Aiswarya Rai fasts for her first Karva Chauth

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 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.'

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 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

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.

Aswarya Rai - Rani Mukerji War!!

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.

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

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.'

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

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.

Salman Khan Appears in Court in Poaching Case

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 Does It Again

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.

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

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

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

"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

"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 - 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.

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.

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.

Bollywood beauty and 'EastEnders' hard man team up - Aiswarya Rai

Aiswarya rai Photo and Steve appear together in new movie Provoked, which is based on a true story. The film also stars British actors Naveen Andrews and Robbie ColtranePhoto

Aiswarya rai's a former Miss World and Bollywood star, he's one of British TV's most famous 'hard men', making Aiswarya Rai, ravishing in a scarlet sari, and a sharp-suited Steve McFadden an unusual pairing on the red carpet in London this week as they promoted their powerful new movie Provoked: A True Story.

The 48-year-old actor, who is famous for playing garage boss Phil Mitchell in EastEnders, appears as an unscrupulous policeman in his second silver screen outing - his first being 2000's Kevin And Perry Go Large. Aiswarya, meanwhile, portrays Kiranjit Ahluwalia, the British Punjabi who killed her husband after suffering a decade of abuse, and was subsequently released from jail following a high-profile campaign.

The Indian actress Aiswarya rai wallpaper says she accepted the role because it "touched a chord, and as a woman I believed in the issue".

Despite her upcoming wedding, reported to be taking place on April 20, the Bride And Prejudice beauty is maintaining a busy schedule. She's set to tie the knot with her actor fiancé Abhishek Bachchan at his family's Mumbai residence but, unlike Elizabeth Hurley's lavish Indian nuptials, the pair have decided to keep theirs low-key.

Just 15 guests, including family and close friends, will apparently witness the ceremony for two of India's most popular stars. Their latest movie collaboration, Dhoom 2, was the highest grossing Bollywood movie last year.

Filmi frenzy over Aiswarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan wedding plans

Media reports of Aiswarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan planning to tie the knot on April 20 have added to the feverish curiosity on the superstar wedding.

Ever since Aiswarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan got engaged in January, media frenzy has been feeding an insatiable public hunger for juicy details on venue, date, trousseau and honeymoon.

'It (the date) must be true because the news was probably released from the Bachchans' office. Its apparently a three-day-long celebration,' said a source. aiswarya rai marriage with abhishek bachan

Television and radio channels are adding to the cacophony. One TV channel has even gone to the extent of preparing a feature on the wedding with details of where Abhishek's father Amitabh and mother Jaya will stand to bless the couple.

But no one really knows the answer to the big question - are Abhiash - as the couple has been fashionably dubbed of late - actually getting married on April 20?

'All this news is coming from Delhi and everybody is relying on a report published in one newspaper. The Bachchans are closely guarding the wedding details, but I guess very soon they will make the announcement just the way they announced the engagement. But the reports are a little confusing because, if you see, every newspaper has a different version of the story,' said the source.

One media report said, for the wedding, Abhishek bachchan would wear a golden sherwani weaved by a Varanasi-based family that has been in the weaving business for the last 400 years.

Abdul Matin, head of the weaver family, said that two months ago they were told to weave a Chaodani (golden fabric with a base of warped silk) style fabric for Abhishek bachchan's sherwani, which will approximately cost Rs.500,000. Some other weavers are said to be busy preparing Aiswarya's trousseau.

The venue for the wedding is reportedly Bachchan's Mumbai residence Pratiksha.

It is the last wish of Amitabh bachchan's mother Teji Bachchan, who is unwell and admitted at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, to see grandson Abhishek settled that is said to be behind all the rush.

Since the aiswarya rai engagement announcement, all newspapers and TV channels have come out with a different wedding date, guest list and venues.

Some say it is going to be a big fat wedding, while others are sure it would be a very quiet and small affair. As far as media rights of the wedding are concerned, they have not been finalised yet.

Kareena Kapoor hates Aishwarya Rai, Bipasha Basu and John Abraham

On the TV show Koffee with Karan hosted by Karan Johar , Kareena Kapoor made her dislike for Aishwarya Rai , Bipasha Basu and John Abraham pretty evident.

Kareena was on the show with Shahid Kapur and made her dislike of John evident and proclaimed that he was ‘expressionless’.

Kareena also stated that she feels that she could have done hot aishwarya rai’s role in Dhoom 2 better.hot aiswarya rai wallpaper in dhoom2, Well, considering that older sis Karisma Kapoor was on the show, it is no surprise that Kareena took a potshot at Ash, Abhishek Bachchan ’s current fiancé.

Like Guru, Mani knew 'Guru' would be a hit - Aiswarya Rai News

'Guru' continues to rake in the moolah even after five weeks and veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam says that he had always been positive about the outcome of the film - just like his protagonist who dreamt big and went on to become a mega industrialist.

'Of course, I knew it would be a hit. Because when you make a film like 'Guru' you start thinking like Guru,' Ratnam told IANS in an email interview.

According to the ibosnetwork.com, the Abhishek Bachchan-Aiswarya Rai starrer, released Jan 12, has grossed approximately Rs.800 million across the country.

Loosely based on the life of industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, the late founder of the Reliance group of industries, the film even managed a tax exemption in Uttar Pradesh.

When asked how much importance he gives to box office collections, Ratnam said: 'I make a film with two objectives -- I should be happy with the film and the man who pays for the ticket should be happy with the film as well.

'The first one I know because I am making the film and more clearly after I complete it. The second one I know only when it reaches a lot of people. Box office collections are equal to your film reaching a lot of people.'

The film was dubbed in Tamil and Telugu and released the same day as the Hindi version.

aiswarya aiswarya rai hot image

Ratnam's next film is 'Lajjo' in which Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor will be seen together for the first time. He hasn't yet started work on it, but says: 'I'd better get to it.'