'People are going to laugh when I speak Hindi'

In his upcoming bilingual film, Raavan in Hindi and Raavanan in Tamil, renowned director Mani Ratnam has put the skills of National Film Award-winner actor Vikram to the ultimate test!

In the Hindi version, Vikram stars as Dev, alongside Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (as Ragini) and Abhishek Bachchan (as Beera).

But in the Tamil version, Vikram plays Beera, the part played by Abhishek in the Hindi version! Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stays on as Ragini while Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Dev.

Confused yet?

Imagine how difficult a task it must have been for Vikram, to play two distinct and different roles. Even more challenging? The films were shot simultaneously, forcing Vikram to constantly change his clothes, make-up, body language and mannerisms.

The iconic Tamil actor described this unique experience to rediff.com's Patcy N. Excerpts:

Was it difficult to dub in two languages Tamil and Hindi, considering you are not fluent in Hindi?

It was difficult, but I think I was lucky that I had to do Beera in Tamil. Beera is more volatile. If I had to do Beera in Hindi, it would have been more difficult. Dev is quite cool and very focused. He does not go ballistic, so it was quite easy. And I always had Mani sir's help.

Article on Aishwarya is 'slander' says Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan today defended his decision to boycott the Filmfare awards, where he was adjudged best actor for his role in 'Paa', saying he did it to protest against the "slanderous" media report about his daughter-in-law Aishwarya.

"The article was indecent and any man in the world must oppose if such an obscene article is written about a woman in his family," the 68-year-old actor said on his blog.

The veteran movie star termed the article in a city-based tabloid, as "slanderous".

Lambasting the report Bachchan said "the modesty of a lady in my house was slandered...the article slandered Aishwarya, so it was very difficult to participate in a function organised by the same media house."

No women would like her personal issues such as fertility or motherhood being discussed in this manner, he added.

An article published last week claimed Aishwarya, married to Amitabh's son Abhishek was suffering from stomach tuberculosis and this might be the reason that she had not yet conceived.

Amitabh demanded a public apology from the media house and since this did not take place, the entire Bachchan parivar boycotted the Filmfare award ceremony organised by the same group yesterday.

Even Aishwarya, who was to perform at the awards, pulled out from the event and the Bachchans have served a legal notice to the newspaper.

"For the moment... that despite a few personal apologies from the management and owners, no public apology has taken place. You cannot abuse me in public and then come and say sorry to me in private," he wrote on his blog.

(Source: PTI)

Bollywood's heroines get hotter!

The focus of this picture is Aishwarya's face. Aishwarya is known for her soft, bright and happy pictures. So we wanted to try something different for her. We thought of a grungy, dark look with attitude.

You cannot go wrong with Aishwarya when you're shooting her. She knows her angles. She gets involved in whatever she does and gives inputs. She is very impromptu and natural.

This picture took three hours to shoot.

Abhishek gives Aishwarya the perfect Diwali gift

As it was in the news a couple of days ago that to rejuvenate herself from the hectic shoot of Raavana, Aishwarya took a day off and has visited an uber exclusive spa centre in Mumbai which is famous for the natural use of products.

Our khabroo did a lot of probing and has found out that Ash got herself pampered with some of the rare beauty oils...which made her skin so beautiful and luminous? So that seems to be the latest beauty mantra one the most beautiful women of the world, apni Ash...

Well, after learning about his wife's latest pet passion-‘Beauty Oils’ Abhi bhaiyya decided to do something different this Diwali for his loving wife and has gifted her a real exotic beauty oil gift hamper specially orders and flown in from an unknown location, which has some rare and wonderful beauty oils like Patchouli oils, Granium oil and Orange Oil, which is Ash’s favorite...

Rani takes what Madhuri and Aishwarya leaves!

Her film career may have taken a backseat but the dazzling lady of Bollywood Rani Mukherji is now gearing up to step her foot in the rapidly growing Television industry. And that too with a reality show - Dance Premier League (DPL).

As per the latest reports doing the rounds, actress Rani Mukherji has been confirmed as the second judge of the show alongside ace choreographer Shiamak Davar. Initially, the 2 showstealers of Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan were being considered as judges, but as the 2 beauties backed out Rani came in the picture. Rani is also elated to be a part of this mega show which goes on air from 9th October

Dance Premier League is a unique format where teams from all zones of India - North, West, East, Central, South and even one team of NRIs' will compete in a league format to emerge as the Champion Zone of the country.
Every team will have a unique logo, brand ambassador, cheer-leaders and slogan.

Eijaz Khan will be hosting the audition episodes of the show along with Sara Khan (Tell soap fame). While the gala round which begins much later will have a different male host.

Each zone will have a brand ambassador who will announce the names of the finalists of their zones. While Salman Khan will be seen rooting for the North zone, Bipasha Basu for East and Arshad Warsi for South. Its being said that Bollywood baadshah Shah Rukh Khan and actress Kajol have been approached for the NRI zone along with Katrina Kaif though she is may back out.

The production house is also in talks with Preity Zinta and Kareena Kapoor for Central and West zones respectively.

Hrithik-Aishwarya to learn Portuguese for ‘Guzaarish’

Mumbai: Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his perfectionism and so are Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, so what exactly do you expect when there is unison of three perfectionists? Well, nothing but an ideal film and that’s exactly what the trio is wanting to make.

According to reports, Bhansali is leaving no stone unturned to make his forthcoming flick ‘Guzaarish’ as authentic as possible. Sources reveal that certain portions of the flick will have the lead actors talking in Portuguese and hence, Hrithik and Ash have already hired Portuguese language experts who will help them with the accent and dialect for their respective roles.

‘Guzaarish’, is said to set in the old Goan period, where people spoke Portuguese. “The sets of the film reflect Portuguese architecture and style. Also Bhansali has got Sabyasachi to work on the lead actress`s clothes”, says a source.

Well, going by the authenticity of Bhansali’s ‘Khamoshi’ that had every still reminding us of picturesque Goa, one can only guess how Portuguese ‘Guzaarish’ will be!

Ashutosh knew about my packed schedule, didn't offer me his next: Ash

New Delhi, Oct 7 Aishwarya Rai has refuted rumours that she was to play the female lead opposite her husband Abhishek Bachchan in Ashutosh Gowariker's next 'Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se'. The actress says that the director knew about her packed scheduled and the discussion never took place.

Recent media reports suggested that Aishwarya was to play the lead role before Asin was finalised for the film opposite actor Abhishek. But both - the actress and filmmaker - deny it.

'I don't have the dates right now as my schedule diary is super packed. This film ('Khelein Hum...') starts next month. So there never was that possibility,' Aishwarya, who played Rajput princess Jodhabai in Gowariker's historical epic 'Jodhaa Akbar', told Xboard.

'And since Ashu (Ashutosh Gowariker) is a close friend and his main lead is my husband, they obviously knew it. So the discussion didn't even arise,' she added.

Gowariker confirmed it saying: 'I had not approached her (Aishwarya) for 'Khelein Hum...'. Aishwarya, for me, belongs to a fairytale. She is a quintessential princess and by far one of the finest actresses we have.

'But we need to plan things in advance. She is extremely professional and hence I would never like to upset her schedules in any way. I'm very happy with the coming together of Abhishek and Asin.'

'Khelein Hum...' will feature Abhishek as freedom fighter Surya Sen, who was the chief architect of anti-British freedom movement in Chittagong, now in Bangladesh.

This will be Gowariker's second period film after 'Lagaan'.

Bhansali being paid more than Hrithik-Aish for Guzaarish?

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is said to have been paid more money for Guzaarish than the film’s lead pair Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan put together. Shocked? Well if our sources within the film’s production house, UTV is to be believed then it is true! Our sources reveal, “The Saawariya maker has been paid a whopping Rs. 35 crore for Guzaarish. But well its not just for his direction. Bhansali has been associated with the project in the capacity of a director, writer and the music director. Hrithik and Aish have been paid their market price which goes on to add another Rs. 15 crore added to that the rest cost of making has made the complete budget of the film a huge Rs. 80 crore.” A trade pundit quotes, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali may be a filmmaker but he is not less than a big star himself. He has got an exceptional script on hand with Guzaarish and its definately worth every penny that he has been paid for. His last film, Saawariya may have not emerged a big hit but he is damn sure to strike back big with this one.”

Aishwarya happy with two mega southern projects

Chennai, Aug 4 Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai is elated over bagging the main leads in two mega south Indian projects - Mani Ratnam's 'Ravan' and Shankar's 'Endhiran'.

'Shankar had approached me previously to work with him, but it never materialised. Finally, everything landed in place and here we are working together after 10 years,' said Aishwarya on the sets of 'Ravan'.

Tamil superstar Rajinikant, who is playing the male lead in 'Endhiran', was also very keen to work with Aishwarya and had tried to sign her for his earlier ventures - 'Padaiyappa' and 'Chandramukhi', but the actress could not spare the dates.

Speaking about Ratnam's 'Ravan', in which she once again teams up with her husband Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya said: 'I don't want to reveal much about it. Working with Mani is always a delight. He is a man of perfection. I am lucky to act in his movies again and again.'

Aishwarya was earlier seen in Ratnam's 'Iruvar' and 'Guru', in which Abhishek was in the main lead.

While shooting

'Raavana' is very special for Abhishek

All through the year 2009, there have been speculations around Mani Ratnam's Raavana. While there have been talks about the film getting delayed, off late there were also murmurs around Abhishek Bachchan delaying the film further.

"That's far from true though", says a source attached to the film, "Yes, there have been delays due to some reasons or other but why would Abhishek cause any trouble to his own film? He is giving his all to the film and is least responsible for any delay whatsoever."

Though Mani Ratnam was unavailable for comment, it is a known fact that due to the film maker's health reasons, Raavana had to be put on hold for some time. However, now as he back and kicking, the film's shooting has also resumed.

"In any case, for Abhishek Raavana is special for number of reasons", adds the source, "He acknowledges the fact that two films that have got him most critical acclaim in his decade long career are Yuva and Guru. The sense of respect for him as an actor came to him after these two films. Mani Ratnam is an integral part of his film repertoire and he is pushing himself harder for Raavana."

This indeed is true, courtesy the physical challenges that Abhishek has faced for the film. While in Yuva he was asked to put on weight, in case of Raavana he has been instructed to get a slimmer look. "He is enjoying it all though", the source comments.

Well, there is another 'obvious' reason why Abhishek is enjoying shooting for Raavana. He is accompanied by wife Aishwarya Rai in the film. Call it coincidental but Mani factor has played a big role in their association.

Laughs the source, "While in Guru they were dating each other, they are a married couple today and very much in love. This is a special film for Mani, Abhi as well as Ash and they are giving it all to make it an event in spite of all the delays."

Also starring Govinda and Nikhil Dwivedi in key roles, Raavana is supposed to be a modern take on 'Ramayana' with Abhishek in the role of 'Ravana'. However, some sources have negated any similarities. With music by A. R. Rahman, the film could well see an early 2010 release.

Aishwarya Rai becomes older

Aishwarya Rai, the international triple threat: model, beauty queen, and movie star, has taken the Indian film industry and the world by storm by leading many roles. Now for "Action Replay" she will be molded to look like an old woman. Sources say that Hollywood make-up artist were brought in to get the right make up on her face.

Vipul Shah the director of Action Replay says, "Ash did her old age make up with Paul, a Hollywood make-up artist. When we did it the first time, it didn't work out well. When you are doing age make-up, you can't correct it so it had to be removed fully and done again."

He also added that actress shows lot of patience in doing this character, "It took us six hours to got her look right. We started shooting at three in the morning and the shooting went on till 7 a.m.," he said.

Action Replay casts Akshay, Aishwarya, Randhir Kapoor.

Ouch! Bachchan Bahu turns Karate Kid

These days, Aishwarya is making more news in Tamil film industry. And the reason being her forthcoming projects - Mani Ratnam's bilingual flick RAAVAN and Shankar's ENDHIRAN starring Rajnikanth alongside.
Earlier, she had mastered her enunciation of Tamil so fluently that Superstar Rajnikanth was floored by her Tamil. Now, Ash has topped herself, with yet another achievement; by learning Karate for the film ENDHIRAN.

ENDHIRAN features Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead and is produced by Sun Pictures. Directed by Shankar, the film required Ash to learn karate in order to perform the stunt scenes well.

Ramesh, who runs a karate school in Chennai for the past 30 years and trained various actors, is coaching the beautiful actress in Karate for the film. According to the sources, since this scene is very important to film, so Ash is being trained in martial arts.

Earlier when Aishwarya learnt fencing for her film JODHAA AKBAR, she had won rave reviews for it; now let's see what wonders will Karate do for the pretty woman!

Aishwarya Rai Refuses Ads

I think this is one celebrity who does what she believes in (Very Imp in a world of glamourous fakes). By refusing a fairness cream ad she is sending she right message - basically that beauty is not based on skin color. I then read that the cosmetic company in question was trying to get back at Aishwarya ( for doing the right thing by projecting her as old) After Aishwarya turned down the offer, the cosmetic company signed Sonam Kapoor to endorse the fairness cream. The cosmetic company is positioning Sonam as a ‘young face’, as opposed to Aishwarya who may now be called the ‘older face’ of the cosmetic industry. I understand that despite the money and publicity being good ( Sonam has grabbed the offer) , “It was the fairness cream that bothered Aishwarya. She said that she didn’t want to promote a fairness cream especially in India where one’s skin colour is such a big issue. She will never promote a product that discriminates on the basis of one’s skin colour. Ours is a society where biases are so prevalent that she will do all she can to curb it.” Aishwarya is primarily guided by her sense of ethics as far as advertising is concerned. She was recently offered a fortune to replace Rani Mukherjee to endorse a popular mosquito repellent cream, but she turned down the offer. So when the ad comes out you will know which stupid cosmetics company tried to get nasty with Aishwarya for doing the right thing. I for one will not buy their products thenceforth in support of Aishwarya doing the right thing which is not always easy to do.