Aishwarya Rai

Alas! But it’s true. the so much anticipated Mani Ratnam’s movie “Raavan” was a major flop. It’s true that the movie was one of the most talked about film for Bollywood in 2010. But i guess this over-hype spoiled the fun and raised the fans expectation from the movie. Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, although one of the most loved couples and big stars, failed to weave their magic in the movie.

I, for one, know that the “Raavan” stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Abhishek Bachchan had worked their ass off for this film. They cancelled so many meetings, appointments and what not, so that they can give their 100 percent for the film. Despite the music guru A.R. Rahman magic and the awesome direction of Mani Ratnam, the movie failed to do well at Box Office or anywhere in world. If i had to blame one thing for the failure, i would say that it has to be the extra gimmicks and promotional crap that every crew member of “Raavana” had been doing for past 2-3 months. No doubt such gimmicks bring attention to a wide audience but when over-done, it also brings high expectations. Anyhow, i feel bad for the couple Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan. I know how heart broken they must have been to see the film do almost no business at all.

Such was the disappointment that an outraged fan lashes out his fury as he spits, “Abhishek is just not cut out for films. He is absolutely wooden. His movements are stiff, his face expressionless, his dialogue delivery flat. Not to mention his inability to dance or fight. He is neither goodlooking. Just being six feet tall doesn’t necessarily make one handsome. If not for his parents, Abhishek would have been working as a salesman in some merchant company, doing the rounds of Mumbai from morning to evening. Before he was getting films because of his father, now because of his wife. It is high time that such ‘ZERO-HEROES’ like him are completely thrown out of the film industry.” Oooomph! That was a little harsh i guess, blaming Abhishek for the failure. When a movie is not good, the whole cast and crew are responsible for it. It’s not right to play the blame game.

Amazingly, Reliance opened the film “Raavan” in some 2200 screens in 35 countries. That was a pretty big launch indeed. I am not sure how much the movie raked in, but many a movie halls claim that they didn’t see any house fulls after the first weekend. In fact at many halls, the movie didn’t even make it past the first week. I don’t know if these are rumors or not but i guess that’s what happened considering how much disappointed people really are.

I am pretty sure about one thing though. Aishwarya Rai is a beautiful talented actress. Abhishek Bachchan perhaps not as good as Aishwarya, but he still is in the top actors of the country. Mani Ratnam is a fantastic director as well. A.R. Rahman is a magician with music. So am pretty sure they all will strike back. It’s just one movie at the end of the day. They all will forget about it soon enough. But this definitely is the last time we heard about “Raavan”. I don’t think any “sequel” or “alternate ending” will be planned. Goodbye “Raavan”

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai has been shooting in forests of India for the upcoming movie “Raavan”. Shooting in such natural scenarios is never easy for any person, whether they be an actor or an actress or even there body double/stunt man. Anyways, let’s not drift off from the topic. I just wanted to create the environment where you understand “how difficult acting in forests” is!

Like the whole world, South Indian star Vikram is all smitten by co star Aishwarya Rai. Seriously, who isn’t? Aishwarya Rai plays the demure and vulnerable role based on Sita in both the Hindi and Tamil versions of the movie “Raavan” and she plays her character with grace and effortlessness. Vikram sums it up beautifully as he cites, “It’s strange that every Miss World and Miss Universe enters movies. But who has had the lingering impact of Aishwarya’s? She has some kind of an enduring aura. Over the years she has really evolved as an actor.”

Vikram recounts how Ash endured wounds, insect bites, fever and agonising pain in the rough terrain of the Indian forests. Despite her feebleness, she refused to take the help of any body double. Aishwarya Rai’s double whammy: Vikram further showers praise on the former Miss World and quips, “I had to do two characters. But she had to play the same character twice, in two languages, one after another. For example, if she had to climb a rock with me, she’d do it climb down and then do it again with Abhishek.”

Vikram also said “Overall, the filming of Raavan was very tough as the locations were deep inside the wilderness where it wasn’t, at times, possible to drive. It was like going to war. The terrain was so treacherous. Every scene was risky. If it wasn’t raining we were near waterfalls so always wet and susceptible to fall ill.”

Ofcourse Vikram was impressed a lot by Aishwarya Rai. But when it came to dancing, he had just one thing to say. He recalls how good a dancer she is. He hails her dancing skills to be as good, if not better, than the legendary Madhuri Dixit. Speaking of the experience in Raavan, he says. “It was really nice to see her dance. I just forgot my own steps and kept staring.”

Well, i think he just became one of the many million fans that Aishwarya Rai already has. Yeah, it’s easy to express your feelings when you already are star but i still am a bigger fan of Aishwarya’s than guys like Vikram would ever be. He he he he! Anyways, keep visiting our website AishwaryaWeb.com for regular news, updates on Aishwarya Rai. Your feedbacks and comments are always welcome!

Aishwarya Abhishek

Last year both were busy shooting for movies. Abhishek was in Miami shooting for the movie “Dostana” and Ash surprised him by paying him a visit on the sets, on their anniversary. But of course they did not get too much time for themselves.

This year also, both were busy shooting for Mani Ratnam’s “Raavan” and the kinda of professionals both Ash-Abhi are, they refused to take some time off from the shoot, even when Mani Ratnam insisted. Few days back Aishwarya Rai was bruised on the sets of Raavan. And so i am guessing this made the couple change their mind and they headed off to an undisclosed location, most probably somewhere in US, for their second honeymoon.

Abhishek’s father Amitabh Bachchan on his blog, said that the couple was taking a flight to New York. Some other source close to the couple said, “The two have gone to an undisclosed destination and will be back in time for the music release of Raavan on April 24.”

Abhishek Bachchan too posted on his Twitter page: “It’s Houdini time again. Have managed to abduct the wife. See you all soon.”

According to another source, the duo have been planning this holiday so that they could spend some time together after keeping busy with their respective shooting schedules.

Last year, the actors took out time for a week-long vacation while they were shooting for Mani Ratnam’s Raavan, which is among their most awaited films this year.

The couple got married in 2007 in a grand wedding ceremony at Bachchan’s residence Prateeksha in Mumbai. Just for your information

Use comments feature to wish Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan, a happy wedding anniversary!!!

Aishwarya Rai

But now she has been recovered and was on a full-day photo shoot on Friday with the actor Akshay Kumar at Film City, for Vipul Shah‘s Action Replayy.

Aishwarya Rai was advised by doctors to take complete bed rest. Apparently, she was suffering from sore throat as well as body pain. So she took rest for a few days, she went to visit Abhishek’s maternal grandmother in Bhopal for her 80th birthday and now she returns back to work. All we can say is that we’re glad she is healthy and fine and back to work

Remember how few days back, her illness raised some questions and rumors came up about Aishwarya having stomach tuberculosis and how it’s effecting her chances of getting pregnant. Well what a crap that was. Seriously..very shameful. But am glad that her hubby, Abhishek Bachchan and her father-in-law, actor Amitabh Bachchan stood with her in those times and showed the world who the real men are. They accused the tabloid for involving in such an irresponsible journalism. Remembering the song now “Stand By My Woman..”.

Aishwarya Rai

The “Bachchan bahu”, accompanied by her mother, attended the function with a white designer sari, and was showered praises by all dignitaries who spoke at the event. When the Tamil filmmaker requested her to release the album of his other production, Rettai Suzhi, she readily agreed.

R Parthiban even read out a poem in praise of Aishwarya. The audio was launched by Aishwarya, who gave the first copy to Vairamuthu. Two songs and trailer were screened for the full-house crowd, which, Aishwarya said, impressed her a lot. “I saw the trailer and songs and think that the film will be a complete entertainer for family watching. Shankar sir is a genius. I enjoyed working with him in ‘Jeans’ and in ‘Endhiran’ movie”.

The film is directed by Thamira, K Balachander’s protege. Aishwarya’s connection with the Tamil film industry started 12 years ago when she made her debut in Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar. She has also acted in a double role in Shankar’s Jeans. “In many ways, Jeans was the reason where I am now. It taught me a lot technically,” she said.

She has also acted in Rajeev Menon’s Kandu Kondein Kandu Kondein besides Mani Ratnam’s bilinguals Guru and the latest Ravan.

Shankar’s Enthiran in which she is paired opposite the Tamil super star is touted as the costliest film ever made in India.

Those who had attended the function include veterans Bharathiraja and Balachander, the lead actors of the film, director Thamira, music director Karthik Raja, Rama Nnarayanan, V C Guhanathan, Abhirami Ramanthan, Hansraj Saxena, directors Sasi, Lingusamy and Ameer.

Aishwarya Rai

Sources reveal that the lady is boycotting the award ceremony because the function is associated with the mother company of that same tabloid magazine. The actress was reportedly offered a whopping Rs 85 lakhs for a dance performance. “Main nahi nachhungi (I won’t dance) no matter how strong the lure of lucre”. That’s the message Ash seems to be sending. Aishwarya, who rarely dances at events after her marriage, did agree to this particular function after a lot of consideration. But the moment she came to know that the particular tabloid was involved with the function, she backed out.

Ash is demanding an apology from the tabloid and the whole Bachchan parivar is with her, supporting this decision. She has even mailed the tabloid about the slanderous report and asked for an apology, Abhishek had blasted the daily on Twitter. Even Big B had lambasted the report asking the concerned people for due apology. But no apology has come from the tabloid till now.

It’s not nice to see Angry Aishwarya Rai because she is a doll and not meant to be angry young woman. But i guess the tabloid made a big mistake which they should have realized and apologized for. So hoping some minds at tabloid are mature enough to realize their mistake.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan is deeply angered over a latest media report that Aishwarya Rai, his daughter-in-law and wife of son Abhishek Bachchan, can’t have a baby right now because she’s suffering from stomach tuberculosis. Amitabh referred to the Mumbai mirror story as “completely false, completely fabricated, unsubstantiated, insensitive and of the lowest quality of journalism there ever was.” An understandably pained Amitabh Bachchan added, “I am too incensed and angered by the contents above !! Not a single portion of the article is true !! I have much to comment upon on this, but shall hold on till another day. For the moment I have only this to say. I am the head of my family. Aishwarya is not my daughter – in – law, she is my daughter, a woman, a lady in my house and home. If anyone will speak derogatorily about her, I shall fight for her till my last breath. If you have something to say to the men in the house, Abhishek or me, I shall bear it. But .. if you shall make injudicious remarks on the women in my home, I shall not tolerate it !!!”

Abhishek Bachchan had some similar sentiments on his twitter account. He said “The article is disgusting and appalling! As a husband and a man i’m shocked that one can talk so irresponsibly about a woman, that too FALSELY!! on a personal note, as a husband i will not stand for such rubbish being written about my wife.”
He added “i have never reacted to all the fabricated stories written by the media about me and my own. BUT THIS IS THE LIMIT!!!”
“You want to write and malign me or my father i will take it. but the ladies of my home are off limits! they’ve gone too far this time.”

You know, it’s good to see someone going this far to protect the people they love. I’m really happy for the Bachchan parivar. And at the same time shame on the journalist who went this far to sell few copies of their newsline. What a shame!!!!

Anyways, we, the true fans of Aishwarya are really glad and relieved that Aishwarya Rai is perfectly fine and hope she continues to do well in all aspects of her life.

Aishwarya Rai

A Decade ago, On July 26th, 1999, India won Kargil war, an event which holds a special place in every Indian’s heart. Aishwarya Rai‘s hubby Abhishek Bachchan covered an extra mile and paid a visit to the soldiers who in the most difficult situation are standing strong and protecting our country from the enemies. On 26th July 2009, Abhishek Bachchan pauid a visit to some war zones at Kargil and Drass. He met lot of Indian soldiers there in and had long chats with them. Surely his presence made many soldiers happy. But this wasn’t all. Abhishek Bachchan carried with him “Gajar Ka Halwa” (An Indian Dessets made from carrots) and “Aam Ras” (Another Indian Dessert made from mango fruit). These two delicacies were prepared by none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan. Ahhh! I can’t even begin to think how happy that would have made our soldiers!

Obviously, whole of India paid homage to the martyrs of the Kargil war this sunday, but the Bachchan’s gesture of showing true support was fabulous. Abhishek Bachchan along with media channel NDTV remembered the sacrifice of the Jawans who gave their life for India in the Kargil war 10 years back. Abhishek also recited a beautiful poem titled “Agnipath” to the soldiers. The poem was composed by Abhishek’s grandfather, Mr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan, who was one of the best poets that India ever had. And when the whole Bachchan parivar is contributing, how can Amitabh Bachchan be left out. Big B left a special message for the brave soldiers which Abhishek read out when he was in Kargil. I’m so sure this would have been so much appreciated by the brave soldiers posted in Kargil and Drass!

As a true Indian, i think it’s our duty to respect our country and salute the brave soldiers that protect it from our enemies. I salute all the brave Indian soldiers who are fighting our enemies and protecting our country at all times. God bless you all!

Alright, so here are few more pics from the 2009 International Indian Film Academy Awards that took place on June 11th’2009 and went on till June 13th’2009 at Macau, China.

Aishwarya Rai will be soon off to The Royal Ascot Race Event at Ascot, United Kingdom. It’s a great British occasion and i am guessing Aishwarya’s new found taste in great clothing will make her the most talked celebrity at the event. Fingers crossed!

I have been to Macau very recently and it is a beautiful place and surely a great venue. Of course with presence of ever so gorgeous Aishwarya Rai, the city of Macau must have been the best place to be in, on June 11th’2009. The IIFA awards 2009 journey continued up to 13th June when the major award ceremony function took place.

Aishwarya Rai walked the green carpet at IIFA awards 2009 in exuded style in a grey silk frock with mock neck ruched bodice and structured pleated skirt. She accessorized with black peep toe heels, diamond drop earrings, a gold bangle in her left arm, a black strap watch in her right arm and a glittery silver clutch. Her medium brown hair, styled in loose curls, draped her shoulders. Her makeup included glossy pink lipstick, golden eye shadow and lots of mascara. She really looked very pretty that night. Oh i could die to catch a glimpse of her!

Day one saw Madame Tussauds wax replica of Amitabh Bachchan at the Venetian Macao Hotel Resort which was sent by Madame Tussauds Hong Kong to honor the IIFA brand ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan. Aishwarya and Abhishek joined Amitabh on stage to be photographed with the replica. Let’s have a look at some of the pics from the green carpet and the replica photos…shall we?

Amitabh Bachchan inaugurated the 10th edition of the prestigious event by planting a lotus flower, the official flower of both India and Macau. I never knew about this similarity between the two. So some general knowledge passed on via entertainment. Amitabh mentioned about the attention brought to India by the Oscar-winning British movie “Slumdog Millionaire“. He added that India has as much talented people as found in other parts of the world. Indian creativity is in no way less than creativity from any other part of the world. He believes that there are many other stories and ideas which needed to be explored. One the stars of “Slumdog Millionaire”, Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala said that Indian films are more dramatic and express themselves with more color than the Hollywood films. Ashutosh played the role of Slaim in Danny Boyle‘s tale of rags to riches.

Okay, Day three, June 13th’ 2009. It is time for the award function night. Guess what, Aishwarya Rai won two achievements award that night. Oh man, these were no small awards in fact they were even bigger than actress of the year of award. Aishwarya won the “Golden Decade” award for her memorable performances in the past 10 years, beating off competition from Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. In other words, she was named as the “Star of the Decade“. Along with her, Shahrukh Khan was named as the “Actor of the Decade” which i guess he really deserved.

The second award that Aishwarya received is called “Outstanding Contribution by Indians in International Cinema“. It is a newly introduced award category this year. Aishwarya’s work in “Pink Panther 2” and “Provoked” has got her rolling in Hollywood tinsel town. She is the most talked about celebrity world over from Bollywood. Aishwarya shot to global recognition with few international projects recently and am sure many more projects will follow. Apart from Aishwarya, another recipient of this prestigious award will be our Oscar award winner music composer guru, A.R. Rehman. Nobody has forgotten his work in the big movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Of course, we Indians know him well, since long for his other masterful work in previous movies.

By the way, Abhishek Bachchan also win an IIFA this year. He took the “Best Comedian” award for the gay themed movie “Dostana“. With his acting skills and his new matured looks, i do hope that we will see him in the Best Actor category next year around. Of course Mani Ratnam’s “Raavan” will give him that platform this year.

Alright, so this was great IIFA awards for Aishwarya Rai and am really happy for her. Hope the trend continue in years to come and she wins more and more awards.