Aiswarya Rai Reluctant to do a non-Abhishek love story

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

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.'

Movie Review: Johnny Gaddaar (2007) - Aiswarya Rai

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

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.

Abhishek Bachchan Wants Sequel to Drona And a Sports Flick

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?

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

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

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.

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

Post-production work on director Ashutosh Gowariker's magnum opus "Jodha-Akbar" is on in full swing. The editing and dubbing of the film starring Hrithik Roshan and 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.

Hot Aiswarya Rai - Does Bollywood no longer adore Amitabh Bachchan

This is a Bollywood story even Hindi filmwallahs didn't imagine.

Amitabh Bachchan Movies looks awesome to most Indians because many people think he has done everything we can only dream of.

His ever-growing fame, his millions, his charming manner, the dignity in his voice, his family's culture, his penchant for big cars, the lows and highs of his success, some great roles he has brought alive on screen, the people's deep love for him and now, arguably the most beautiful Indian woman as his daughter-in-law.

What more can one man ask for in one lifetime?

But ask Karan Johar what he doesn't have.

The Hindi film industry's goodwill, alas, appears to be waning behind Mr Bachchan's back.

Hindi film folk are now divided when they discuss the Bachchans.

It is sad that away from the camera's gaze, his actions have isolated the icon.

The most successful actor in Hindi film history is said to have upset many stars who have achieved a lot more than his son Abhishek has so far.

Amitabh -- who surpasses his own standards in acting excellence in every new release of his -- is apparently someone some of Mumbai's top film stars now want to spurn if they can.

Shah Rukh Khan Movies, Hrithik Roshan Movies and Saif Ali Khan Movies are all said to have told Karan Johar that they won't accept a role in his proposed film starring Abhishek Bachchan Movies and Aiswarya Rai Movies.

In the political arena, the Bachchans are being targeted by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for siding with her arch-rivals Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh. The Congress party too is watching the Bachchans closely. Congressmen won't miss a chance to hit out at Amitabh Bachchan for supporting Sonia Gandhi's rivals.

Agreed that Amitabh Bachchan is an artiste and should be treated liberally, but some within the film industry apparently believe he has been a less of an artiste when either his or his son's interests are at stake.

Karan Johar knows how Amitabh Bachchan, the living legend, is getting isolated.

Karan is in awe of Amitabh Bachchan. He worships Mr Bachchan and grew up with Abhishek.

However, destiny gave Karan his first grand success when he and the irrepressible Shah Rukh Khan teamed up. The formidable combo have the high-voltage energy to succeed like few in the Hindi film industry can.

But cut the scene here!

The action has shifted elsewhere.

Karan likes the Bachchan family too.

At Abhishek's wedding Karan choreographed the Sangeet and cheered his childhood friend's beautiful bride Aiswarya rai.

Abhishek Bachchan, Aiswarya rai, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan danced on the eve of the wedding as of the night was never going to end.

The Wedding created the kind of hysteria rarely witnessed before in Mumbai. It is obvious that whoever casts Abhishek and Aiswarya in a film after their wedding will make box office history, whether the film is made or not, whether the film succeeds or not.

Karan wants to make a film with Abhishek Bachchan and Aiswarya Rai.

But some stars have problems with the Bachchans and don't want to work with Abhishek and Aiswarya.

As soon as Karan announced his desire to cast Aiswarya and Abhishek, his dearest buddy Shah Rukh Khan made it clear he would have nothing to do with his dearest friend's dream project. It will be the first Dharma Productions venture since Karan's directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hain (SRK Movies also did Duplicate for Karan's dad Yash Johar before KKHH), that Shah Rukh won't have a role in. He did a song sequence in Kaal, the only recent Dharma film he didn't have a leading part in.

Karan knows you can't make a Hindi film on an island. You have to be a part of the industry.

When he turned to Saif Ali Khan after the Marriage, Saif refused. How could the Chhote Nawab forget that in spite of giving a fine performance in Kal Ho Naa Ho, Karan didn't feature him in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Movies, giving Abhishek a key role instead.

When Hrithik stole the thunder from Abhishek in Dhoom 2 movie, it is said the latter's father was upset to read the negative reviews about his son's performance. Amitabh Bachchan also uncharacteristically pointed out in some television interviews early this year that Guru, starring his son, had made more money than Shah Rukh Khan's Don had. Few in Bollywood needed to connect the dots to know what he meant.

Amitabh Bachchan also challenged a news report that Hrithik Roshan -- and not he -- was the highest taxpayer in the Hindi film industry.

Hrithik too wouldn't want to work in Karan's film.

Karan can neither ask Aamir Khan Movies or Salman Khan Movies.

So, the director is stuck for now.

Amitabh Bachchan's comment -- that those who are upset they weren't invited to the Wedding are in any case not his friends -- has upset many in the Hindi film industry.

He also could not use the sacred occasion to mend his relations with Sonia Gandhi, with whom he and his family have been estranged for some years now.

Life can be lonely at the top, more so if you are alienated by your peer group.

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

Aiswarya Rai Provoked: A True Story

The beautiful Bollywood actress Aiswarya Rai plays the victim of years of spousal abuse in Provoked: A True Story, based on a monumental U.K. court case that forever changed British laws on domestic violence. Even before watching a frame of the film, we glean that this is an important human story with major moral messages to be told. It's the kind of material that easily wins the hearts of audiences and Oscar voters alike. And yet, for all of its surface significance, the resulting on-screen effort feels largely meaningless and inconsequential.

While studying to become a lawyer, a young, traditionally minded Punjabi woman named Kiranjit (Rai) gets set up in an arranged marriage to Deepak Ahluwalia (Naveen Andrews). Deepak insists Kiranjit abandon her educational efforts so they can relocate to London. Staying true to cultural norms, Kiranjit willingly accommodates her husband's desires. Once in the big metropolis, things quickly change. Kiranjit becomes pregnant and Deepak devolves into a life of drinking, adultery, and spousal abuse.

For a decade, Kiranjit endures large doses of verbal, physical and sexual abuse at the hands of Deepak. Trapped by her old world values, Kiranjit is unable to seek the help she needs to end the cycle of violence. One night she snaps, deciding that the only way out of her horrific marriage is to set fire to her S.O.B.-of-a-husband while he sleeps. Kiranjit is arrested, convicted, and sent to a women's prison for a life sentence.

Most of Aiswarya Rai Provoked transpires during Kiranjit's time in prison as she awaits the appeal of her sentence. While in lock-up, Kiranjit struggles with adapting to her new environment. She rarely speaks, and is teased by the other inmates. Kiranjit soon gains a cellmate, Veronica Scott (Miranda Richardson). Though they come from very different worlds, Kiranjit and Veronica find a common bond that provides the vehicle to help each other through their present situations. It's in these moments where Provoked shines the most. Unfortunately, these times are few and far between.

Though Aiswarya Rai Provoked is based on real life events (in case you missed the title), the on-screen drama surrounding Kiranjit's imprisonment is so poorly constructed and executed, that the story never achieves the level of gravity that it should. Carl Austin and Rahila Gupta's adaptation of the autobiography to which the movie is based plays out like a campy made-for-TV movie that only scratches the surface of reality. Prison life looks easy, resembling nothing like what we know doing hard time is supposed to look like.

To tell the story of Kiranjit's abuse, director Jag Mundhra flashes back to half a dozen painful episodes of increasingly escalated violence over the ten year period. By the third example, it simply becomes too much. The beautiful Aiswarya Rai already makes for a sympathetic victim. In fact, Aiswarya Rai's too beautiful -- certainly not to be abused -- but she's never made to look like she's suffering. In the moments following her arrest, she's coifed perfectly -- hair and makeup done just right. Even after months in prison, she looks completely unaffected. Certainly a woman who believes she is wrongly imprisoned and out for justice would not look like she spent half the day at a salon.

With Provoked, there's just never the seriousness or grit you would expect from this kind of story. There's little fight to this film, and unfortunately, as a result, the most important message gets lost in the translation.

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.

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?

Rakesh Roshan: Hrithik Roshan is not trying to prove that he can work without me!

After three super-duper hits, Rakesh Roshan and son Hrithik Roshan have parted ways, albeit temporarily- while Hrithik Roshan has already created dhoom with the biker sequel and is now busy with Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Jodha Akbar, senior Roshan is now branching off on a film without beta. Are the two tired of each other? “No, I am not tired of working with Hrithik Roshan,” laughs Rakesh Roshan.

John Abraham alone on Valentine's Day! - Aiswarya Rai Blogging

Bollywood’s sexiest hunk is not with his ladylove on Valentine’s Day.

Not that there is any friction between John Abraham and Bipasha Basu . It is just that Bipasha is not in town.

John Abraham himself would not have been in Mumbai on V-Day. He was slated to go to London to shoot for Vivek Agnihotri’s film Goal in which he plays a footballer. But some unexpected problem with visa or passport kept him back in Mumbai.

However, on the day when the lovers are painting the town red, John Abraham is on his own. He earlier said that he plans to spend good part of the day with his mom, who has not been keeping well lately.

John Abraham doesn’t have any plans to marry in the near future, but he does want to adopt a baby girl.

John Abraham is not the only one alone on Valentine’s Day. Actresses Sameera Reddy and Koena Mitra are still waiting for cupid to strike its arrow.

On another front, actors Dino Morea and Esha Deol (not dating each other) made an appearance together on Tuesday at the V-Day celebrations of 50 couples battling with cancer.

Shahid Kapur , on the other hand, has his own unique take on V-Day. He says for him every day spent with Kareena Kapoor is Valentine’s Day. How cute!

Amitabh Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai will continue to work

Soon-to-be-Bachchan bahu Bollywood actor Aiswarya Rai will be a working member of the family and need not quit movies like other actors, according to her would-be father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan.

The Big B, in an interaction with 50 young fans on a news channel, was asked if Aishwarya will continue to work in films after marriage with his son Abhishek.

“I don’t see any problem in her wanting to continue her career and wanting to continue acting,” he said in the interaction.

Several Bollywood leading ladies, including Aiswarya Rai’s would-be mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan have put their acting career on the back-burner after marriage.

And in a lighter vein, Bachchan added, “and if she is going to be acting better than Abhishek Bachchan, then it’s their problem. It’s not my problem” and laughed.

About his association with Amar Singh and Samajwadi Party, he said it was personal rather than a political one.

“Friendship… I don’t do politics and whatever my association is with Amar Singhji or Mulayam Singhji, it is on a personal… private level,” he said.

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!!!

Vidya Balan denies rift with Aiswarya Rai

Talented actress Vidya Balan has completely dismissed rumours of a rift with Aiswarya Rai Photo during the making of Mani Ratnam's Guru.

“By now I'm used to all kinds of rumours. But this one truly takes the cake. I can't say we got along like a house on fire simply because we didn't have many scenes together. But whenever we worked together, Aiswarya was a dream co-star. Aiswarya Rai is an absolute delight to work with and is someone I look up to.”

Vidya is quick to laugh off reports that Aiswarya was responsible for her rather short role in the film.

“To even suggest that she had my role cut is so ridiculous. I was aware of the extent of my role from the start. I did Guru for the pleasure of working with Mani. There are moments in the film where Aiswarya rai needed to reach out to me emotionally. She did it so naturally and spontaneously that she won me over.”

What about stories that Vidya didn't attend the premiere of Guru in Canada because of Aiswarya Rai?

“This is too much,” giggles Vidya.

“I wonder who's spreading such nonsense and for what purpose! I was in Australia shooting for Sajid Khan's Hey Baby on January 10. The premiere of Guru in Canada was on January 12. There was no way I could reach there and get back to my shooting without disrupting Sajid's schedule. I wouldn't do this to anyone, least of all to Sajid Khan who's a first-time director and a dear friend.”

Aiswarya Rai Wallpaper takes a deep breath and adds: “I hope this puts to rest all these silly speculations about Aiswarya Rai Marriage's role in my life. She's way above all this petty politics. Her dignity in the face of adversity is exemplary. If I can possess even a fraction of her poise I'd consider myself lucky.”