Time To Give Hot Aiswarya Rai-Abhishek Bachchan A Break

wants to get to the heart of the debates currently raging in the entertainment world.

Each fortnight, tabloid! editor Sonali Raha will pass her views on a hot topic and invite readers to comment. A selection of your replies will be published in tabloid!

This time Sonali casts her eye over the media buzz surrounding the new Bollywood power couple.

Both media and public have been hounding them. Is it time we left Mr and Mrs Bachchan alone to begin a new life together?

First came the announcement of the engagement. Then, speculations about the wedding date. Once that was confirmed, the media, and not just in India, went into overdrive.

Every bit of news we could find about Aiswarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan we printed or telecast.

On the wedding day itself, April 20, all news channels on Indian television were focussed on Mumbai.

More specifically, on the many Bachchan houses where the main functions were. The cameras barely caught a glimpse of Ash-Abhi (though Abhi did do a very gracious namaste to his fans), but the crew were undeterred.

Then came the Tirupati temple visit — again media coverage.

A week after the actual wedding, pictures traversed the worldwide web. Taken obviously on a mobile phone, they showed the wedding ceremony and the temple visit.

Is it time for us to say "enough"? Let the couple be. Yes they're celebrities, yes they make great copy. But they are also newly-weds and have a right to privacy.

Then again, it is WE — the public and the media — who have made them the celebs they are. We gave them fame and now we demand our pound of flesh — news, juicy news and pictures.

That's what the public wants — so that's what we're giving them!

We asked readers if Ash-Abhi deserve to live in peace away from media spotlight. This is what you said.

Well, it's much beyond high time to let go of that couple. It is painful to have prominent Indian newspapers make them headline news. However, I think there is nothing to be surprised of here. It is in our blood as Indians to pry into other people's lives, whether they're celebrities or not.

Rajni

USA

I don't care about them. I live my own life! My advice for the public: Live your own life like a celebrity and enjoy it!!!

Jolanta

Lithuania

According to me, the nude Aiswarya Rai -Abhishek wedding is a managed marriage as distinct from an arranged marriage. We couldn't see anyone from Ash's family at the functions. I noticed from pictures in different websites that naked Aiswarya Rai looked nervous and uncomfortable at all the events. There was no smile on her face, like there is on a bride.

The events seemed to follow political protocol. After all this, I wish the couple good luck.

Mohammad Aslam Rahi

Dubai

It is painful to see how the media crosses limits to catch a glimpse of celebrities. But why blame the media alone? The celebrities are also responsible for this.

When they start their careers they are very friendly with the media and are even happy to talk about their lifestyles.

Many media people today are not good at their jobs. They must collect news very carefully. Of course Aiswarya and Abhishek have a right to privacy and the media must stop focussing on their private lives.

They make a good couple and are very lucky to have got married when both are at the peak of their careers.

Tabassum Sadaf

India

Imagine you are walking in the park with your wife/girlfriend and all of sudden numerous photographers emerge out of nowhere and start taking snaps and asking absurd questions. How would you feel?

Everyone has a right to live his/her own life, even if they are celebrities, politicians or newsmakers.

If you can't take such intrusion yourself, you have no right to impose it on others.

Live and let others live!!

Mazhar Abid

UAE

Sure, Abhishek Bachchan is the son of Bollywood's biggest star. And Aiswarya Rai is the most beautiful woman in Bollywood. But you know what? At the end of the day they are two normal people wanting to lead a very happy married life!

They want to be left A-L-O-N-E! How would you like it if everywhere you went there was paparazzi following your every move?

Let them live! The public should understand and get into their shoes for once. They DO NOT want people pouncing on them all the time!

I'm sure they don't want this much attention. Who does?

Vimla Nadkarni

UAE

I hate Ash and Abhi as a couple. I don't know why Miss World agreed to marry such a geek — he is so ugly! I don't think their marriage will survive. Ash should have married Salman Khan.

Saba Firdaus

UAE

Bollywood Newlyweds Arrive at Cannes

Aiswarya Rai is a household name in many countries. Now the Bollywood actress, who married fellow film star Abhishek Bachchan last month, is getting used to a new moniker.

'This is the first travel where people start calling you, `Hello Mrs. Bachchan, good evening,'' Rai told AP Television News on Wednesday.

'I've maybe done a double take at times, but pleasantly so, it makes us smile, so it's been good,' she said.

Rai, 33, a former Miss World, interrupted her honeymoon for a visit to the Cannes Film Festival. She is at the French Riviera resort as part of the team of models for cosmetics company L'Oreal.

Aiswarya Rai was in the audience _ and on the red carpet _ for Wednesday's opening-night festival screening of Wong Kar-wai's 'My Blueberry Nights.'

Once she is back in India, Rai said she will continue work on her latest film, the 16th-century royal love story 'Jodha-Akbar.'

Her screen credits include 2004's 'Bride & Prejudice,' directed by Gurinder Chadha.

Ashutosh, Hrithik Roshan not going to Cannes, but Aiswarya Rai might

Though director Ashutosh Gowariker and leading man Hrithik Roshan won't be attending a show-reel presentation of 'Jodha-Akbar' at Cannes, its leading lady Aishwarya Rai is expected to do the honours.

Taking time off from his hectic schedule, Ashutosh told IANS: 'We couldn't make any plans for Cannes personally. But yes, we're showcasing promotional footage to attract potential international distributors so we can affect a good international release on Oct 12.'

The creator of 'Lagaan' and 'Swades' who is currently stationed in Karjat on the outskirts of Mumbai has clarified that neither he nor Hrithik were ever scheduled to attend the 60th Cannes Film Festival, starting Wednesday.

'We're here in Karjat, frantically trying to finish our schedule for 'Jodha-Akbar' before the monsoons start. We can't afford to lose a single day.'

However, Aiswarya Rai might take a break from her honeymoon and join father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan at Cannes.

'After that, Aiswarya Rai will join Hrithik and me in Karjat,' said Gowariker.

Aiswarya Rai cast in Provoked

Story of a Punjabi woman named Kiranjit Ahluwalia (Hot Aiswarya Rai) who left India to marry a London-based man (Andrews), only to be badly abused. She ended up in prison for murdering her abusive husband after setting him on fire, though was later released after a retrial.

The Hollywood Reporter says Rai will join Nandita Das, Miranda Richardson, Naveen Andrews, Robbie Coltrane and Rebecca Pidgeon who are already signed up.

Richardson will play the fellow inmate who helped Ahluwalia during her time in prison, Coltrane will play the barister during the retrial with Pidgeon cast as a lawyer.

Bollywood stars Wedding Aiswarya Rai and Bachchan in Tahiti, not NZ

Newly wed Bollywood stars Aiswarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan are believed to be honeymooning in Tahiti after passing through New Zealand over the weekend.

The couple were married 10 days ago in Mumbai and last Saturday morning a Stuff reader said he saw Ms Rai at Papeete Airport. He was boarding an Air New Zealand flight home while she had just come in on the inbound flight.

Aiswarya Rai was seen to give an autograph to a person at the airport.

Indian media say the couple are honeymooning in France - and Tahiti is part of French Polynesia.

Ms Aiswarya Rai, a former Miss World, is one of India's top female leads while hot aiswarya rai new husband is the son of legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan.

According to Indian community sources in New Zealand, who did not want to be named, Abhishek bachchan has visited New Zealand several times and made movies here.

There were rumours they were honeymooning in New Zealand but these have been discounted.

"If he was coming here we would have heard, and we're 99.9 percent certain that they are not here," the source said.

Have you seen Bollywood's hottest Aiswarya Rai couple?

Bachchan home a fortress ahead of Abhishek Bachchan - Aishwarya Rai Wedding

his son Abhishek bachchan marriage to Aishwarya Rai, superstar Amitabh Bachchan's home here resembles a fortress, every visitor being given a thorough once-over and curious passers-by promptly shooed away by security guards. One could be forgiven for thinking Prateeksha, the Bachchans'' sprawling bungalow in suburban Juhu, is the venue of some top secret meeting. But all the security is aimed at keeping away unwanted persons from the nuptials of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan on April 20. As the Bachchan family prepares to welcome Aishwarya into its fold, a key aspect of the preparations for the marriage is the secrecy shrouding it.

Details of everything from the guest list to the ''mehendi'' ceremony, the bride's dress and even the honeymoon have been kept top secret. Aishwarya Rai marriage and the Bachchans have consistently refused to talk about the wedding and all guests have been sworn to secrecy. Though the marriage of the former Miss World and the scion of the Bachchan family has evoked immense curiosity all around, those actually involved in the arrangements have been very tight-lipped.

Aishwarya Rai Wedding - Amitabh Bachchan's home a fortress ahead of Abhishek Bachchan

Ahead of his son Abhishek Bachchan marriage to the gorgeous and hot Aishwarya Rai Wedding, Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan 's home in Mumbai resembles a fortress.

Every single person going in and out is given a thorough once-over and curious passersby are promptly given the boot by ferocious looking security guards.

You could be forgiven for thinking that "Prateeksha", the Bachchans' sprawling bungalow in suburban Juhu, is the venue of some top-secret meeting. Rather it is where the wedding of the century, the much-awaited meeting of minds between Aiswarya rai and Abhishek bachchan will take place on April 20.

As the Bachchan family prepares to welcome Aishwarya rai into its fold on Friday, one thing evident about the big event is the amount of secrecy that has shrouded it.

Details of everything from the guest list to the "mehendi" ceremony, the bride's dress and even the honeymoon have all been kept top secret.

Both Aishwarya Rai Wedding and the Abhishek Bachchan Wedding have consistently refused to talk about the wedding or the details and all guests have been sworn to secrecy.

Even while the marriage of the former Miss World and the scion of the Bachchan family evokes immense curiosity all around, those actually involved in the wedding have been very tight-lipped.

Bachchan himself is said to be supervising each tiny detail of his son's abhishek bachchan wedding. Guests include industrialist Anil Ambani and wife Tina, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, who will take time off from the Uttar Pradesh elections, and other close family friends.

The three-day wedding celebrations will also see some of the Bachchans' closest friends from the film industry gracing the occasion.

Karan Johar , Goldie Behl and wife Sonali Bendre , Apoorva Lakhia , and Anupam Kher, wife Kiron Kher and son Sikander will all be part of the celebrations.

"The Bachchans' are famed for guarding their privacy. The media has been at their heels for any information they can get but even guests and those involved in organising the wedding have been asked to reveal no details," sources said.

Bachchan even went to the extent of requesting neighbours not to allow media into their houses on the day of wedding.

The couple got engaged on January 14 after a great deal of media speculation on their relationship.

Provoked Tells An Important Story - Aiswarya Rai Marriage News

When is enough really enough?

In love, never. In abuse, immediately.

Domestic violence evokes a sense of unrestrained anger within. One's instant reaction is, 'How dare he?' or 'Why doesn't she leave him?'

It is too subjective to understand what makes a woman stay in a bad marriage, or with a bad husband. Issues like incompatibility, for some even infidelity, are negotiable. But how does one adjust to getting beaten up by a man who has publicly promised to love and respect you in an elaborate wedding ceremony?

Even so, scores of women tolerate harassment at the hands of beastly husbands in order to protect the institution's so-called honour. Some are just uncomfortable exposing the truth, while others are too scared to even try. There are women who actually die getting beaten up.

Aiswarya rai's new movie Provoked : A True Story compels you to think about this ugly issue prevalent in both modern and traditional societies.

Adapted from the autobiography Circle of Light (by Rahila Gupta and Kiranjit Ahluwalia), it is primarily the story of Kiranjit's trauma. Though the film doesn't give a detailed account of the psyche or conditioning of its victim and offender, it gives you some insight of a woman's incredible tale of abuse and acquittal. aiswarya rai marriage pictures

Interview: Kiranjit, the woman behind Provoked

The opening shot (with solid backing from A R Rahman's soulful background score and Madhu Ambat's expressive photography) is exceptionally dramatic. Held by an unknown figure, a candle burns and spreads its dim light across the darkness of the living room. As it moves, the flames' reflection falls on the wall displacing framed memories from happier times. Oblivious to what it's about to do, the candle ascends in the direction of its victim. It surreptitiously reaches its inebriated victim and is let loose to make its fatal move.

The unknown figure is now revealed. It's a nervously shaking Kiranjit (played by Aiswarya Rai). The man going up in flames is her husband, Deepak (Naveen Andrews, playing the bad guy so effectively you want to strangle him). aiswarya rai marriage photos

A series of recurring flashbacks enlighten us about what really happened.

Originally from Punjab, Kiranjit comes to England after marrying Deepak. Docile and submissive, Kiranjit meekly puts up with the increasing atrocities of her alcoholic other half. The vile man beats, cheats, mistreats and abuses his wife physically, sexually and verbally.

In an interview, the real Ahluwalia stated her husband was often nice but suffered from a 'split personality'. In the film, this trait is never communicated. Deepak comes across as a you-know-what of the first order from start to finish.



In the film, the year is 1989. And Kiranjit is put behind bars for suspected murder. The trial fails to establish a prolonged background of domestic violence and the jury declares her guilty. Sentenced to life imprisonment, Kiranjit gears up for life in the cell, where she finds a protective sympathetic in her feisty and affluent inmate, Veronica Scott (a delightful, effortlessly endearing Miranda Richardson). Booked for stabbing her husband, Veronica is shown to have remarkable influence in and outside prison. aiswarya rai marriage wallpapers

Meanwhile, non-profit organisation Southall Black Sisters, headed by Radha (Nandita Das in a spiffy, vibrant turn) takes up Kiranjit's cause, vowing to bring her justice.

Together these women prove to be a driving force in her life. While she brushes up her English speaking skills, Radha and her team create an awareness of Kiranjit's case by posting banners and flyers asking for support. Veronica uses her contacts to help Kiranjit file an appeal. In 1992, the judiciary system in what came to be known as the breakthrough 'Regina vs Ahluvalia' trial acquits Kiranjit.

Provoked is an important story which definitely needs to be told. What is disheartening is the way it is. Sure, the treatment is realistic, production values are good, and the acting is mostly commendable -- but the screenplay (Paul Austin, Rahila Gupta) is shockingly superficial.

The mostly English-part Punjabi drama has such a hard-hitting theme, but director Jag Mundhra is so preoccupied in chronicling the events, he tackles the emotional aspect rather hurriedly. Like with the case of extracting performances.

Every time the actress is completely into her anguished character's skin, Mundhra; instead, of letting the camera linger for just a split second longer, jumps off to the next shot, breaking your connection with aiswarya rai nude photo practiced insensitivity.

Aiswarya Rai, on her part, is sincerity personified. No make-up, pretty clothes or even a smile adorn her naturally gorgeous disposition. But those eyes play their part. With changing circumstances her big blue-green brimming eyes look shocked, grieved, frightened, confused and relieved. Her effort to speak in fluent Punjabi is truly impressive. Then again, there are times her body language is not in sync with the suffering of her character, something Mani Ratnam successfully got out of the actress in Guru. It is a sensitive portrayal, even if not an assertive one.

In terms of violence, the sequences are not too many or too graphic. Though there is an extended scene featuring a naked Naveen Andrews and his smouldered butt, the beating scenes are fortunately brief, nevertheless effective.

With a running time of 1 hour 45 minutes, Provoked is, as one psychologist in the film puts it, 'self-justificatory.' Even though it doesn't glorify Kiranjit's actions, it doesn't stop from justifying it either. If only the film would stress more on what Ahluwalia has been saying in almost every interview -- 'Never do what I did in life. But at the same time never suffer in a bad marriage. If you are unhappy in a marriage, get out of it.' That's what really makes her story so heartfelt and meaningful.

In the end, you come out of the theatre feeling more about the issue rather than the person.

Our parents should decide, says Abhishek Bachchan on marriage date - Aiswarya Rai Marry

Mumbai, Feb 15 Abhishek Bachchan is upset with those who said his father Amitabh Bachchan went overboard while praising him for his performance in 'Guru'.Mumbai, Feb 15 Abhishek Bachchan is upset with those who said his father Amitabh Bachchan went overboard while praising him for his performance in 'Guru'.

'People who grudge him a father's pride are not nice. Please don't take that moment away from him. You have the right to express your comments on him as an actor. Please leave him alone when he's playing a father,' Abhishek Bachchan told IANS in an interview.

'Abhishek Bachchan father's opinion means the world to me. He isn't only a father but also someone whom I consider to be the best actor in the world. His positive reaction to my work is enough! As an actor, I crave to make my parents happy.'

If Abhishek Bachchan is scaling new heights in his professional life, everything seems to be going in the right direction on the personal front too. He got engaged to Aiswarya Rai Marriage last month and the marriage is expected soon.

When asked about his marriage date, Abhishek Bachchan said: 'Nothing is decided yet. I have left it to our parents to decide. We are ready any time they are.'

Right now he is busy shooting his first special-effect film 'Drona' in Bikaner.

I think I shall never see - Aiswarya Rai

Transcendent goddess, Aiswarya
Rai and Bollywood co-star Abhishek Bachchan are engaged to be married. But first, Aiswarya Rai has to contend with a lawsuit from folks upset at her purported tree marriages (hat tip to Rantburg).

Over the last six months Miss Rai and Mr Bachchan, 30, have been spotted entering temples in the holy cities of Varanasi and Ayodhya to perform "puja" or prayer ceremonies. Astrologers have
said that Miss World Aiswarya Rai's astrological chart is "manglik", or Mars-bearing, which, according
to Hindu tradition, can have negative consequences for their impending marriage.

Traditionally, "manglik" women are required to go through a ceremony marrying them to a peepal tree, a banana tree or a silver or golden idol of the Hindu god Vishnu in a ceremony known
as "kumbh vivah".

You can see the problem. Though I gather we share something like 70% of our DNA with banana trees so this is nothing like as ridiculous as what Kirk would get up to in an average ST:TOS episode; and no lawsuits there.

Big B gifts Rs 1.7- crore Bentley car to Abhishek

Abhishek Bachchan may have been greeted only with a bouquet by his fiancée Aishwarya Rai Marriage on his 31st birthday, but his father Amitabh Bachchan surprised him with a Rs 1.7-crore white Bentley car as a gift.

Aishwarya, who was unable to go to Bikaner to usher in the birthday, was present at the Chhatrapati Shivaji airport to greet him on his arrival in the city.

Abhishek later went for a drive in the new car with his ladylove and soon after drove back to the Bachchan residence in suburban Juhu.

Aishwarya's gift, if any besides the bouquet, remains a guarded secret.

"Her gift to Abhishek Bachchan is too personal and confidential," Aiswarya Rai's secretary Hari Singh said.

Earlier, Amitabh Bachchan along with Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh flew to Junagarh Fort in Rajasthan where Abhishek Bachchan was shooting his forthcoming film Drona, to cut the birthday cake at midnight.

Jaya Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Wallpaper could not join them there but were able to meet Abhishek Bachchan as he returned to the city by evening.

When asked about why Aiswarya Rai did not join Abhishek Bachchan Photo at Junagarh on the 'D' day, Singh refused to comment saying it was a personal matter.

Technorati Profile

Shah Rukh Khan Kajol and Rani on Koffe with Karan - Aiswarya Rai News

What’s new about Koffee with Karan- Season 2?… Nothing! The show is still about Karan… and people… people he loves and admires! Same coffee…different day! Same guests…different lover… different enemy… different controversy but double the amount of fun and excitement! Older, wiser, 3 kilos thinner and raring to go, Karan returns with the second season of Koffee with Karan this Sunday, February 11th at 9 p.m. on Star One and Star World! And as usual… he promises to serve his coffee… HOT! So, don’t forget to tune in to the launch episode with star guests, King Khan and the Queens of Bollywood, Kajol and Rani.

Slick, stylish, candid and witty, the show has it all, and with the industry’s best onscreen trio, the banter just cant get any better! Shah Rukh, Kajol and Rani come together on screen after a period of ten years after Karan’s directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hain and they still manage to recreate the same magic! Kajol and Rani discuss the media speculation that they don’t get along though they are members of the same family! Shah Rukh talks about the mid-life crisis he is going through, the constant comparison with Big B and the rumors about his relationship with Karan! Watch the trio talk about KANK, KBC, Mallika Sherawat and the hottest couple in Bollywood-Aiswarya Rai Wallpaper and Abhishek… A lot of gossip, a lot of special moments and a lot of fun… the three friends in Karan’s company are unstoppable.

The three superstars are outwitted by the host in the rapid fire round, in which they are made to answer the toughest of the questions. What would they do if they woke up one morning and found out that they’ve turned into Karan Johar? Or even better, Rakhi Sawant? Will Shah Rukh choose between Kajol or Rani? Will Rani choose between Shah Rukh or Aamir? Watch them gossip, tease, laugh their heart out, let their hair down, have serious conversation and fight for the new and improved coffee hamper on the first episode of Koffee with Karan!

Excerpts from the interview:

Karan- You’ll are cousins but is there a wide gap between you in real life?

Rani- No!

Kajol- Not really! No!

Karan- So you’ll are literally meeting after 10 years on a sofa?

Rani- On a sofa?

Kajol- Yeah! It was chairs earlier! (Laughs)

Karan- Alright! But there is always this kind of media speculation that you’ll don’t get along and though you’ll are members of the same family there is no interaction!

Kajol- It is really nothing like that! Basically its more like she’s Tanisha’s age. So for me it’s another generation really! For me she is like a younger sister!

Rani- And I was always closer to Tanisha, than to her.

Karan- Shahrukh you have no problems with anybody?

Shahrukh- I don’t have time to have any problems with anybody!

Karan - Other heroes go through affair issues and with their other liaisons with their heroines and you are just constantly fighting with men, not women. You are only linked with men, not women!

Shahrukh- I truly am the last action hero!

Karan- If Shahrukh, Kajol and you were on a plane which was about to crash and there were only two parachutes on board, which you had control over, what would you do?

Kajol- Dude, I’m family!

Rani- I would probably stay behind and give the two parachutes because, really, people want to see them together!

Kajol- Stop! Please Stop!

Shahrukh- Tum dono mujhe chipak jaana .. teeno neeche aa jayenge! Kya hai problem yaar! Main Hoon na!

So this Sunday, February 11th, at 9 p.m. grab your couch space and join in the stimulating tête-à-tête with the flamboyant director and his best friends- Shah Rukh, Kajol and Rani… It doesn’t get more exciting than this!!!

Aiswarya Rai: The shy girl

Amitabh Bachchan might have got the prestigious award ‘Legion d’honneur’ but the toast of the evening was the first couple of tinsel town Abhishek Bachchan and Aiswarya Rai who played the part of the demure bahu perfectly.

For Aishwarya Rai Picture and Abhishek Bachchan, it was their first public appearance after their engagement. Ash, who was there with the Bachchans was seen shying away from the media - the demure daughter-in-law?

Though special security arrangements were made by the French Embassy, the media was there in full force to get the best shots of the most talked-about couple of tinsel town.

But the Bachchan clan was quite prepared for the media onslaught. Abhishek Bachchan Wallpaper could be seen guarding his fiance through the entire ceremony.

But, what was surprising was the senior Bachchan, who was all over the channels announcing his son’s engagement a few weeks ago, looked media shy on this occasion. And it was not only the Bachchans but other prominent figures who bluntly refused to comment.

“Please ask me intelligent questions and I will answer them. Don’t ask me personal questions about my friends,” said actor Sharmila Tagore.

From Mirzapur to Delhi Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Wedding’s first public appearance was quiet a hectic affair and the couple will be too happy to get back home and heave some sign of relief.