Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan at Cannes opening
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," but said she hoped to return to her vacation by the weekend.
Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan at Cannes opening
Rai, 31, a former Miss World, interrupted her honeymoon for a flying visit to the Cannes Film Festival. She is in the French Riviera resort as part of the team of models for cosmetics company L'Oreal.
Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan at Cannes opening
"This is the first travel where people start calling you, 'Hello Mrs. Bachchan, good evening,"' Rai said Wednesday. "I've maybe done a double take at times, but pleasantly so, it makes us smile, so it's been good," she said.
Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan at Cannes opening
Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai is a household name in many countries. Now the actress, who married fellow film star Abhishek Bachchan last month, is getting used to a new moniker.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The Big Fat Ash-Abhishek wedding
With Abhi-Ash's not-so-ordinary wedding just around the corner, the buzz outside Prateeksha, the famous Bachchan residence, has reached a fever pitch. From excited fans to the media, everybody is snooping outside the main gate to get a glimpse of what's happening inside.
Abhishek Bachchan, the scion of Bollywood's first family, and Aishwarya Rai, one of the most beautiful women in the world, who got engaged in January following the premiere of their film "Guru", are set to tie the knot in the presence of close family members and friends at the Bachchan bungalow in the posh locality of Juhu, Mumbai.
No stone is being left unturned by the Bachchans for the upcoming nuptials.
From the 16-page gold-embossed wedding card to the Z-grade security ring with 300 guards and rumoured swipe cards for entry, the minutiae of the celebrity event have plunged all into a tizzy.
Though the April 20 wedding date has neither been confirmed nor denied by the two families concerned, ongoing hectic preparations are proof that the mega wedding is going to take place as scheduled.
The two Bachchan bungalows - Prateeksha and Jalsa - now resemble well-guarded fortresses and workers can be seen constructing the mandap (dais) within the bungalow premises.
The ceremonies are set to start from April 18 with mehndi (henna), followed by sangeet (music) the next day. According to reliable sources, a special kind of mehndi has been ordered for the ceremony, like the one brought by Liz Hurley for her marriage with Arun Nayar last month.
Aishwarya will wear a traditional hand-embroidered sari with intricate gold work on her wedding day, said the actor's favorite designer in an interview published on Tuesday.
Neeta Lulla said, she designed the sari and a red and gold embroidered flowing skirt and cropped blouse for the actor to wear at a "mehendi'' ceremony on Wednesday. In Indian weddings, mehendi, or henna, is applied in elaborate tattoos on the bride's hands and legs.
Lulla told Mumbai-based newspaper that while she had designed some of Rai's outfits, the actor would also wear a sari created by famous Indian designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.
A red and blue air-conditioned tent with huge mirrors is being readied in a garden adjoining the Bachchan's suburban family home for what is billed as India's "wedding of the year.''
The sangeet preparations are apparently entrusted to Abhishek's sister Shweta Nanda. Shweta's friends are queuing up to her, as they want to perform to the song "Kajra-re" from "Bunty Aur Babli" for the ceremony..
Ace choreographer Sandeep Soparker has been roped in to teach dance steps to Abhishek's friends for the occasion Both Rai and Bachchan have been practicing a dance routine they plan to perform before a selected group of relatives and friends during a musical ceremony on Thursday, the daily said.
Security has been beefed up to 'Z' grade and over 300 guards are deployed to tackle any eventuality, like gatecrashers or crazy fans breaking in. Rumour has it that the guests will have to use swipe cards for entry.
Some last-minute invitees are being included in the guest list, this time from the bride's side. The wedding card along with boxes of cookies-chocolates is now being dashed off to the bride's filmmaker-friends along with a personal request from the bride to be, her mother or her secretary.
The wedding is going to be a close-knit affair as Amitabh's mother Teji Bachchan is ailing. Invitees have been sworn to secrecy about the wedding details and also about the contents and look of the wedding card, the dress code etc.
"The fact is every guest is under an unwritten oath of secrecy. We aren't even allowed to talk about the wedding among ourselves. I'm not even discussing it with my wife.
We're being offered money by sections of the media to divulge details. One newspaper, which wanted to be shown the wedding card, even offered me the equivalent of what I make for five days of shooting. I naturally refused," said an invitee.
Among those invited are director Yash Chopra, filmmaker Karan Johar, industrialist Anil Ambani and influential politician friends of the Bachchan family.
"I have not been invited to the wedding. Regardless, I wish the couple best," Shah Rukh Khan told Mumbai tabloid .
"The Bachchans have asked us to keep this wedding a private issue and therefore we are maintaining silence," said actor Suniel Shetty, who has been invited to the exclusive function.
Media reports said that jewellery for the Ash had been specially brought from eastern Kolkata city, while henna used to decorate the bride's hands came from Rajasthan state. The bride will also receive famed silk saris from the city of Varanasi, in northern Uttar Pradesh state.
The wedding card is embossed in gold and personally signed by the groom's father Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya's parents.
Gregarious pals of the Bachchans, like Karan Johar, have retreated into a shell, pretending to be immersed in work or shooting to avoid talking about the wedding.
Abhishek Bachchan, the scion of Bollywood's first family, and Aishwarya Rai, one of the most beautiful women in the world, who got engaged in January following the premiere of their film "Guru", are set to tie the knot in the presence of close family members and friends at the Bachchan bungalow in the posh locality of Juhu, Mumbai.
No stone is being left unturned by the Bachchans for the upcoming nuptials.
From the 16-page gold-embossed wedding card to the Z-grade security ring with 300 guards and rumoured swipe cards for entry, the minutiae of the celebrity event have plunged all into a tizzy.
Though the April 20 wedding date has neither been confirmed nor denied by the two families concerned, ongoing hectic preparations are proof that the mega wedding is going to take place as scheduled.
The two Bachchan bungalows - Prateeksha and Jalsa - now resemble well-guarded fortresses and workers can be seen constructing the mandap (dais) within the bungalow premises.
The ceremonies are set to start from April 18 with mehndi (henna), followed by sangeet (music) the next day. According to reliable sources, a special kind of mehndi has been ordered for the ceremony, like the one brought by Liz Hurley for her marriage with Arun Nayar last month.
Aishwarya will wear a traditional hand-embroidered sari with intricate gold work on her wedding day, said the actor's favorite designer in an interview published on Tuesday.
Neeta Lulla said, she designed the sari and a red and gold embroidered flowing skirt and cropped blouse for the actor to wear at a "mehendi'' ceremony on Wednesday. In Indian weddings, mehendi, or henna, is applied in elaborate tattoos on the bride's hands and legs.
Lulla told Mumbai-based newspaper that while she had designed some of Rai's outfits, the actor would also wear a sari created by famous Indian designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla.
A red and blue air-conditioned tent with huge mirrors is being readied in a garden adjoining the Bachchan's suburban family home for what is billed as India's "wedding of the year.''
The sangeet preparations are apparently entrusted to Abhishek's sister Shweta Nanda. Shweta's friends are queuing up to her, as they want to perform to the song "Kajra-re" from "Bunty Aur Babli" for the ceremony..
Ace choreographer Sandeep Soparker has been roped in to teach dance steps to Abhishek's friends for the occasion Both Rai and Bachchan have been practicing a dance routine they plan to perform before a selected group of relatives and friends during a musical ceremony on Thursday, the daily said.
Security has been beefed up to 'Z' grade and over 300 guards are deployed to tackle any eventuality, like gatecrashers or crazy fans breaking in. Rumour has it that the guests will have to use swipe cards for entry.
Some last-minute invitees are being included in the guest list, this time from the bride's side. The wedding card along with boxes of cookies-chocolates is now being dashed off to the bride's filmmaker-friends along with a personal request from the bride to be, her mother or her secretary.
The wedding is going to be a close-knit affair as Amitabh's mother Teji Bachchan is ailing. Invitees have been sworn to secrecy about the wedding details and also about the contents and look of the wedding card, the dress code etc.
"The fact is every guest is under an unwritten oath of secrecy. We aren't even allowed to talk about the wedding among ourselves. I'm not even discussing it with my wife.
We're being offered money by sections of the media to divulge details. One newspaper, which wanted to be shown the wedding card, even offered me the equivalent of what I make for five days of shooting. I naturally refused," said an invitee.
Among those invited are director Yash Chopra, filmmaker Karan Johar, industrialist Anil Ambani and influential politician friends of the Bachchan family.
"I have not been invited to the wedding. Regardless, I wish the couple best," Shah Rukh Khan told Mumbai tabloid .
"The Bachchans have asked us to keep this wedding a private issue and therefore we are maintaining silence," said actor Suniel Shetty, who has been invited to the exclusive function.
Media reports said that jewellery for the Ash had been specially brought from eastern Kolkata city, while henna used to decorate the bride's hands came from Rajasthan state. The bride will also receive famed silk saris from the city of Varanasi, in northern Uttar Pradesh state.
The wedding card is embossed in gold and personally signed by the groom's father Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya's parents.
Gregarious pals of the Bachchans, like Karan Johar, have retreated into a shell, pretending to be immersed in work or shooting to avoid talking about the wedding.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Will she be called Aishwarya Rai Bachchan!
If Aishwarya Rai chooses to keep both second names (Rai and Bachchan) after her marriage to Abhishek Bachchan , it would certainly please her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan .
It would be a remarkable coincidence. We all know that Big B’s father was fondly called Harivansh Rai Bachchan by his admirers.
Amitabh, who loves his deceased father immensely, would indeed be pleased if Ash opts to use both the sir-names after her marriage to Abhishek in the coming weeks. Then she would be called Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
The name would constantly remind Big B of his father and will also be a humble tribute to the man who penned poetic works like Madhushala.
However, Big B has reportedly laid no conditions regarding Ash’s name. She is free to choose any second name. But sources close to Ash are quoted as saying that she wishes to be called Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after her marriage.
It is believed that Ash and Abhi will tie the marital knot on April 20. Very few people have been invited to the wedding, as it would strictly be a private affair.
Meanwhile, wedding preparations are in full swing in both the households (Rais and Bachchans). About 15 kilos of special henna is learnt to be ordered from Rajasthan for Ash’s mehendi ceremony.
It would be a remarkable coincidence. We all know that Big B’s father was fondly called Harivansh Rai Bachchan by his admirers.
Amitabh, who loves his deceased father immensely, would indeed be pleased if Ash opts to use both the sir-names after her marriage to Abhishek in the coming weeks. Then she would be called Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
The name would constantly remind Big B of his father and will also be a humble tribute to the man who penned poetic works like Madhushala.
However, Big B has reportedly laid no conditions regarding Ash’s name. She is free to choose any second name. But sources close to Ash are quoted as saying that she wishes to be called Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after her marriage.
It is believed that Ash and Abhi will tie the marital knot on April 20. Very few people have been invited to the wedding, as it would strictly be a private affair.
Meanwhile, wedding preparations are in full swing in both the households (Rais and Bachchans). About 15 kilos of special henna is learnt to be ordered from Rajasthan for Ash’s mehendi ceremony.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Abhi, Aish in London
With just a few weeks to go for their marriage, what are Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai doing in London?
Over the weekend, Ash and Abhi were in Malaysia where they performed at Zee Cine Awards. Now they have flown to London for another important event.
The couple will grace the premiere of Aishwarya’s much-awaited movie Provoked on Tuesday evening at the Empire Theatre, in Leicester Square. ‘Provoked’ is set for a worldwide release on the coming Friday.
The organizers have reportedly made special arrangements for Abhi and Ash’s stay in London. The couple might stay an extra day after the premiere to do some shopping for their wedding on April 20.
Sources say Aishwarya will continue to shoot for Ashutosh Gowarikar’s movie Jodha Akbar until a few days before the wedding.
‘Provoked’ is based on a real story of a Punjabi woman in the UK who suffered physical and mental abuse at the hands of her husband. Tired of torture, she killed her husband one day and was sent to prison, where, she said, she found freedom.
The movie was first screened at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, which was attended by Ash, director Jagmohan Mundhra , and Kiranjit Ahluwalia, whose story the film is.
Over the weekend, Ash and Abhi were in Malaysia where they performed at Zee Cine Awards. Now they have flown to London for another important event.
The couple will grace the premiere of Aishwarya’s much-awaited movie Provoked on Tuesday evening at the Empire Theatre, in Leicester Square. ‘Provoked’ is set for a worldwide release on the coming Friday.
The organizers have reportedly made special arrangements for Abhi and Ash’s stay in London. The couple might stay an extra day after the premiere to do some shopping for their wedding on April 20.
Sources say Aishwarya will continue to shoot for Ashutosh Gowarikar’s movie Jodha Akbar until a few days before the wedding.
‘Provoked’ is based on a real story of a Punjabi woman in the UK who suffered physical and mental abuse at the hands of her husband. Tired of torture, she killed her husband one day and was sent to prison, where, she said, she found freedom.
The movie was first screened at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, which was attended by Ash, director Jagmohan Mundhra , and Kiranjit Ahluwalia, whose story the film is.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Salman Khan invited to Abhishek-Ash wedding reception?
Rumour has it that Salman Khan has been invited to the wedding reception of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai .
While the Abhi-Ash wedding will strictly be a private affair (with relatives and close friends of the Bachchans and Rais), a large number of Bollywood celebrities are expected to attend the reception. And reports have it that Salman Khan, Aishwarya’s ex-flame, has also been invited.
According to the buzz, it was Amitabh Bachchan himself who called Salman’s father Salim Khan (who co-wrote scripts for many Bachchan films) and invited the entire Khan family to the reception.
Vivek Oberoi , another ex-boyfriend of Aishwarya, has reportedly not received invitation either from the Rais or the Bachchans.
It is also learnt that Salman Khan is planning to gift Abhishek a specially tailored Sherwani as the wedding gift.
While the Abhi-Ash wedding will strictly be a private affair (with relatives and close friends of the Bachchans and Rais), a large number of Bollywood celebrities are expected to attend the reception. And reports have it that Salman Khan, Aishwarya’s ex-flame, has also been invited.
According to the buzz, it was Amitabh Bachchan himself who called Salman’s father Salim Khan (who co-wrote scripts for many Bachchan films) and invited the entire Khan family to the reception.
Vivek Oberoi , another ex-boyfriend of Aishwarya, has reportedly not received invitation either from the Rais or the Bachchans.
It is also learnt that Salman Khan is planning to gift Abhishek a specially tailored Sherwani as the wedding gift.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Aishwarya Rai confirms doing 'Sarkar' sequel
The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai has confirmed teaming up with Bollywood mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan and fiancé Abhishek Bachchan for the sequel of Sarkar .
This was told to a news agency none other than by director Ram Gopal Varma .
"News travels fast! Yes, it’s true Aishwarya has agreed to be a part of Sarkar 2 . We only need to work out her dates. She’ll of course play the lead opposite Abhishek," Varma confirmed.
Considering how much in the news the pair is, Varma has got quite a winning combination on his hands.
Laughs the filmmaker: "I don’t think that’s the primary motivation for my casting Aishwarya. You see, I’ve been meaning to work with her for some time. Who doesn’t want to work with Aishwarya Rai? But the vehicle has to be worthy of her presence.
"I did approach her on a few occasions earlier. Things didn’t work out. I’m glad she’s on finally."
‘Sarkar 2’ which will carry forward the story of the ‘Godfather’ – like political clan will now have Abhishek playing the messianic saviour of the downtrodden.
The Bachchan senior has confirmed that he would have comparatively less to do in the sequel to "Sarkar". But knowing Varma's passionate proclivity for the Big B's histrionics there’s bound to be more of Amitabh than it would outwardly appear possible.
"I can’t say right now how much scope the three main stars will have in ‘Sarkar 2’. But Amitji, Abhishek and Aishwarya are going to be seen in a light not cast before," revealed Varma, who has just directed Bachchan in Nishabd .
Source: Apunkachoice
This was told to a news agency none other than by director Ram Gopal Varma .
"News travels fast! Yes, it’s true Aishwarya has agreed to be a part of Sarkar 2 . We only need to work out her dates. She’ll of course play the lead opposite Abhishek," Varma confirmed.
Considering how much in the news the pair is, Varma has got quite a winning combination on his hands.
Laughs the filmmaker: "I don’t think that’s the primary motivation for my casting Aishwarya. You see, I’ve been meaning to work with her for some time. Who doesn’t want to work with Aishwarya Rai? But the vehicle has to be worthy of her presence.
"I did approach her on a few occasions earlier. Things didn’t work out. I’m glad she’s on finally."
‘Sarkar 2’ which will carry forward the story of the ‘Godfather’ – like political clan will now have Abhishek playing the messianic saviour of the downtrodden.
The Bachchan senior has confirmed that he would have comparatively less to do in the sequel to "Sarkar". But knowing Varma's passionate proclivity for the Big B's histrionics there’s bound to be more of Amitabh than it would outwardly appear possible.
"I can’t say right now how much scope the three main stars will have in ‘Sarkar 2’. But Amitji, Abhishek and Aishwarya are going to be seen in a light not cast before," revealed Varma, who has just directed Bachchan in Nishabd .
Source: Apunkachoice
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
When Aishwarya Rai hugged Vidya Balan
There is apparently no truth in rumours about cold vibes between Aishwarya Rai and Vidya Balan on the sets of Mani Ratnam’s film Guru .
Even though her role in the film is not very big, Vidya has some fond memories from the movie’s shooting. Most of her scenes in the movie are with Madhavan . Vidya has few scenes with Abhishek and only one scene with Ash in the film.
Vidya recalls the day when she shot with Ash. She recounts that before the shoot a couple of people on the set were nervous and she herself was filled with anticipation of shooting with Ash.
“I was not nervous, but slightly anxious. And then Aishwarya walked up to me and gave me a warm hug and said ‘I hope you are okay’. That gesture really got me relaxed,” Vidya says.
She adds: “Ash is dignity personified.”
About Abhishek, Vidya says he was “a livewire on the sets” and always full of fun.
‘Guru’ has Vidya playing a handicapped woman.
Abhishek plays a man who comes from a village to the city with a dream to make it big. How he realizes his dream with sheer struggle and perseverance is what the movie is about. Ash plays a woman who is married to Guru against her wishes, but she starts loving him as time passes.
The movie, directed by Mani Ratnam , hits the theatres on January 12.
Source: Apunkachoice
Even though her role in the film is not very big, Vidya has some fond memories from the movie’s shooting. Most of her scenes in the movie are with Madhavan . Vidya has few scenes with Abhishek and only one scene with Ash in the film.
Vidya recalls the day when she shot with Ash. She recounts that before the shoot a couple of people on the set were nervous and she herself was filled with anticipation of shooting with Ash.
“I was not nervous, but slightly anxious. And then Aishwarya walked up to me and gave me a warm hug and said ‘I hope you are okay’. That gesture really got me relaxed,” Vidya says.
She adds: “Ash is dignity personified.”
About Abhishek, Vidya says he was “a livewire on the sets” and always full of fun.
‘Guru’ has Vidya playing a handicapped woman.
Abhishek plays a man who comes from a village to the city with a dream to make it big. How he realizes his dream with sheer struggle and perseverance is what the movie is about. Ash plays a woman who is married to Guru against her wishes, but she starts loving him as time passes.
The movie, directed by Mani Ratnam , hits the theatres on January 12.
Source: Apunkachoice
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