The khasim when contacted said that he had received a call from the couple long time back who asked him about the necessary rituals to be performed to please the god as there was some Kuja Dosham in conceiving a child by the couple .

It was Abhishiek who performed the rituals and Aish was not allowed inside as ladies are not allowed inside the Dargah and so she offered her prayers from outside.

Even Teji bachan {Amitabh’s mother } ill health is a prime concern for the family as Amitabh was planning a grand ceremony in the occasion of his father’s 100th death anniversary . But due to her health the ceremony, which was supposed to be held on 27 November, will be cancelled So let us wish the couple Ash & Abhi that may all their prayers be answered by god and soon they will be blessed with a sweet child .

Aishwarya Rai in Pink Panther 2

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is definitely one of the most popular actresses in the world and will soon be seen in the sequel of Pink Panther, which is stated to be released on February 13th, 2009. Pink Panther 2 is a comedy movie and took 5 people to write the story.

Ash plays the role of one of the detectives named Sonia along with Alfred Molina and Andy Garcia. They will join French police detective Jacques Clouseau, played by Steve Martin, to catch the thief who has been stealing artifacts from all around the world. Reno and Emily Mortimer will also be seen in this movie playing their original roles. the trailers of Pink Panther 2 are out, the Indian media has pounced on it to study the length of Aishwarya Rai’s presence in the movie. Two frames, no two and a half, blink and you miss it, is she just a side kick? And so on.

But, honestly, why would anyone expect Aishwarya Rai to get lots of footage in the trailer? Pink Panther 2 is all about Steve Martin as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau. And so is the trailer. None of the other characters in the movie are in your face, in any way whatsoever. So why should Aishwarya Rai be treated differently?

If you take a look at the Pink Panther 2 official website, the Cast & Filmmakers page has Aishwarya Rai’s picture and details among those of the nine principal characters.

The website also has five games based on five characters, Clouseau (Steve Martin), Vincenzo (Andy Garcia), Sonia (Aishwarya Rai), Pepperidge (Alfred Molina), and Kenji (Yuki Matsuzaki).

But one cannot expect balance and maturity from the Indian media. It is a past master at knee-jerk reactions and drawing pat conclusions.

An actress adopts a child, it’s a trend. Papers and news channels will run story after story on how single women today are adopting furiously before their biological clocks wind down.

A manic depressive actress kills herself. Be ready to brave stories and chats with pop psychologists about how actresses in the show business are prone to offing themselves and why.

India wins a Gold at the Olympics, and suddenly it is a major player on the World’s sports scene.