Aishwarya Rai’s shape, subject of intense debate

The shape, which Aishwarya Rai is in five months after her pregnancy, has generated unusual public interest with the Bachchan bahu coming in for some criticism for the “oodles of weight” gained by the actress, Zee News reports.

But some celebrities who have been associated with the 38-year-old Bollywood star including Designer Sabyasachi defended her, saying that like any other woman the new mother would definitely take some time to shed pregnancy weight. The trigger for the reactions came following the publication of some pictures of the former Miss World while emerging out of a party hosted by eminent industrialist Mukesh Ambani in Mumbai last week. Married to Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya gave birth to her first baby, a daughter, on November 16, 2011.

The pictures set off a buzz on the Internet and in the social media with articles, videos, blogs and tweets highlighting her “oodles of weight”, “double chin” and calling the photos of the beauty queen “shocking”. Some social media write-ups sought to suggest that the star is not taking her weight gain seriously. However, some blogs and tweets too have come out in Aishwarya`s defence with comments that the focus on her post-pregnancy weight gain was pathetic.

A video compilation of her recent photos attracted comments like: “She is a Bollywood actress and being a part of showbiz it is her duty to look good and fit. Till now she has been praised for her beauty, so it is only fair that she should also be criticized if she is not able to live up to it.

She needs to learn from people like Victoria Beckham who are back to size zero weeks after their delivery! She needs to lose that weight. It’s been close to five months already!”

On the other hand, there are many who believe that five months is not enough time to shed weight and that the comments on her figure are “harsh”.

Designer Sabyasachi, who made Aishwarya`s costumes for ‘Raavan’, said, “Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has just delivered a baby and like any other woman she would definitely take time to put off that weight.” “She`s a super celebrity and I think she is doing a commendable job by showing her real side to the media. Earlier, she was criticised for being unreal and plastic,” Sabyasachi told reporters.

Aishwarya looked a lot slimmer at the press conference conducted by the Bachchans at their residence, Jalsa, immediately after the baby`s arrival. But in recent photographs, Bollywood watchers say it seems as if she is heavier by five to six kilos. Designer Rina Dhaka says that a new mother gains weight especially when she is taking care of her baby.

“It is very difficult for a woman to shed that weight. I think the media is being very harsh on her. They are deliberately printing those photos which are taken at an angle which makes her look fat or highlights her double chin,” Rina said. Source:Daily Times Pakistan

Aishwarya in Rajni's next film

Buzz is that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will make a special appearance in the South superstar's 'Kochadaiyaan', post their sizzling chemistry in an earlier flick

There's been a lot of speculation lately about what Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's next project will be.

And now the buzz is that the new mommie may be a part of superstar Rajnikanth's next film Kochadaiyaan where she is expected to do a guest appearance.

In that case, her rumoured next with Sanjay Leela Bhansali may not be her first on-screen appearance after all, post her delivery.

Ash is said to be taking a year's sabbatical before making a comeback on the big screen.

Says a source, "There was a lot of back and forth on what project Rajnikanth would be working on, post his illness. But now he has already started work on his daughter Soundarya's film Kochadaiyaan.

Though the leading lady for the film is yet to be finalised, it was decided from the very beginning that they would request Aishwarya to do a special appearance."

Film buffs lapped up the chemistry between Ash and Rajnikanth in Robot, which incidentally was the lone hit the actress delivered in 2010. So it won't be surprising if she grabs this opportunity; to be seen beside the Boss works for her in every way.

Adds the source, "Rajni sir shares a very warm relationship with Aishwarya and there's little chance that she would say no to him.

Even during the making and promotions of Robot, it was evident that they would definitely work in a film together again.

However, now that Ash has other family and professional commitments, it seems difficult for her to devote time for a full-fledged role and hence this."

Credit: Mid-Day.com

Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan 'hid pregnancy'?

Madhur Bhandarkar has accused Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan of holding back details of her pregnancy.

The director was forced to halt filming on Heroine after her pregnancy was announced on Twitter by her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan.

Writing on his blog, Bhandarkar said: "The truth was hidden from us. We learnt about the entire thing from news channels like the rest of the world that the said actress was four months pregnant and she was due in November.

"Film making in Mumbai film industry is not a mere business but one big fraternity who functions on total faith and trust."

Bhandarkar admitted that he is devastated about the scrapped project, which was reportedly inspired by the life stories of old Hollywood heroines.

Bhandarkar revealed that he felt he had no choice but to end the shoot, which was still in the early stages.

"Cinema is a visual medium and keeping in mind the physical state of the actress, the total interpretation of the character of a diva and the story would land up in major jeopardy post 65 days of her pregnancy," he wrote in his blog.

The pregnancy has led to rumours about producers wanting to put in "no pregnancy" clauses in contracts with their stars in order to avoid filming delays and cancellations.

Aishwarya Rai pregnancy sparks clauses?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's pregnancy is reportedly making more filmmakers consider "no pregnancy" clauses in their contracts.The actress's announcement has meant that the shooting of Heroine is indefinitely on hold.

Murder 2 producer Mahesh Bhatt told Mumbai Mirror: "When the leading lady has to provide the glamour quotient and she [then becomes] another entity completely in the eyes of the consumer - from a desirable diva to a new mother - [it] serves as a body blow to producers."

However, Bhatt and fellow producers Ekta Kapoor and Vipul Shah argued that such a clause is not enforceable, saying that it should remain an "unspoken" agreement.

It was rumoured that the "dark" subject matter of the film may have made shooting it too stressful for the pregnant star, while speculation has also centred on whether she would be able to act out key scenes.The pregnancy was revealed last week by her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan, who tweeted fans with the news.

Fans to miss Shahrukh, Ash performance in IIFA

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s fans are likely to get disappointed as buzz is in the air that he may not perform at the IIFA Awards, due to his knee problem.

Fans are eagerly waiting for the superstar who was supposed to perform at the stage of the prestigious IIFA Awards after 7 years.

Shah Rukh Khan has posted a tweet stating that he is in hospital getting his knee tapped up. He is feeling awful as he is not fully fit for performing at the IIFA.

But he also told his fans that he will try and give his best. He had attended the IIFA Weekend twice in the past—in Singapore in 2004 and in Amsterdam in 2005.

King Khan had performed last at the Singapore show. The superstar has been nominated as the best actor for his character of Rizwan in My Name Is Khan who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome.

On the other hand, news is that Aishwarya Rai Bachhan is also not performing in the upcoming awards due to her pregnancy. Ash and Abhishek will not attend the grand award ceremony that is scheduled to take place from 23rd to 25th June at Toronto.

Raveena Tandon praises Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Raveena Tandon has revealed that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has wanted children for a long time.

News broke that the former Miss World and her husband Abhishek Bachchan are expecting a child when the couple were congratulated by his father Amitabh in a tweet.

Tandon tweeted from her own account: "I remember, she and me together on flights, going for concerts, chatting, long hrs (sic) away, then too she dreamed of a happy settled family life."

She added that Rai Bachchan is "a strong [Scorpio] lady" and has "moulded" her life as she wants.

Tandon recently returned to cinema, starring opposite Amitabh in Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap.

He recently complemented the 36-year old actress on her first Bollywood role in five years, describing her as having the same "gusto" as earlier in her career.

It was recently reported that Rai Bachchan will continue shooting on Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine throughout her pregnancy.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at France's Prix De Diane: Picture

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has made an appearance at the 162nd edition of the Prix De Diane in Chantilly.
The actor arrived on the French horse racing course in a carriage wearing a peach dress from the Elie Saab Spring 2011 collection.Priya Tanna, who is editor of Vogue India, said of the actor's appearance: "Aishwarya has a classic, elegant style that never overwhelms her personality. She wears clothes, not the other way around. Her sartorial choices are rarely off the mark.

"Her Elie Saab dress at the Prix De Diane perfectly compliments that famed porcelain skin and exemplifies her feminine aesthetic."Rai Bachchan was seen at Cannes wearing an outfit from the same designer. 2011 marked her tenth appearance at the French film festival.She has reportedly reduced her fee for her next project Heroine and will instead take a share of the profits from the movie.

Aishwarya Rai 'reduces asking fee'

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has cut her fee for new Hindi film project Heroine.

The actress, who launched the Madhur Bhandarkar venture at the Cannes Film Festival, will instead take a share of the profits, Mumbai Mirror reports.

A source revealed to the tabloid: "Every actor including Aishwarya Rai, Arjun Rampal and even Madhur Bhandarkar himself have slashed their fee."

Bhandarkar's earlier films Page 3 and Fashion received critical acclaim for the work of female lead actors Kangna Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra and Konkona Sen Sharma.

"It's a sensible business decision. Ash and Arjun will be sharing the profits of the film. They are confident of Heroine's prospects at the box office," added the source.

Rai Bachchan recently made her tenth appearance at Cannes.

The actor accepted the controversial role after Kareena Kapoor unexpectedly withdrew from the production.

Aishwarya, Sonam, Freida Pinto to represent India at Cannes

It will be an "Indian flavour" again at the prestigious Cannes Film festival this year with former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan representing the country for the tenth consecutive year.

Aishwarya, along with Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor and the Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto, will light up the Red Carpet for L'Oreal Paris at the Cannes Film Festival to be held from May 11-22.

It is for the first time that L'Oreal Paris will have three spokeswomen representing India at Cannes, a testimony to India's growing influence on the world stage.

Making the announcement, Vismay Sharma, Director, Consumer Products Division, L'Oreal India, said, "On the eve of the Cannes Film Festival, we are delighted and proud to have Aishwarya, Sonam and Freida representing India and L'Oreal Paris at Cannes. They represent the diversity that is India and are sure to be the epicentre of attraction at the festival." Aishwarya, who celebrates a decade of representing L'Oreal Paris at Cannes, will like previous years walk the red carpet on May 11 for the opening ceremony and attend the Opening Gala cocktail and dinner while attending various events at Cannes the next day.

On walking the Red Carpet at Cannes, Aishwarya, one of the best known faces of Indian cinema globally, said, "Being at Cannes for L'Oreal Paris has been an absolute pleasure and to experience this for the tenth consecutive year has been quite overwhelming. I thank the L'Oreal Paris team and the Cannes Film Festival for inviting me every year to represent India at one of the most glamorous red carpets on the world platform, celebrating cinema, showbiz, beauty, diversity and excellence.

Several countries have always had more than one L'Oreal Paris spokeswoman at Cannes and I'm glad India is finally getting the same recognition. I am happy that with Sonam and Freida, both beautiful women, being invited to the festival this year, India will have a stronger presence, which is a clear sign of the growing importance of the country."

Bachchan to tattoo Aishwarya’s name

MUMBAI: It looks like Abhishek Bachchan is off on the path made by Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan. Apparently, the actor has planned to express the love for his wife, Aishwarya by tattoeing her name on his wrist.Abhishek is planning to ink Aishwarya’s name permanently on his body but he is confused about the design.

Abhishek Bachchan revealed his desire to ink Aishwarya’s tattoo during the promotional event of ‘Dum Maro Dum'. He said that he wanted to express his love for Ash by flaunting a tattoo.

Aishwarya Rai 'rejected Dum Maaro Dum'

Aishwarya Rai is reported to have been the first choice to play Abhishek Bachchan's wife in Dum Maaro Dum.

The actress and real-life wife of Bachchan was approached to play the role, which later went to Vidya Balan.
According to a source for Mumbai Mirror: "Vidya has a very significant cameo in the film, but she was definitely not the first choice to play Abhishek's wife. Rohan Sippy and producer Fox Star Studios wanted Aishwarya but somehow things didn't work out."

When the tabloid questioned director Sippy on his casting of the part, the filmmaker refused to confirm media reports alleging Rai as his initial choice.

"Vidya was gracious enough to do my film," responded Sippy.

The husband and wife acting duo were last seen on screen in 2010's commercially under-performing Ravaan.

Aishwarya Rai to walk Cannes red carpet

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is reported to be walking the red carpet at Cannes this year.

The Guzaarish star will make her tenth appearance at the 64th Cannes Film Festival, Mumbai Mirror reports.
Despite the presence of the Indian celebrity, no Bollywood film will be screened at the event.

Director Onir commented to the tabloid: "Being at Cannes can be used to open up the reach of the film to non-Bollywood world cinema audience and also markets where Indian films have still not reached."

India, the largest producer of films globally, last year screened the offbeat release Udaan at the festival.

Dev D filmmaker Anurag Kashyap stated that competing at an international level is a challenge.

"It takes a good film to be at a prestigious festival like Cannes," said Kashyap. "We had a film but it was not ready so we didn't send it. But seeing the films in the lineup the competition would have been very tough."

Rai Bachchan ran into controversy last year after allegedly refusing to appear with Sonam Kapoor on the red carpet.

Hugh Jackman, Aishwarya Rai bag top honours at FICCI-Frames

The 12th edition of the three day FICCI-Frames conclave concluded Friday with Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai bagging the top awards.

FICCI Frames Excellence International Honour was awarded to Jackman, who is best known for his role as Wolverine in the "X-Men" series. The actor is also famed for his versatile style of acting and his rugged on-screen roles in films such as "Kate and Leopold", "Van Helsing", "The Prestige" and" Australia".

Aishwarya was honoured with the Decade of Global Achievement award for her contribution to Hindi cinema. Vidya Balan bagged the best actress award for her performance in "Ishqiya" and Shah Rukh Khan was honoured with the best actor award for "My Name Is Khan".

A film that has sky rocketed at the box office, breaking all records in collections, "Dabangg" also scored two awards at FICCI - Best Film of the Year and Best Music of the Year Award. It also fetched its heroine, Sonakshi Sinha, the award in the the Best Debutant (Female) Category.

"Band Baaja Baaraat" was another film that made a mark at the box office delivering the Best Debutant award - Male to Ranveer Singh for his acting and the Best Director Debut to Maneesh Sharma.

"The entertainment industry in India is booming along with business excellence and we are happy to recognise such levels of talent in both fields. We take pride in honouring best performers for their contributions in their area of work," said Yash Chopra, Chairman, FICCI Entertainment Committee.

Another highlight of the evening was the impromptu gig between Vidya, Shah Rukh and Jackman where the three shook a leg together on stage, entertaining the audience.

Other awards were:

Best TV Series - Non-Fiction - Indian Idol 5 (Fremantle Media, SET and Wizcraft Television)
Best TV Series - Fiction - Pavitra Rishta - Balaji Telefilms
Best TV Actor - Male - Sushant Singh Rajput in Pavitra Rishta (Zee TV)
Best TV Actor - Female - Rashmi Desai in Uttran (Colors)
Best General Entertainment Channel - STAR PLUS
Best Radio Channel - Radio Mirchi
Best Director - Karan Johar (My Name is Khan)

Aishwarya to honour Hugh Jackman

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai will present a memento to Hollywood star Hugh Jackman at the FICCI-FRAMES 2011 annual convention on the business aspects of the entertainment and media industry here March 23-25.

The 37-year-old star will honour Jackman on the final day of the event, a press statement said.

Aishwarya, an internationally known actress, was asked by FICCI and its entertainment committee's co-chair, filmmaker Karan Johar, to attend the function and present Jackman with a memento of appreciation.

Jackman, 42, has played a variety of roles in Hollywood and is well known for his role as Wolverine in the popular "X Men" series.

Aishwarya Rai honours acheivers of Lavasa Women's Drive 2011

Actress Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan presented awards to winners of the third Lavasa Women's Drive 2011, a car rally that promotes solidarity and creation of social awareness among women.

She honoured recovering cancer patients and other acheivers at a glittering ceremony here last evening.

The Lavasa Women's Drive was about celebration of the different aspects of life with strength, belief and conviction, along with keeping the faith, Ms Rai-Bachchan said.

"Diseases like cancer should not be feared, and the ceremony has been a humbling experience. They (patients) have been an inspiration for their sheer courage to wake up everyday and conquer cancer," she said.

She further said Indian women need to undertake regular tests for cancer.

"Living the life of a celebrity is one filled with moments of joy and pride on a daily basis. I believe in celebrating the gift of life on a daily basis and sharing it with somebody," she added.

Aishwarya honours breast cancer fighter

Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan presented special awards to the winners of the Lavasa Women’s Drive at a glittering ceremony here on Friday night.

It was an emotional moment when she handed out a special award to Anisha Oberoi for her continual fight against breast cancer and to Dr. K. Dinshaw, Director of TATA Memorial Hospital for her exemplary work in cancer research.

The third edition of the Lavasa Women’s Drive culminated with a glamorous award night on Friday at The Hyatt Regency.


Lavasa Women’s Drive (LWD) is an all women drive which is an expression of solidarity to unite various social causes and create awareness through friendships and achievements.

After concluding events comprising of the LWD anthem launch and the Mumbai and Pune flag offs, the award night was a celebration to set the momentum for International Womens Day.


Anuradha Paraskar, Sr. Vice President – Marketing, Lavasa Corporation Ltd played a perfect host as she welcomed the participants and briefed them on the agenda for the evening.

Celebrities such as Jackky Bhagnani and his co-star Pooja Gupta handed over a few awards and also spoke about their upcoming film while the suave Arjan Bajwa and Adnam Sami greeted winners.


Bharati of Comedy Circus fame had participants in splits with her performance. Alque Padamsee, Malvika Sanghavi and Suresh Bhojwani paid a visit.

“The third edition of the Lavasa Women’s Drive was a whopping success. The passionate involvement of all the participants was exemplary,” said Paraskar.

Whilst at Lavasa, not only did they all enjoy the events but in fact many cancer survivors came forth and shared their experiences urging all women to be careful and prevent cancer. Lavasa is proud to own this unique concept which is fun filled yet compassionate in nature and looks forward to making it better and better over the years!” said Paraskar.

The participants won awards in various categories including awards for Best Message, Best Dressed, Most Popular Team, Most Spirited Team, and High on Anthem Award etc.

Singer Shweta Pandit mesmerized audience with her rendition of latest bollywood numbers. Her spirited performance had women dancing till wee hours.

In short it was an evening to remember for all the participants who braved the ghats of Sahyadri to reach Lavasa to create awareness about various causes including women’s cancer.

Aishwarya Rai once again on Vogue cover

Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai has made it to the cover of Vogue for the third time, sporting an all black feathered look. The magazine carries interesting tidbits on the former beauty queen from 10 men who know her well.

The magazine has spoken to people including Ash's husband Abhishek Bachchan, designer Manish Malhotra, director Ashutosh Gowariker and ace make-up artist Mickey Contractor, said a statement.

Abhishek shared the memories of his first meeting with Ash saying: "The first time I met Aishwarya was in August 1997. I was on a recce for my father's film 'Mrityudata' in Switzerland and she was shooting her first film 'Aur Pyar Ho Gaya' with my dear friend Bobby Deol. I remember one evening Bobby invited me over to his hotel for dinner and Aishwarya and the rest of the unit were there. That was the first time I actually met her."

"If you ask her, she will tell you the same thing - that the minute we came together, we both knew that this was something for keeps. So, there wasn't just this 'one' defining moment, it always felt perfect," he added.

Others too have shared similar interesting episodes related to the beauty queen.

Anaita Shroff Adajania, the fashion director for Vogue India magazine, has styled her for the shoot.

Longoria 'finalizes divorce from Parker'

Eva Longoria is officially divorced from basketball player Tony Parker.

According to In Touch Weekly, Longoria finalized her divorce on January 28.

"The divorce documents will come through today, she is happy and moving forward with her life," said a friend of Longoria's on Friday.

Longoria and Parker were married for three years. They split in November amid reports that Parker had cheated on Longoria.

 However, Parker still denies that any infidelity occurred.

L'Oreal clears air on Aishwarya Rai -replacement

Cosmetic major L'Oreal Paris on Saturday said reports on actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being replaced as the face of L'Oreal Paris due to her not being a part of their New Year commercial, are 'untrue'.

"We are shocked and surprised to read in some sections of the media/press about Ms. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being replaced as the face of L'Oreal Paris," said an official statement on Saturday.

"L'Oreal Paris strongly reiterates that this is absolutely untrue and that Ms. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continues to be our valued spokesperson, as she has since 2000. While she remains an integral part of the L'Oreal Paris world wide Dream Team, she was unfortunately unavailable for our New Year commercial shoot due to prior commitments."

"She is one of the most iconic women of our times and is certainly the face of L'Oreal Paris internationally and in India for a range of products which include campaigns for Total Repair 5, Excellence Crème, Color Riche, Hydrafresh," read the statement.

According to reports, Ash was replaced by 'Slumdog Millionaire' actor Freida Pinto after the former Miss World refused to be a part of L'Oreal's 'Happy New Year 2011' campaign.

Aishwarya Rai to sue Elle magazine cover 'skin-whitening' scandal

Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is fuming over Elle magazine cover 'skin-whitening' scandal, reveal her pals.

Fans of the actress were left stunned last week after her skin appeared to have been digitally lightened on the cover of the magazine's new issue.

According to friends, the 37-year-old Bollywood star, who is widely believed to be the world''s most beautiful woman, is said to be considering suing the Indian version of the title over what has been deemed ''racist airbrushing''.

The actress herself has not commented on the situation, but friends of the 'Bride and Prejudice' star have said she is ''furious''.

"Aishwarya''s first reaction was disbelief," the Daily Mail quoted one of herpal as saying.

"She believed that these things don''t happen anymore. Not in this day and age when women are recognised for their merit, and not for the colour of their skin.

"She is currently verifying this skin-whitening allegation. If there is any proof of this, she might even take action," the pal said.

"She is clearly the global face of the contemporary Indian woman. The last thing she''d want is to have a global image coloured by a racial suggestion," another pal added.

Neither Elle magazine or Mrs Bachan were available for comment today.

The actress, a former Miss World who is married to fellow actor Abhishek Bachchan, is thought to be too preoccupied by her father, who is ill, to look into the matter further.