Aiswarya Rai Picture | Aiswarya Rai Wallpaper | Aishwarya Rai Hot

Marriage is recommended to all: Aiswarya Rai

2007-12-05T23:42:00.000-08:00

"I am a happy girl, can't you make out?" beamed hot Aiswarya Rai.

"Marriage is a beautiful chapter in life. It is so blissful and wonderful...in fact difficult to articulate. I strongly recommend it to everyone. Each one of us must experience it," she told IANS Wednesday.

"Everybody was teasing me when I came here to celebrate 'karva chauth' (a Hindu ritual). But I said I have to experience it," Ash added.

The actress, who won the Miss World Aiswarya rai pageant in 1994 and started her stint in the Hindi film industry with "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya," was in the capital to unveil the bridal collection of watch brand Longines.

She got married to Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan on Feb 20, 2007.

Commenting on the response of people after her marriage she said: "Wherever we have travelled, people have showered us with their blessing. I am bowled over by their response and very strongly feel that we are a part of an extended family."

However, Aiswarya rai said she hasn't spent much time with her family.

"Our honeymoon was our first holiday and after that we were straight back to work. I wish I could have taken more time off. I would love to spend every minute of the day with Abhishek Bachchan."

Being a workingwoman the actress agrees that marriage brings a lot of responsibilities and one has to juggle up too many things.

"I am enjoying every aspect of being married. But frankly telling being a workingwoman it is more hectic now. There is a constant race against time. I could never imagine that my hours and days would be so full."

"Although I have found the key to it - time management. It is imperative for every working individual to discover the ability of time management. You have to take time out for your maternal family, in-laws and for your own (husband-wife) relationship at the same time."

After her lead roles in hits like "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam," "Devdas," "Dhoom 2" and "Guru", she is now all set to woo audiences in "Sarkar Raj," "Pink Panther 2" and "Jodhaa Akbar".

Aiswarya Rai fasts for her first Karva Chauth

2007-10-30T07:40:00.001-07:00

Whatever the Bachchans do is ‘news’ and Aiswarya Rai's first “Karva Chauth” fast is no exception. Aiswarya Rai’s absence from hubby Abhishek’s side at an auction event the night before “Karva Chauth” just added to the rumours that Ash was getting ready to fast for Abhishek’s long life but seems like Abhishek Bachchan wasn’t in the mood to reveal it to the media.

Abhishek says, “I’ve not got a chance to be at home and I’m just happy to be with Aiswarya Rai. Well we’ve all heard that Amitabh Bachchan is reported to fast with wife Jaya Bachchan for “Karva Chauth”. So will son Abhishek follow suit like he always does and fast with wife Aishwarya??

Abhishek Bachchan quipped that he would ask his father if he would be fasting and then let the media know.

Well, Aiswarya Raiis not the only one who’s keeping a “Karva chauth” and is in news. Actor Sanjay Dutt might be currently lodged in Pune’s Yervada jail but lady love Manyata will be observing her second “Karva Chauth” fast. Unlike last time Sanjay Dutt will not be able to cook for her. However will manyata visit Sanjay Datt in jail to break her fast? It looks like Bollywood is teeming with rather devoted wives.

Aiswarya Rai Reluctant to do a non-Abhishek love story

2007-10-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

It's an open secret that John Abraham is very keen to be cast opposite Aiswarya Rai. He believes they'd make a very handsome screen pair. And when their first celluloid coupling in Sriram Raghavan's Happy Birthday fell apart, John was bitterly disappointed to lose out on an eminently viable co-star.

Things worked out pretty smoothly after the Happy Birthday fiasco. Director Sriram who has just released Johnny Gaddaar was quickly convinced by John to launch another project with Aiswarya Rai. This is an intense love story, which will be produced by Abhishek's childhood buddy Rohan Sippy.

However, Aiswarya Rai currently shooting for Pink Panther 2 has serious second thoughts.

Says a source, "Aiswarya Rai opted out of Karan Johar's film because she didn't want to play a woman who has a multiplicity of men in her life. Now in Sriram's film Aiswarya Rai'd rather not do an intense romance with John. After marriage Aiswarya Rai's personal and professional priorities have changed completely. Aiswarya Rai was always conscious of her image. Now she'll do nothing that would even remotely compromise her position as the Bachchan bahu."

Producer Rohan Sippy remains convinced Aiswarya Rai is the right choice for Sriram's film. He flies to the US this week and then to Boston for an emergency meeting with Aiswarya Rai, hoping to convince her.

Aiswarya Rai News - Bipasha Basu may star in Kingsley's film on Taj

2007-10-11T21:35:00.001-07:00

In all probability, Bipasha Basu's first international project will be a Mughal historical featuring Ben Kingsley and Aiswarya Rai. And she will play Shah Jahan's devoted daughter Jahanara Beghum.

'Yes, there's another role in the film,' Bipasha basu reveals. 'And Ben Kingsley has asked me to do it. We've already spoken about it. And now we just need to work out the dates.'

While Aiswarya Rai and Kingsley will play Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan in the film on the building of the Taj Mahal, Bipasha says, 'There's a very special character which Ben has asked me to play.'

The idea of Bipasha Basu being part of Sir Ben's production was discussed when they met at the 7Wonders event in Lisbon.

'We hit it off like a house on fire. Ben's so much fun. And when he offered me this role I was fascinated.'

Back home, Bipasha Basu is amused by rumours of differences with fellow-Bengali Soha Ali Khan.

'Now where did that come from? I don't even know Soha well enough to be snubbed by her. What are we supposed to be fighting about? And, please, nobody snubs me. I've met her a couple of times outside Mumbai. But we've never met in Mumbai. I really don't know where these stories come from. And I think it's silly to even react to them.'

On the work front, Bipasha has just completed Abbas-Mustan's 'Race' with Saif Ali Khan and is looking forward to 'Goal' with John Abraham.

''Race' has shaped up so well in spite of the delay. I'm looking forward to its release. It's my first comedy. As time passes, I'm getting greedier by the day. I now want to do something exotic, like the project with Kingsley. I really want Rituparno Ghosh to start 'Draupadi' with me. I know I can play Draupadi convincingly.'

Bipasha Basu may star in Kingsley's film on Taj

2007-10-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

In all probability, Bipasha Basu's first international project will be a Mughal historical featuring Ben Kingsley and Aishwarya Rai. And she will play Shah Jahan's devoted daughter Jahanara Beghum.

'Yes, there's another role in the film,' Bipasha reveals. 'And Ben Kingsley has asked me to do it. We've already spoken about it. And now we just need to work out the dates.'

While Aiswarya Rai and Kingsley will play Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan in the film on the building of the Taj Mahal, Bipasha says, 'There's a very special character which Ben has asked me to play.'

The idea of Bipasha being part of Sir Ben's production was discussed when they met at the 7Wonders event in Lisbon.

'We hit it off like a house on fire. Ben's so much fun. And when he offered me this role I was fascinated.'

Back home, Bipasha is amused by rumours of differences with fellow-Bengali Soha Ali Khan.

'Now where did that come from? I don't even know Soha well enough to be snubbed by her. What are we supposed to be fighting about? And, please, nobody snubs me. I've met her a couple of times outside Mumbai. But we've never met in Mumbai. I really don't know where these stories come from. And I think it's silly to even react to them.'

On the work front, Bipasha has just completed Abbas-Mustan's 'Race' with Saif Ali Khan and is looking forward to 'Goal' with John Abraham.

''Race' has shaped up so well in spite of the delay. I'm looking forward to its release. It's my first comedy. As time passes, I'm getting greedier by the day. I now want to do something exotic, like the project with Kingsley. I really want Rituparno Ghosh to start 'Draupadi' with me. I know I can play Draupadi convincingly.'

Movie Review: Johnny Gaddaar (2007) - Aiswarya Rai

2007-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cast: Dharmendra, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Rimi Sen, Zakir Hussain, Vinay Pathak, Daya Shetty, Ashwini Kalsekar
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Producer: Jhamu Sugandh
Music Director: Vishal-Shekhar
Lyricist: Jaideep Sahni, Hardkaur, Nilesh Mishra

Not a typical whodunit in the literal sense of the word, Johnny Gaddaar is an interesting mix of greed, betrayal, corruption, love, desperation and murder.

After watching over a dozen thrillers sinking at the box office this year, it is hearty to see a suspense thriller like Johnny Gaddaar excel in true sense of cinematic pleasure. Director Sriram Raghavan has seen to it that Johnny Gaddaar stands on its feet with a crisp storyline perfected with the unpredictable twists and turns of the fictitious concept.

The best thing about of this thriller is that the suspense is opened right in the beginning. It is all for the viewers to know who the traitor is but the other gang members in the film are unaware of the cheat mind.

The movie basically revolves around a gang of five men, Sheshadri (Dharmendra) playing the eldest and Vikram (Neil) playing the youngest. They face a bright prospect of making a fortune through what seems to be a simple exchange of contraband for money on a train.

Vikram plans to escape with the entire fortune by double crossing with his partners. Vikram’s intention is to disappear with the entire money to an unknown city with his love Mini (Rimi Sen). The movie starts getting its real self when Vikram gets into murdering the members of gang, unintentionally though. The final shot which is fired leaves you gasping for breathe.

It is a sheer delight to watch the black shadows of crookedness and wicked mind playing a game.

Globetrotting Bachchans - Aiswarya Rai

2007-09-24T12:34:00.001-07:00

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.

City hopping

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.

Time off

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.

Aswarya Rai - Rani Mukerji War!!

2007-09-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

The cold war between Aishwarya Rai, the gorgeous beauty of bollywood and Rani Mukerji has further intensified after Ash remarked rudely about the powder and paint makeup of Rani on the sets of Yash Raj Films’ ‘ Laga Chunri Mein Daag’ in Switzerland. Rani Mukerji is so miffed with the Bachchan bahu that this cold war may lead to a break up in her relation with the Bachchans for ever.

As a source present on the sets of Yash Raj Films reveals, ‘ Rani Mukerji may be maintaining a dignified silence but she is extremely hurt. Firstly, Jayaji completely ignored her on the sets. Secondly, Ash was extremely rude to her during our Switzerland schedule. Rani is maintaining silence only because of Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan. She is very fond of them and does not want to hurt them.’

In fact, Aishwarya Rai and Rani Mukerji were very good friends during their early days in the industry and Rani would consult the Miss World on the matters of her looks and commercials. But it all changed for the worse when Rani Mukerji replaced Aishwarya Rai in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Chalte Chalte. Aishwarya Rai took this as a betrayal on the part of her bosom friend Rani, and cold war began.

But in reality, Aishwarya Rai was replaced by Shah Rukh Khan from his film as Salman Khan would come on the sets of the film and disturb shooting of King Khan, which the professional Khan found difficult to ignore or tolerate. He removed the root cause of Salman Khan coming on the sets by ousting Aishwarya from his movie, and taking Rani in her place. But Ash viewed this as the mean mechanism on the part of Rani Mukerji.

The war had further intensified between the two actresses when Rani was not invited to the wedding of Abhishek Bachchan due to perhaps Aishwarya Rai’s objections. Apparently, Aishwarya did not want anyone to come to wedding whose name had been linked in the past with Abhishek Bachchan,and Rani Mukerji- Abhishek Bachchan combination had already become popular after Mani Rathnam’s Yuva and Shaad Ali’s Bunty aur Babli.

Perhaps Aishwarya Rai is not so happy about Rani having a good rapport with Abhishek Bachchan even after marriage. It may be recalled that Abhishek Bachchan and Rani are working together in Laga Chunri Mein Daag and they are said to be having a sparkling chemistry between them during the shootings.

Abhishek Bachchan Wants Sequel to Drona And a Sports Flick

2007-08-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

After Hrithik, Shahrukh now its Abhishek Bachchan’s turn to play superhero and he will be doing so in Goldie Behl’s film Drona . The film is supposed to be an extremely big lavish budget film and Abhi plays the hero who has supernatural powers. Abhishek and his dad Amitabh have been taking a lot of personal interest not only in Abhi’s character but also in the creative aspect of the film. In fact even before the shooting for Drona is complete, Abhi is contemplating a series or second part to the film.

Apart from this like Aamir, SRK and even John, Abhi is also hunting for a sports related flick as it seems to be the flavour of the season. Abhishek has already shot a little portion of Drona and will complete a bulk of the shooting in the next three months. Abhi was not able to shoot much for the film due to his wedding with Ash for which he had taken time off from his films. But now the actor is all set to devote his time and energy to the film. He wants Drona to be bigger than Krrish and any other superhero films. The film will also have some brilliant special effects and for this the best Hollywood’s special effects man Charles Darby has been roped in. He has done the special effects for some big Hollywood films.

A source claims “Abhi has already made plans on making a series on Drona, just like Krrish.” Drona will also have a budget of around Rs.55 crores. Abhishek has also set his heart on doing a sports film as many of his contemporaries in the film industry have already done successful sports films.

Many sports films have also done reasonably well and have been accepted by the masses and hence he is on the look out for a film with a sports based theme. Abhi is also a die-hard soccer fan and has even caught several of the matches live. Earlier Abhi was supposed to do a film on racing titled Raaste along with John Abraham; however nothing is being said about the film currently. So it remains to be seen who will make a better superhero, Hrithik Roshan, Shahrukh or Abhishek Bachchan?

Only Aswarya rai was offered 'Pink Panther 2': Casting Director

2007-08-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Refuting rumours about other Bollywood actors being offered a role in 'Pink Panther 2', its casting director Ilene Starger said they only considered Aishwarya Rai.

'Most emphatically, we did not offer the role to anyone other than Aishwarya! Aishwarya was, when I first read the script, the actress I envisioned for the role,' Starger told IANS from Los Angeles in an e-mail interview. Aishwarya rai shot for a day with Steve Martin and Andy Garcia in Paris Aug 20 for the film by Harold Zwart.

'Her intelligence, grace, beauty and sophistication are just what the role requires. And, of course, she has a touch of mystery too. She fits in wonderfully with our fantastic ensemble cast, and all of us involved with the film are thrilled to work with her.' Rumours had it that Celina Jaitley was offered the role first but rejected it. Also, Hrithik Roshan was asked to play detective Clouseau's assistant Vincent in part two of the comedy, but he too turned it down.

However, Aishwarya's international manager Simone Sheffield dismisses the reports.
Sheffield said: 'Negotiations went on for a month to secure Aishwarya and her dates. The script is absolutely wonderful and the wardrobe is great. 'The film's costume designer Joe Aulisi has chosen some really hot items from Dolce and amp; Gabbana. If any one of the actresses mentioned had really been offered this A-level role in such a big-budget international film, they would have jumped to join it and not have passed on the opportunity as they state, believe me.

'What I love about Aishwarya is that she just calmly continues along the path she has chosen, does her work, lives her life and never has a bad word to say about anyone.' Sheffield also has a lot to say about the actresses' absence at the unveiling of her statue at Times Square and for the promotion of her latest international film 'The Last Legion'.

'I see this trend happening more and more in the media with events falsely confirming Aishwarya's attendance to boost sales and media attention. For one, Aishwarya was never confirmed to appear at the unveiling in New York City, nor did we confirm she was appearing on the late night talk show and a morning news programme during her brief visit to Los Angeles.

'She did, however, confirm she was appearing at India Splendor celebrating the 60th anniversary of India's Independence. When Aishwarya confirms an appearance, it is confirmed and she will without fail attend and always has. 'As for the promotions for 'The Last Legion', it is up to the producers and distributors of the film to make such arrangements and in this case numerous phone interviews with the international media took place over the past two months. There was nothing else requested of Aishwarya prior to the film's US release.'

Brad Pitt Dismisses Adoption Reports

2007-08-18T02:55:00.000-07:00

Actor Brad Pitt has denied reports he and girlfriend Angelina Jolie are planning to adopt a fourth child from Africa.

Earlier this week, a British newspaper claimed the Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-stars are hoping to adopt a baby girl from Ethiopia - the same country they adopted two-year-old Zahara Marley from in 2005.

The couple are also adoptive parents to Cambodian-born Maddox, five; Vietnam-born Pax Thien, three; and biological parents to 15-month-old Shiloh Nouvel.

When they adopted Pax Thien earlier this year, Jolie admitted they chose a boy from south-east Asia so Maddox could see the physical similarities between them, and hoped to find another African child for Zahara to identify with.

However, Pitt's spokeswoman Cindy Guagenti has told website CelebrityTruth.com reports Jolie and Pitt will return to Ethiopia in November to seek another sibling for their expanding brood are false.

Aiswarya Rai - John Abraham Combo in Rohan Sippy's film

2007-08-18T02:49:00.001-07:00

It looks like John Abraham and Aiswarya Rai will finally come together as a screen pair in a film for Rohan Sippy, which will start early next year.

What's more, John and Aiswarya Rai have taken with them director Sriram Raghavan, who was supposed to direct them in producer Gaurang Doshi's 'Happy Birthday'.

Confirming these developments, Raghavan told IANS: 'We're no longer working for Gaurang. That project, 'Happy Birthday', didn't work out. John, Aishwarya and I are doing a completely different project for Rohan Sippy.'

Incidentally, Aiswarya Rai's husband Abhishek Bachchan and Rohan are the best of buddies and are all set to do another film together after 'Bluffmaster'.

'Yes,' conceded Raghavan. 'But that's a separate project from mine. John and Ash are working in my project. But Abhishek Bachchan isn't in my film.'

Raghavan's film for Sippy would be the first project to bring together the John-Aiswarya Rai combo. Soon after that, Suniel Shetty brings them and Abhishek together in 'Raaste'.

'The project got delayed because of Abhishek's dates, the wedding, the honeymoon etc. So we lost the opportunity to shoot a particular race in Mexico. It happens just once a year. So we now have to wait till next year to shoot the race. But the project is very much on,' said Suniel.

Aiswarya Rai's Model Coming to Madame Tussauds in New York

2007-08-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

A wax model of actress Aiswarya Rai, the global face of Indian film industry, will open to public view at Madame Tussauds wax museum in Time Square here on Aug 15, when India celebrates 60th year of independence.

'The unveiling ceremony will feature a 15-minute performance by Bollywood dance group from the city,' Rosemary Preta, director of marketing of the museum, told IANS.

The museum has scheduled the ceremony on India 's Independence Day, which was also demanded by her fans here, Preta said. 'Aiswarya Rai, a former Miss World, is internationally known now.'

Aiswarya Rai's model will be placed in the Opening Night Party section of the museum.

The museum has borrowed the model for six weeks from the parent Madame Tussauds in London. The life-like sari-clad waxwork was unveiled there in 2004, timed with the release of Aiswarya Rai's first international film, 'Bride and Prejudice', directed by London-based Gurinder Chadha. Aiswarya Rai was present at the London unveiling, but now married to Bollywood star, Abhishek Bachchan, Aiswarya Rai is not able to come to New York for this landmark event in her life.

Aiswarya Rai has also had the most success from Indian actors making forays in Hollywood. Her big ticket Hollywood film is 'The Last Legion', in which she gets third billing after Colin Firth and Ben Kingsley. The epic look period film is releasing in the US on Aug 17.

The only other Indian film personalities immortalised at Madame Tussauds in London are Aiswarya Rai's father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, both from Bollywood, and Tamil superstar Rajnikanth. Other Indian attractions at the museum are Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Now Aiswarya Rai has beaten them all by becoming the first Indian to feature at the New York museum.

The museum in Manhattan attracts a million visitors a year and has become a major tourist attraction in the city since its opening in 2000.

Madame Tussauds commemorates the world's most popular personalities by creating strikingly similar wax statues.

Set up by Frenchwoman Marie Tussauds in London in 1835, the world famous museum now has branches in Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Hong Kong and Shanghai, besides New York, with Washington D.C. to be added to the list in October this year.

Trivia of Last Legion: Aiswarya Rai's Latest Movie

2007-08-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

Already released in Russia and Netherlands, Last Legion will be released in around the world from this month. Part history part legend, this movie showcases Aiswarya Rai in a totally different character. Her role, “Mira,” the lady warrior has created enthusiasm among the viewers. Here are some interesting facts about the movie.

The movie has four tag lines:

1. Before King Arthur, there was Excalibur.

2. The untold beginning of the King Arthur legend.

3. The end of an empire...the beginning of a legend.

4. The Roman world is in the throes of death, but a new myth, destined to span the centuries, is waiting to be born

Earlier, the movie was given the title “The Enchanted Sword.” The story of the movie is taken from the novel of Valerio Massimo Manfredi. Manfredi is an archaeology scholar, journalist, TV host, and historical novelist.

The movie connects the legend of Arthur with the story of the last emperor of Rome.
In the movie, Aiswarya Rai’s character, "Mira," comes from Kerala. During that time, there was no such place called Kerala.

Colin Firth is a highly experienced British actor. He worked on stage, television and films. He caught the attention of the audience in Bridget Jones’ diary.

Salman Khan Appears in Court in Poaching Case

2007-08-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

Bollywood actor Salman Khan appeared in a court here Monday for hearing on his appeal against conviction for poaching of an endangered chinkara gazelle nine years ago.

Salman Khan, who arrived in the city Sunday evening, presented himself before the District and Sessions Judge of Jodhpur for the hearing.

"We almost completed our arguments today and tomorrow (Tuesday) the prosecution will put forward its case," Salman's counsel Hastimal Saraswat told IANS.

The actor had filed his appeal in April against the judgement of the chief judicial magistrate's court in Jodhpur which had sentenced him to five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.25,000 for the 1998 poaching.

On April 10, the court had found the actor guilty under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Salman Khan had to spend three nights in Jodhpur Central Jail before being granted bail by the district and sessions court.

The case was registered against Salman and five others under the Indian Penal Code, the Wildlife Protection Act and the Indian Arms Act at Mathania Police Station on Oct 11, 1998. Salman allegedly killed the chinkara at Ghoda farmhouse here.

"We have said that the forensic report of the animal does not prove it to be a chinkara and moreover if four people can be freed by the court on lack of evidence, then how can Salman alone be found guilty," Saraswat said.

Salman Khan, who faces four cases in Jodhpur, has also been sentenced to one-year imprisonment in another poaching case in Bhawad. He has filed an appeal against that decision too.

Aiswarya Rai - 'Jodha-Akbar' In Post-Production Phase Now

2007-08-06T00:57:00.000-07:00

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 Aiswarya 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.

"That isn't all. Aiswarya Rai is shooting in Hyderabad. So she'll dub in that city, while Hrithik Roshan 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.

Aiswarya Rai Does It Again

2007-07-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

Well, that Aiswarya Rai is the most beautiful woman in Bollywood isn’t really rocket science, but when it comes to an international platform, this 32-year-old Mangalorian beauty is up against the likes of a super-hot Angelina Jolie or the bootylicious Beyonce.

But even this year, Aiswarya Rai Bachchan has made it to the ninth position in a 100 Most Beautiful Women of Today poll.

Ash was voted ninth in the poll listed in the July issue of Harpers and Queen. Hollywood beauty Hot Angelina Jolie topped the poll, followed by supermodel Christy Turlington, Queen Rania of Jordan, film director Sofia Coppola and celebrity chef Nigella Lawson.

Aiswarya Rai beat Beyonce Knowles, Scarlett Johansson, Liv Tyler and supermodel Gisele Bundchen for a place in the top 10. The list was compiled by 1,000 experts from the worlds of fashion, arts, media and plastic surgery.

After Hot Aiswarya Rai was named as the most beautiful woman in the world, an extremely humble Aiswarya Rai had then said in an interview to UK press, “I am really ok with the way I look. It’s fine. All this is transient.

I mean, it’s really, you know, it changes with time, and that’s the external.”

We asked four number one actresses of different eras to comment on Ash’s ongoing charisma even after marriage.

Vyjayanthimala: I have hardly interacted with Aiswarya Rai. The last time I met her was four years ago, during the Stardust Awards.

Aiswarya Rai was presenting the Role Model award to Hema Malini and I shared the stage with Hema and Ash. I keep reading about all these nominations and public poll, and I think Indian cinema has really grown up.

Aiswarya Rai is not just externally beautiful, she is an extremely well groomed person. It actually doesn’t matter whether she makes it to the top ten list every year or not, because she is an actress and with time she will have to make way for others.

But the fact remains that she will be loved by all for what she is. And one must remember Kahlil Gibran’s saying, “Beauty is not in the face, beauty is a light in the heart!”

Hema Malini: I like Ash because she is a lovely person and an extremely talented lady. I come across these questions often in my life about making it to the top ten in beauty. I think beauty lies in your mind.

After a certain age, your face becomes your biography and that’s when people come to know about your own being. Ash looks pretty and she is extremely generous. I remember how beautifully she did a citation on me for Stardust Awards.

Aiswarya Rai was busy with her international projects, but it was so sweet of her to make that much effort for me. Aiswarya Rai respects elders and she has positioned herself wonderfully.

I don’t think that one should rate beauty. Even in my time, media would rank me as number one but I never believed in these rat races. I think with such popularity, she now needs to take Indian cinema global and talk about women empowerment.

Madhuri Dixit: Oh! She is so gorgeous. I have worked with her in Devdas, and she is extremely dedicated towards her work. She is a very good dancer and we met last year during the Filmfare Awards.

In fact, she was generous enough to send medicines from her vanity van when she heard I was running temperature just before the show.

Aiswarya Rai has always been a nice human being and if someone is nice at heart, it shows in your face. I wish her loads of happiness and good luck.

Bollywood song-and-dance fails to attract audiences

2007-07-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Bollywood, India's prolific film sector, is experiencing a startling 40 per cent drop in revenues in 2007 compared to the same period the previous year.

Trade analysts say losses from films coming out in the first half of 2007 amount to an estimated $36 million US. About 45 of the 55 films that have made it to screens so far have bombed.

"Content in many films was not strong," said Taran Adarsh, an Indian film-sector analyst.

Considered Bollywood's biggest star couple, Abhishek Bachchan, right, and Aiswarya Rai are shown at last year's world premiere of their film Guru in Toronto.

Bollywood — which refers to India's movie industry based in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) — is the world's biggest film producer.

Adarsh said it's especially shocking to have plummeting sales this year given that Bollywood had a record year in 2006, with a quarter of the 200 films released recovering their costs.

Six films grossed almost a billion rupees ($26 million Cdn), compared to two this year.

Aiswarya Rai New: Mallika’s plans for a plain jane look for free

2007-07-04T04:49:00.000-07:00

Mallika will soon be seen in upcoming films like Dasavathram, Fauj Main Mauj and Welcome as well as her second Hollywood venture called Unveiled.

Apart from this the sexy damsel is looking forward to work with Ronnie Screwala for free. If Mallika agrees to this film then she will be seen in a completely non glamorous role.

“She is sitting for script but she hasn’t finalised anything. But yes if she does like the script and role then she is ready to do it for free as she has said. However, nothing is yet final all at the stage of discussion,” agrees her spokesperson.

Aiswarya Rai News - Counter-attack was the best option - Tendulkar

2007-06-30T04:15:00.000-07:00

Sachin Tendulkar savoured a "wonderful moment" after adding a new chapter to his record-breaking career by becoming the first batsman to score 15,000 one-day international runs. Tendulkar reiterated that he would like to let his bat do the talking and not worry what his critics think of him.

Some observers had suggested Tendulkar ought to retire from one-day cricket after a lacklustre World Cup in the Caribbean. But Tendulkar said: "It is their job to have opinions. When I hold a cricket bat in my hand it's a far tougher and bigger job. That is what I will concentrate on.

"It is satisfying, a wonderful moment," the 34-year-old Tendulkar said. "This match was extremely important for us, to keep us alive in the series. It's obviously a happy feeling - especially when we ended up on a winning note."

His innings left Tendulkar with a one-day international career record of 15,043 runs in 387 matches at an average of 44.24 with 41 hundreds. To put that in context, his nearest pursuer in the list of all-time leading one-day international run scorers is Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya with 12,063 in 395 matches.

But Tendulkar, who made his debut as a 16-year-old, said the record had simply been the result of a long career. "After playing for 18 years, I feel it's just one of those things."

Tendulkar dominated a first-wicket partnership of 134 with Sourav Ganguly, who made 42. "I thought looking at the conditions, to counter-attack was the best option. "It wasn't that we were playing pre-determined shots. We were picking the lengths. We played positively - and that is what was needed."

It was the second time in four days Tendulkar had fallen short of three figures after making 99 in South Africa's four-wicket, series-opening, win on Tuesday. "If I could get to the 90s every time, I wouldn't mind," he said.

India, chasing 227 for victory, lost four wickets for eight runs, including Tendulkar, before an unbroken stand of 85 between Yuvraj Singh (49 not out) and Dinesh Karthik (32 not out) saw them overhaul South Africa's 226 for six with five balls to spare.

"I would have loved to be there right till the end - that is what all batters think about," Tendulkar added.

Rahul Dravid, also 34, paid tribute to Tendulkar's endurance as well as his ability. "It's a phenomenal achievement - for someone who has played so long to be so consistent. It's incredible. Not only do you need skill; you need a lot of mental strength and fortitude to do what he's done, to have that hunger over such a long period of time and go on scoring runs and find new challenges.

"I think he's achieved everything he ever wants to achieve in this game, but it's about motivating himself and trying to do his best for the team and ensure we win games. It's great to see."

Jacques Kallis said of Tendulkar: "It was an unbelievable knock he played. You need things to go your way when you've got a world-class player like that. On his day he's very dangerous."

Crazy Kiya Re

2007-06-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

I cannot say that I am a fan of Aishwarya Rai. All the regular reasons apply, plastic doll persona and perhaps overrated as an actress. It bothers me that she gets more bhav than Sushmita Sen, who beat her at Miss India, as well as got crowned Miss Universe. Justifiably Sushmita should get more importance.

Ash left the happiness of previous boyfriends in tatters, though that doesn’t bother me much at all, I mean, look at them, they probably deserved it. Also, she didn’t invite me for her wedding, even though I waved at her once 12 years ago.

Post Abhishek Bachchan-Aiswarya Rai nuptials, the new discussion around them is the prevalence of the dosha in her kundli or janam patri which seem to be impacting the fortunes of her new family.

Her dosha is not to be confused with dosa, which is a south Indian astrological specialty and works only for south Indian filmstars. For instance, Rajnikant’s dosa is fine and crisp, loaded with masala, action and drama and makes a lot of money.

Therefore its precise astrological name is paper masala dosa. The proof of his excellent dosa influence will be proved by the box office collections of his new movie Sivaji —The Boss.

Also, Aiswarya rai’s janam patri is not to be confused with patra ni machi, which is astrologically significant only for Parsi actors in comic roles, such as Boman Irani and Cyrus Broacha.

But back to Aiswarya rai and the dosha in her kundli. That it should adversely influence the fortunes of the Bachchan family is a load of crap. If that’s the logic we want to use, then the kundli that should be checked first is that of Amar Singh’s.

To begin with, his influence on the Bachchan family far exceeds that of Aiswarya’s, as does his influence on Anil Ambani.

As we can see, Amar Singh is in deep doo-doo with Mayawati, Ambani is in trouble with his power project in Uttar Pradesh, Bachchan’s status as farmer of the nation is in jeopardy and the little friendship club that they had started called the UP Development Council has now been disbanded.

The common factor in all this is Amar Singh, so if the influence of anybody’s kundli and doshas should be under suspicion, it should be our Amarbhai’s.

Word doing the rounds is that Abhishek’s movies will not do well because of the adverse influence of Aiswarya’s dosha. Again this is a whole lot of poop.

Say if Jhoom Barabar Jhoom does not do well, it could also be because the public thinks it’s not a good movie. If we want to go down the astrological road, we could also squarely blame the doshas of Bobby Deol, whose last hit movie I cannot remember.

I’m going to take a risk here and say that his next movie, Apne, in which he stars with his father and brother, will also not do well. You decide if it’s because of his dosha, or that it’s a bad movie or maybe even because of his long hair. Either way neither of it is Aiswarya’s fault.

Naked Aiswaya Rai, irrespective of her Knotty kundli, has done pretty well for herself any which way you look at it.

Winner of Miss World, successful model, actress, country representative on the international stage, hitched to one of India’s most eligible man, made pots of money — who is to argue with the facts. There are those who say her dosha is such that it impacts only the one she is married to.

The thing is, Abhishek Bachchan made this choice with open eyes, and no doubt an open mind.

There are those who can turn around and say that Abhishek wasn’t good for them, just ask Karisma Kapoor, Dipannita Sharma and the producers of the half dozen odd box office flops that Abhishek gave before he got successful. In that case, we ought to be questioning Abhishek’s kundli and doshas too.

The bottomline is, agar miya-biwi raazi, toh kya karega qaazi. In this situation, why must we be the qaazi, or crazy, for that matter.

16 crores for Rajnikanth compared to Shah Rukh, Hrithik and Amitabh Bachchan

2007-06-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Rajnikanth is the highest paid actor of Indian Film industry today and no star in the Bollywood beats him in the race for moolah.

Rajnikanth is paid an average of around 16-18 crores per film whereas Amitabh Bachchan gets only around 3 crores. The stars of Bollywood too do not come close to Rajnikanth’s earnings.

While Hrithik Roshan manages to receive almost 12 crores per film, King Khan Shah Rukh is way behind at 8 crores. Such is the star value of Tamil superstar Rajnikanth.

Why you forgot to mention that SRK charges less intentionally and not becasue he can’t demand. He like to go easy on film producers and make millions out of endorsements. Why you forgot to tell that Amitabh was paid 1.2 crore for KBS while SRK got 3 crore per episode. Go read Indiatimes and it will tell you SRK is the highest tax paying star.

"Sivaji'' rakes in Rs 60 lakhs on opening day in Malaysia

2007-06-19T08:47:00.001-07:00

Rajnikant-starrer mega-budget movie ''Sivaji - The Boss'' has raked in Rs 60 lakhs on its opening day in Malaysia, setting a new record in the Tamil film industry in this country. The highest takings ever on Thursday night of 560,000 ringit (Rs 60 lakh) was due to the overwhelming demand, V Paari, the Chairman of the movie distributor ''Pyramid Saimira Theatre Chain'' said. Sivaji broke the previous record of 300,000 ringit for the Tamil film ''Jeans'' starring Prashanth and Aishwarya Rai in 1997. AVM production's latest venture ''Sivaji'' made at a whopping $15 million budget opened in 40 theatres in Malaysia on the opening day and 53 theatres from Saturday.

Bollywood film director Sharad Sharan, who is currently making Malay language movies in collaboration with Malaysia's Astro-Shaw here, said he had gone to see the film but was disappointed to see that it had no sub-titles, either in English or Bahasa Malaysia. Most foreign language films released in this country have subtitles in both these languages to help the ethnic Indians and Chinese people to follow the movie and also the Malays who love Indian films. The movie has been playing to full houses.

Hot Aiswarya Rai - Abhishek Bachchan Hails Father And Married Life

2007-06-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

As one half of a Bollywood golden couple with Aiswarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan has become almost as famous as his screen legend father Amitabh.

But he told on Thursday that he still enjoys working with the man voted greatest star of the millennium in a 1999 BBC poll, while admitting that it is “hard work.”

Abhishek also revealed that he is “loving” married life — he and Hot Aiswarya Rai married in April in Mumbai — and confirmed that his wife would be taking his name.

“It’s hard work to start off with but a very enjoyable experience,” he said, of starring with his father, as he did at last week’s International Indian Film Festival Awards (IIFAs) in Yorkshire.

“It’s not daunting any more; it’s a lot of fun because we get to spend time together, which we rarely do because of our commitments.

Please click below to continue reading “It’s a lot of fun to get these opportunities to work with him, he’s great fun to work with, and he’s a wonderful co-artist and an institution so you get to learn a lot as well.”

The star was speaking as he promoted his new film Jhoom Barabar Jhoom released worldwide today and also starring Bobby Deol, Preity Zinta and Lara Dutta.

The movie is about two British Asian strangers who meet at a London train station while waiting for their respective partners and develop an attraction to one another.

The star declined to speak in depth about his personal life, but asked how he was enjoyed marriage, he responded: “I’m loving it, it’s wonderful.”

He also confirmed that hot Aiswarya Rai was taking the famous Bachchan name, saying: “Isn’t that what happens when you get married?”

Hot Aiswarya Rai News - 'Rang De Basanti' wins best film award at Bollywood Oscars

2007-06-14T05:31:00.002-07:00

"Rang De Basanti" won the award for best film early Sunday at Bollywood's answer to the Oscars, an annual highlight for the Hindi film industry staged this year in northern England.

Rakeysh Mehra's blockbuster snapped up the key prize at The International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFAs), designed both to honour Indian movie talent as well as promote Indian cinema worldwide.

Bollywood's golden couple Abhishek Bachchan and his wife Hot Aiswarya Rai presented the award for the film that had secured nominations for best film and 14 other categories.

The movie, which also features Alice Patten, daughter of Chris Patten, Britain's last governor in Hong Kong, is about a filmmaker who wants to make a movie about Indian nationalists who rose up against British colonial rule.

A London-based filmmaker played by Patten tries to cast five friends, but they resist at first because they are products of a modern consumer society who have little in common with a past about sacrifice and patriotism.

Its release last year was delayed because producers did not obtain official clearance before shooting a horse-racing sequence, while the military had to approve a computer-generated scene showing the crash of a MiG-21 fighter jet.

"Rang De Basanti" was India's submission for best foreign language film at this year's Oscars but failed to secure a nomination.

It beat other films nominated for the best film category such as "Lage Raho Munnabhai," "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna," "Vivah," "Krrish" and "Dhoom 2."

Winning best actor in a leading role was Hrithik Roshan for Krrish. Awarded best actress in a leading role was Rani Mukherjee for "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna."

The award for best director went to Rajkumar Hirani for "Lage Raho Munnabhai," a comedy about the enduring influence of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy of non-violence.

The glitzy award ceremony is the culmination of a four-day event that celebrates the world's second largest cinema industry and was likely to have been watched on television by some 500 million people around the world.

An estimated 30,000 overseas visitors poured into Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, York and Hull for the events that are bringing a touch of glamour to gritty northern England.

But a serious twist was thrown in as the stars walked the green carpet that replaced the traditional red carpet to raise awareness of environmental issues and climate change.

The industrial heartland of Yorkshire, built on industries like mining and steel, may seem like an unlikely setting for such a flamboyant event, but the area has the third-largest population of British Asians in the UK.

The IIFAs, first held in 2000 in London, are always held in different locations around the world, such as Johannesburg, South Africa, and Amsterdam, to increase the international profile of Bollywood film.

Hot Aiswarya Rai News - 'Rang De Basanti' wins best film award at Bollywood Oscars

2007-06-14T05:31:00.001-07:00