Aishwarya Rai’s Argument With Mani Ratnam
Aishwarya Rai
Alright, so probably you did hear about the small argument that took place between our gorgeous, Aishwarya Rai and famous director Mani Ratnam. If you have been regular on our blog, you might have heard that Aishwarya is currently doing a Mani Ratnam film called “Ravana”. Apparently her husband, Abhishek Bachchan is also a part of this film.
So what went wrong on the sets of Ravana that led to to this argument between the two? Amazingly, this argument all started on a stupid make-up thing.
According to sources, director Mani Ratnam asked Aishwarya to put no make-up for her look in the second half of the film “Raavan” however Aishwarya refused to do so. The no make-up look was in accordance to the demand of the story, wherein, the character played by Abhishek Bachchan, abducts Aishwarya and her character undergoes a major transformation. Another source said “Mani wants to showcase her character without make-up in the second half. He believes that since she’s separated from her husband, the raw look is important to express the loss and pain she’s going through.” However it looks like Ash wanted a doze of make up every now and then. To which the source added ” There were times when Ash would sneak and put basic make-up and only then, do the shot. Mani would spot the slightest sliver of make-up and would ask her to go back and remove it.” It was evident that neither Aishwarya nor Mani Ratnam would back out on this stupid issue. Aishwarya Rai believed that basic make-up will not make much of a difference but Mani Ratnam did not agree.
I think Aishwarya Rai was right on her part and Mani Ratnam was just being stubborn. Mani called Ash as “an unprofessional actress”. Huh? That’s why he casted her again in the movie after Guru? Aishwarya Rai is 35. I’m sure you would agree that she is not as flawless beauty as she used to be few years back. And it’s simple aging factor that leaves no one at all. Now obviously a woman as beautiful as Aishwarya Rai, would not want to do a movie without make up. Basic make up, in my view should have been completely acceptable.
By The Way, i would like to add something here about Aishwarya’s professionalism. All big guns, filmmakers who have worked with Aishwarya say that she is a thorough professional. Subhash Ghai, who worked with her in Taal, says that he “still gives her example to young actresses. She is intelligent, sincere and dedicated even to details. She is the director’s perfect actor.” This is Aishwarya’s third film with Mani Ratnam and most directors she has worked with, have repeated her, including Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Rajiv Menon.
Bollywood film Industry insiders say that “why would they repeat her if she was unprofessional?” A source close to the unit of Ravana says, “Ratnam has been so impressed by Ash’s Tamil enunciation that he has decided to retain some of her Tamil dialogues in the Hindi version of the film too.” The source further says that “Ash has had the no make up look in Raincoat and Chokher Bali , thus why would she make a fuss over make up now.”
Jagmohan Mundra, who directed her in Provoked says, “Ash is underrated as an actress because of her beauty and pre-conceived prejudices. I liked her commitment and trust in me as the director. She never came to check the monitor or ask for another take once I said OK.” Samir Karnik, who directed Ash in Kyun ho Gaya Na, says that her novelty is incredible and “she is least interfering”. Says Samir, “Superb is the word for Aishwarya Rai. She is among the very few in the industry who understand everything in the very first narration. She is always eager to learn.”
Message to Mani Ratnam: Grow up man! No matter how big a director you are, you don’t ever fight with a lady that gorgeous! Also from now on, Mr. Mani Ratnam, chose your words carefully before you speak about Aishwarya Rai, next time.
